Friday Flash – 15th September 2023

Headline News

ZEDWILLDO shares filling very quickly

Fortuna Racing – Cranbourne Stable

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Six Fortuna Runners this weekend – four in Singapore (although one is on the ballot) on Saturday and two at Te Rapa on Sunday

Singapore – Saturday 16th

ROCKY contests the Class 4 1700m Poly event – Race 9 @ 4pm Sing time (8pm NZT) – with Zyrul to ride from Barrier 2 – is racing in great form – meets a good field here and steps up to 1700m for the first time – will get soft run from barrier and has just 51.5kgs to carry – is right in this and represents a very good top 3 chance

KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 4 1200m Turf – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (4.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff from a handy draw – another who is racing in great form – is poised to make this career win No 3 in Singapore

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 4 1100 Poly – Race 11 @5pm Sing time (9pm NZT) with Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff to ride from the outside barrier. An eight time winner in Singapore with seven of those wins coming at this trip and surface, once again he is drawn off the track – will need a lot of luck from the draw but if he gets it, he can be a top four contender

ELLIOT NESS is also in the Class 4 1100 Poly – Race 11 @5pm Sing time (9pm NZT), but needs 2 scratchings to get a run, so no rider fixed at this time. Holds the Singapore track record this trip and surface and so if he gets a run, he has a nice barrier draw and is certainly capable of featuring.

Te Rapa – Sunday 17th – Great Northern Day

SOPRANO SUPREME runs in the Open Handicap 1600m event – Race 5 @2.03pm and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Jessica Allen (claiming 3kgs). This staying type mare is resuming after two trials – meets a strong field here at a trip well short of her best distance – will be running on strongly at the finish.

MALBOROUGH BAY contests the R75 1400m event – Race 8 @ 3.57pm. Dominant winner this trip Matamata 27thAugust but is up in grade here. Drawn well in gate 5 and has Champion jockey Michael McNab in the saddle – needs to progress to feature here, but has more than a bit of ability and can feature in the finish

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Matamata Trackwork

Thursday 12th September

Dancarina (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres  in 1.07.2, home in 38.9
Ragamuffin (R Sheehan) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.11.2, home in 39.8.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 9th September

ELLOT NESS (JAMIL)1000/600-39; PRINCE LONHRO (ASLAM)800/600-38;  ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)1000/600-39; GUN (YUSOFF)800/600-3939; ROCKY(YUSOFF)1000/600-39;

Tuesday 12h September

GUN (ASLAM)800/600-38; PRINCE LONHRO (ASLAM)800/600-38.5; ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)1000/600-39;

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ZEDWILLDO shares filling very quickly

It has been a busy week for John and Jessica processing incoming orders for our recently acquired Stayer ZEDWILLDO (Zed-Katie Spice) with 84% of the shares taken up over the past seven days. As readers will be aware, we love the Stayers, have had good success with them and this latest acquisition with his stayers pedigree, physical type, trials and race day performance looks to be the “real deal.” Word from his Te Akau trackwork riders is that “Dez”is a beautiful mover with a powerful action. Ongoing plans for him are a trial at Te Rapa on 26th September and then he will be on a flight to Melbourne and will make his Australian debut in a 1700/1800 Maiden race early to mid October. Te Akau’s Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson has a few debut options lined up.

Ongoing plans are ambitious – as Mark Walker says “we dream big in this game” and we make no secret of the fact that we are going to set ZEDWILLDO on a path that hopefully will see him contest some of the big Cups races in Victoria and New South Wales over the next two or three seasons.

ZEDWILLDO – Matamata Stables 6th September

Don’t miss this one – full details including video footage of his trial, race debut and parades can be seen at the link HERE and shares can be obtained from the link also

$1800 Initial payment for 1% and $50 per month ongoing from 1 November – $4,500 for 2.5% and $125 per month ongoing – $9000 for 5% and $250 per month ongoing

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Fortuna Racing – Cranbourne Stable

Our good friends at Te Akau Racing had a dream start to their new Cranbourne venture when their very first runner, IMPERATRIZ blitzed a quality Group 2 field at Moonee Valley. This of course on top of a day when Mark Walker/Sam Bergerson produced four winners at Hastings including all three Group races on the program. And to add icing to the cake, Te Akau featured strongly at the Annual NZ Thoroughbred Awards event 10th September with Tokyo Tycoonnamed as 2yo of The year, Imperatriz Champion Sprinter/Miler and Mark Walker Champion Trainer

Turning to the new Cranbourne Stable, Fortuna Racing already has a presence there with two 3yo’s already stabled. Fleet Footed (by Zoustar) we had acquired as a 2yo Colt out of an Inglis Digital Sale earlier in the year – originally destined for Singapore, we pulled the pin on that plan after the Singapore Turf Club closure announcement and decided to keep him in Australia for racing. Now gelded he is getting very fit and will go to the trials very shortly ahead of making his race debut. 3yo Filly, Rubicon Crossing (by Rubick) who raced successfully in NZ as a 2yo has already crossed the Tasman and will make her Aus debut at Mornington on 30th September in a 3yo Fillies 1000m event.

But it does not end there – our 6yo Staying Mare, Soprano Supreme, who resumes at Te Rapa on Sunday, will travel to Cranbourne soon after that race and be aimed at staying events in Victoria, Zedwilldo will also travel there after trialing at Te Rapa on the 26th and the Wellington Cup winner, Leaderboard, who returned to work recently, will travel later in the year and be prepared for a jumps campaign in 2024. Exciting times indeed for the connections of all of these runners.

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Gary had a solid result last week with a winner (Fashion Shoot) and two placings at good each way odds (Dragon Leap and Slipper Island) from his four selections. He has gone “wide” this weekend – here is what he has to say

Hi John and the Fortuna Team

After last week’s good effort, extra study has gone into this week’s racing which is hotting up as Spring racing brings out fresh runners on the track and winter gallopers hope the wet tracks continues

I have searched North, South, Central and Melbourne for these ‘specials’….

Riccarton race 1 ….Cullinan now ready for 1600m and odds should lengthen on tote [ currently $3.50].

Taranaki race 2…..Polly Grey ,back from Aussie quality. ..looks special @ $4 [ Is double acceptor at Te Rapa also]

Melbourne race 2…..the drums are beating Shalyhar. Ticks a lot of boxes but short @$3. Should pay more on tote

Taranaki race 5……Helena Baby [ $21 / $5 ] ….loves the track , the going and well weighted.

Riccarton race7…..Lightning Jack [ $4 place]…needs further but has class and weight relief to storm into a place. One to follow .

Riccarton race8….. Illicit Dream [ $4 win] Yes , up against the Tangerine but is tough and will push hot favourite . Each way all-day !

Finally, the Great Northern meeting features at Te Rapa on Sunday and a likely double is the two top weights. There is a reason they head their fields. Race 4 Nedwin [ $3.20 ] and Race 7 The Cossack [ $2 ] – Maximise your bet,then double it!!

But always bet with your shoelaces, not your shoes !

Regards,
Gary

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Finally, the Galvin Family head off to Fiji Saturday 16th September for a well deserved 6 day vacation

 

Friday Flash – 8th September 2023

Headline News

Fortuna stats for the new NZ season to date are looking good @ 5 wins from 13 starts = Strike Rate of 2.6!!!

And isn’t it great to see Stakes of $65k minimum on Tarzino Day at Hastings tomorrow

Fortuna secures a strong Staying type for Australian Racing – ZEDWILLDO – shares available now
 
2yo  Filly Bellatrix Star wins on debut at Whanganui 2nd September
 
5yo Dancarina records her 3rd career win Avondale 6th September
 
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing announces a $3m Stakes “top up” over and above standard NZTR prizemonies
 

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One Fortuna Runners this weekend – at Waverley on Sunday 10th
 
KHAFEEF tackles the R65 2200m event – Race 8 @ 4.30pm – Mereana Hudson to ride. Back to the flat after a last start Hurdles event at Riccarton. Is very capable on his day, but can be a very difficult ride for his jockeys – if he settles he can feature

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Matamata Trackwork

No timed Fortuna Trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 2nd September

PRINCE LONHRO (AWAH) 600-40; GUN (ASLAM)600-40; ELLIOT NESS(ASLAM)1000/600-38;KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)1000/600-37; ENTERTAINER (ASLAM)1000/600-38;

Tuesday 5th September

GUN (AWAH)600-41; PRINCE LONHRO (JAMIL)600-41

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Fortuna secures a strong Staying type for Australian Racing – ZEDWILLDO – shares available now 45% committed already – a “Cups” type stayer in the making

$4.5k for 2.5% – $1.8k for 1%

Here is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with a classy Stayer who will do his future racing in Victoria – the 5yo ZEDWILLDO (Zed – Katie Spice by Mastercraftsman) – will race out of Mark Walker’s Cranbourne base – stablename is “DEZ”

  • Acquired here in NZ, he will head to Victoria late September/early October and make his Australian debut mid October
  • Has only had one trial in his career – this a winning one at Avondale in August – Click HERE to see that trial (purple silks, green sleeves)
  • Has only has one raceday start (for his previous owner) – at Matamata 27th August running a fast finishing 5th over 1400m  after being checked in the run and held up on the turn – Click HERE to see that race video replay
  • Inspected by Mark and John at Cambridge 31st August – click HERE to see that parade clip
  • Vetted by Dr Ronan Costello 1st September – passed with colours flying – Click HERE to read the Vet report
  • Paid for on Monday 4th and transported to Te Akau Stables Matamata – click HERE to see him parading Monday afternoon with voiceover from Mark – as you will hear Mark just loves him
  • Presents as a genuine “Cups” staying type – with a deep NZ staying pedigree, has size and the scope and remarkably, as a 5yo now, has only had one trial and one race, so plenty of “miles in the legs” yet
  • NZ$1800 per each 1% share and NZ$50 per month from 1 November

As you know we love our stayers and have had quite a bit of success with the ones we have bought to date – they are not easy to buy as it is impractical to try and buy a yearling to develop into a stayer, particularly for a “boutique” syndicator like Fortuna which does not buy large numbers.

But we are always on the lookout and a few months ago, realising that our traditional path of buying tried stayers out of the UK was becoming more difficult – this because of the “deep pocketed” Australian syndication companies and “headline” Trainers and more recently, with the huge prizemoney increases in the Arabian racing jurisdictions, from Arab based entities – we decided to focus more on “homegrown” opportunities – after all, NZ still has some of the best staying bloodlines in world racing, but with so many of our promising staying types getting sold to Aus and Hong Kong, they are not gracing the race tracks here.

I put out feelers to a couple of Bloodstock Agents that I have got to know fairly well with a brief to find me a nice “tried” staying type that was lightly raced, that had plenty of upside and that had shown enough to suggest they would be good enough to compete in Australia. I had inspected a couple of such types over recent weeks and turned them down (this in conjunction with Mark Walker) and then out of the blue, about a week ago, I had one brought to my attention and boy, is he a beauty who ticks just so many boxes.

His name is ZEDWILLDO and he was acquired by the party we bought him from (Diane Kennedy) off Gavelhouse as a yearling – Diane is a superb horsewoman who gave him plenty of time to develop and mature before getting a saddle on his back, hence why he is so lightly raced. Mark and I were a bit cautious to start with, given him being a 5yo (note that he is a November foal though, so still yet to turn 5) but on reviewing his trial and his raceday start, we warmed to him and then we inspected him last Thursday, we were blown away. He is a very athletic gelding with size and scope, was fabulous in the coat and had a beautiful, loose-moving walk. He was vetted on Friday passing with flying colours – so we secured the purchase and on Monday 4th he traveled to Matamata from Cambridge where Mark will work him for about three weeks, get to know him a bit and then he will be on a plane to Victoria to go to Te Akau’s new stables at Cranbourne and will make his Aus debut soon after arrival

Ben Gleeson, Mark’s assistant trainer, who is now based at Cranbourne has seen the trials and race footage and also the parade footage – Ben was formerly Danny O’Brien’s assistant trainer and of course, they won the Melbourne Cup with Vow and Declare in 2019. so Ben knows quite a bit about what sort of horse can be successful in Victoria and he was also very taken with the footage.

As stated already, he will go straight to Victoria – still a Maiden, we may as well be racing for an A$40k Maiden over there rather than a NZ$18k one here. Kozzi Asano rode him in his trial and race and, as always, we seek riders’ opinions on the horses we are considering – he says “John and Mark, Zedwilldo is a real genuine staying type – he is still untapped in my opinion but has a lovely relaxed action and will stay all day”

PHYSICAL TYPE 

Stands at 16.1 hands high and weighs around the 510kg mark – lovely walking horse as you will see from his parade clips

ZEDWILLDO – Matamata Stables 6th September

Mark says “John, I really love this horse – he has a great action, I just loved the way he powered home under testing conditions at Avondale in his trial and his debut raceday performance on a much firmer track had a lot of merit also  – he deserves to have his racing opportunity in Victoria – there are just so many more opportunities for staying types like this bloke in Victoria as they go through the grades – and for wonderful prizemoney also. And of course, if he proves to be really top class, the big Cups races are right there on your doorstep – I can’t wait to get my hands on him.”

Dr Ronan Costello our very good Vet, put him through his paces on Friday morning with a full physical exam, scoping before and after a 1000m gallop and X rays of his forelegs. Ronan is the consummate professional, but when he called me after the exam, he was full of praise for the horse – he said, “John, I inspected Zedwilldo today and a full report is on its way, but I must say that he is a very impressive physical specimen, 100% sound, clean in the wind, clean x rays and as I watched him gallop past me, he took my breath away with just how smooth his action was – lovely horse”

Pedigree – see below – note the dam sire line, Mastercraftsman, Montjeu, Star Way, In The Purple and before that (not shown on the pedigree page, it is Le Filou and Faux Tirage – this is a deep, deep NZ staying pedigree – this is the family of Military Plume and Monaco Consul

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Note also that he is by ZED, who has already sired a Melbourne Cup winner (Verry Elleegant)

Plans – he is now in the Matamata Stables, where Mark and Sam will work him along and he will trial at Te Rapa 26th of September – he will fly to Melbourne straight after that – he will have his first raceday start over there a few days after he arrives – Te Akau’s Australian Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson is already looking at the program – he will probably kick off at 1600m but then step up in trip pretty quick after that and after securing a Maiden win, we will just work him through the grades and see where we get to with him.

Pricing – full paperwork is still to be finalised so we are taking expressions of interest at this stage, but I have done the number and his fully syndicated price will be NZ$180k, this includes Purchase price, Promoters fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024, Freight to Australia, Aus GST on entry and working capital of over $10,000.This means a 10% share is $18k, 5% $9k, 2.5% $4.5k and 1% $1.8k. Ongoing costs start 1 November 2023 @ NZ$50 per month per each 1% share – training costs will be higher in Aus than they are here, hence the higher than standard monthly contribution

I am sure this offering is going to be very popular, so please register your interest with me asap by responding to this email – if you are registered, you will not miss out – Please feel free to direct any questions/queries you may have either by email or call/text John 021 921 460

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Fortuna Two Year Old Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, shines brightly with winning debut Whanganui 2nd September 2023

