Friday Flash for 21 February

Published 21 February 2020

Fortuna runners this week are, on Friday in Singapore,  Hidden Promise in the Class 5 1100m on the Poly – Race 5 and  Federation in the Class 3 1400 on the Turf – Race 7,  Melody Bellecontests the Group One Futurity Stakes at Caulfield Saturday – Race 6, Leaderboard is in the last at Matamata, the rating 72 2000m the same day and Beau Geste tackles the Rating 65 2100 at Gisborne on Sunday

Hidden Promise is racing over a trip that will be too short for him but will be a useful stepping stone for when he goes up to the Mile on 6th March

Federation, a four win horse in Singapore, steps up to 1400m for the first time – the trip will not bother him, he has drawn the ace, has Johnny Powell to ride, but does meet a very strong field – can win but won’t be easy – Each Way

Melody Belle is all class as we know – is resuming over 1400m in a Group One race at Caulfield – not an easy task – her work is spot on, she has drawn Barrier 3 in a field of 8 runners, Opie takes the mount – heavy rain earlier in the week has softened the track – she is right in this but meets some quality types in Kolding and Super Seth. Each Way

Leaderboard, who won two races in a row at Riccarton in the late spring in very stylish fashion, disappointed significantly at Te Aroha in January. He has not put a foot wrong since and cannot be faulted. Home track, senior rider in Michael McNab, does have to lug 60kgs but can atone – Each Way

Beau Geste led most of the way last Sunday at Gisborne over 1600m, this Sunday he gets out to 2100m at Wairoa and will be significantly improved from last week – he has the in form apprentice Chelsea Burdan aboard claiming 3kgs – drawn nicely at barrier 2, he will race on the speed and can feature in this event.

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

Tuesday 18th Feb

Plough

Burgundy Belle (M Grylls) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres, running the last 600 in 45.

Thursday  20th Feb

Plough

 Leaderboard (R Kozaki) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres and quickened for the last 600 – no time due to heavy fog