Friday Flash 19th February
Fortuna has one runner in NZ Friday 19th Feb and two runners in Singapore this Saturday 20th Feb
NZ
Leaderboard resumes racing today after a long break away from racing, in the Rating 74 1600 event at Wanganui (race seven) and will be ridden by Opie Bosson – a strong back-to-back winner of two races at the Riccarton carnival in 2019, this European import hit a flat spot with his form subsequent to that and after trialling nicely in the spring, then ran into some blood count issues – he has been nicely freshened and has had two trials. Gets his chance here to redeem – talented at best in a moderate field, he presents as a good each way chance from a good draw and a top rider.
Singapore
Brutus runs in the Novice (1 win) event in Singapore – 1200 Polytrack (Race 7) – the victim of a poor ride last time saw him have his worst Singapore performance after previously demonstrating very good form – has drawn barrier 13 here which won’t make it easy in what is a very strong field, but has good gate speed and will be ridden positively by apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 4 kg. Will be difficult for him from the draw but given the right run he can run into the money
Hidden Promise may be an eight-year-old but no one has told him that and he is one of the soundest horses in Singapore – he runs in the Class 5 1000 Polytrack (Race 8) which, on paper, will be too short for him, but he has drawn barrier 1 and gets a 4 kg claim courtesy of stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow. Hard to have him at this trip, but we have said that before and he and he has managed to run into the money
Here is how the Singapore Turf Club tipsters see this race;
1st Pick: LIM’S SHOT (6)
Came from well back to take second place to Super Ray last time out. A 1200m race would have suited him better but if they roll along in front, he can still finish over the top of them.
2nd Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (7)
Slipped under radar when first-up. Has shown glimpses of ability. Seems to have tightened up. Don’t rule him out from the handy barrier.
3rd Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (5)
Getting on in years but gives no indication he is ready for retirement. Three thirds at last three outings. Will enjoy a dream run from plum draw. This may be a tad sharp, but he is racing in great form and can sneak into the minors.
4th Pick: GOLDEN THUNDER (3)
Could not be ridden positive as planned last time. Caught wide and was one-paced to the line. Take on trust.
Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata
Tuesday 16th February
Leaderboard (S Parmar) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.21.9, home in 39.7
Thursday 18th February
Soprano Supreme (M Grylls) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute