Friday Flash – 31 July 2020
Four Fortuna Runners over the next few days
On Friday at Awapuni the veteran Fortuna steeplechaser, Highly Likely resumes over the steeples after a long time away from them. He has had a highweight start in preparation, is rock hard fit and the 4000m trip and Heavy 11 track will assist – hard to be confident about his chances because first race over the big fences in a long time
Fortuna has another big day in Singapore Sunday 2nd August with 3 runners
Fortuna runners are Sportscaster (Race 1), Entertainer (Race 2) and Hadeer (Race 14)
Sportscaster (by Fastnet Rock) never runs a bad race – he ran a bold 3rd 26th July over 1200m, a trip too short for him and gets the same trip this week in a field that we assess as slightly stronger – this ahead of him stepping up to 1600m at his next start. Probably not a winning chance, but Duric sticks with him and can run into the money with the right run
Here is what the Race Analyst Team at the Singapore Turf Club think about this race;
1st Pick: PERFORMANTE (2)
Hard to knock on recent efforts. Isn’t ideally drawn but may find the best part of the track. Capable of contesting the business end with even luck.
2nd Pick: EL PRIMERO (10)
Showed his strength last start getting up in the shadows of the post. This assignment is harder but must be respected yet again with a repeat dose.
3rd Pick: SPORTSCASTER (11)
Would prefer stretching out in journey but returned in good order last start. The quick back-up from this stable must be respected.
4th Pick: MOWGLI (7)
Appears to still be a work in progress but has the ability to win a race of this nature. Worth including for the minor end.
Entertainer (by Zoustar) presents as a really interesting runner in the Restricted 4yo Maiden – he has had good trials (a trial winner) and race day experience (4 starts) in Australia Oct/Nov, is a trial winner in Singapore, is a big strong athletic type whose work has been spot on – not many win on debut in Singapore although three week’s ago, Fortuna’s Ronaldo’s Dream, a horse with a similar race day profile, did just that in a similar type of race. “Joker” is set to give this race a shake and presents as a strong each way chance, but is in a race with other recent trial winners making their debuts and a lot of unexposed form – market will give a guide.
Hadeer (by Savabeel), was very good on his Singapore debut over 1000 metres three weeks ago, finishing a close up 2nd. A winner over 1600m in Australia, he has ability, his track gallop on Tuesday was very strong and he is ready to give this race a real shake with Brazilian rider Ruan Maia in the saddle – a very good each way chance
Here is what the Race Analyst Team at the Singapore Turf Club think about this race;
1st Pick: FIELD MARSHAL (7)
Lightly-raced and has the ability to progress beyond this grade. Returns to the track/distance where his last win came so that must be a positive. Commands respect with even luck.
2nd Pick: CHALAZA (4)
Nearing a win. May get to the best part of the track late in the day from the wide draw, so don’t dismiss. Well handicapped and looks primed to be competitive.
3rd Pick: HADEER (5)
Performed well on debut. Will strip fitter for this assignment second-up and will appreciate the marginal rise in journey. Major player with a repeat dose.
4th Pick: OVERCOMING (9)
Has been consistent as of late. Gets in with a light weight and is well drawn to perform once again. One to include for the wider exotics.
Talking of Singapore, John and Mark Walker had a good catch up by phone on Thursday evening to discuss Sunday’s runners – Mark expressing the view that he thought Hadeer was his best stable chance on Sunday out of his 21 stable runners
Of interest is that John Galvin was interviewed via Zoom by Singapore commentator Nick Childs during the week for the Singapore Turf Club’s “Track Talk” programme which can be viewed on the STC website at the link HERE John is featured in segments 1 and 4 re Entertainer in Race 2 and Hadeer in Race 4
Finally on Singapore Fortuna has secured another Written Tycoon 2yo from last week’s Inglis Online Sale. This horse, Titan of Industry, was a high priced yearling acquired by Sir Owen Glenn as a Stallion prospect, but not meeting Stallion requirements (he had to be gelded) he was put up for sale – we have acquired him and fully syndicated (including freight, fees and insurance) he is all up NZ$90,000, or $4,500 for each 5% share. Click HERE to read more on the Fortuna website
Titan
In other NZ news, Te Rapa trials Tuesday 28th July saw two Fortuna runners participate – the UK import Leaderboard won his trial in impressive fashion and will now head to Sydney on August 18th for his further racing, while fellow UK import, Khafeef, also trialed well and may make his NZ debut soon
Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –
No Fortuna runners trackwork recorded this week
In Australia MELODY BELLE trialed Randwick this morning 31st July with Kerrin Mcevoy aboard and won nicely against a field of Group winnrs – she is now ready to make her new season debut in the Missile Stakes (Group 2 1200m A$200,000) at Rosehill 8th August