Worthy of favouritism, Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) debuted with victory in the $25,000 Wanganui Chronicle Maiden 2YO 800 metres on Saturday at Wanganui in the hands of NZ Champion Jockey, Michael McNab

Last season Te Akau and Fortuna had success with Rubicon Crossing (Rubick) in the same event and similarly with Bellatrix Star was also purchased in conjunction by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s  John Galvin, who syndicated both Fillies

In her sole trial on 1 August at Te Rapa, Bellatrix Star camped behind two leaders, cornered well, and let down strongly under minimal urging to win and rider Michael McNab was keen to continue his association. While drawing the outside (6) had some drawbacks, ridden conservatively appeared the right approach and although requiring full stretch to claim the pacemaker, Hard Attack (All Too Hard), McNab showed an element of confidence in his charge. Scoring by a nose, with over four lengths to second, Bellatrix Star ran 800 metres in 46.4 on footing upgraded to Soft7 and paid $1.50 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to watch the replay

“Even though she won by a short margin, it was most impressive given the way she got it done,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who during a record-breaking previous season of 203 wins, had 29 two-year-old runners, 11 individual winners, 21 wins, 21 seconds, and 12 thirds. “She had to do it the tough way, getting back and running down the leader, and it’s not that easy over only 800 metres. It was a lovely ride of Michael’s, giving her such an educational sort of ride and that will be great experience for her going forward. She will have a little break now at Te Akau Stud. I think she will come back bigger and stronger and I certainly feel she is a Karaka Million type of filly. There is a lot of upside with her and she has the size and scope to really train on.”

BELLATRIX STAR – wins on debut – Wanganui 2nd September 2023
Michael McNab aboard (picture by Race Images)

Boasting a speedy pedigree, Bellatrix Star was purchased for $80,000 by Ellis and Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate.

Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin, was on course at Whanganui along with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group  – “That was a wonderful debut by our girl – things didn’t go all her way. She was a bit unsettled early in the run, but Michael (McNab) got her balanced, asked her for an effort turning for home, and although Hard Attack gave us a bit of a fright, in the end our girl did enough to win. It’s the first time she’s ever been off the bridle and she’d have learned a lot from that. It was a lovely ride by Michael and it’s why we put him on. He’s a professional and knows how to get the very best out of horses. Her work was really good leading into the trial on 2 August at Te Rapa, her jump outs have been very good also and she worked sensationally on Tuesday. So there was a lot of confidence in the camp. But of course they were all new, all on debut, and just hard to line up. She’s Karaka Million registered, probably now qualified for the race in January with the stake money from today, so we’ll just work backwards from that, give her a break and set her up for a couple of races leading into the KM.”

“Well done to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson with how they have handled this Filly to date, she clearly has tons of ability, but they have nurtured her very well.”

BELLATRIX STAR – all action – closing stages

Stallion Star Witness (Starcraft) was a dominant winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) down the straight at Flemington, before becoming a successful sprint sire in Australia. His son Star Turn, winner of the Schillaci Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) is a very good young sire in Australia, while his fillies Global Glamour (Star Witness) was a dual Group One winner of the Flight Stakes and Caulfield Guineas, both at a mile, and Swift Witness won the Silver Shadow (Gr. 2, 1200m). Grand-sire of the filly, Starcraft (Soviet Star) is well known in New Zealand, winning two legs of the Group One Triple Crown at Hawkes Bay, winning Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and becoming a World Champion Turf Miler.

A satisfied Michael McNab salutes the judge on returning to scale on Bellatrix Star

Dam Alana’s Party is by Australian Champion Sire and leading broodmare sire Exceed and Excel (Danehill), who made a name for himself over two decades of world racing and breeding – just an extraordinary sire whose winners have numbered over 5000, 205 stakes winners, including 17 individual Group One winners. Grand-dam The Party Stand, by Stradbroke (Gr. 1, 1400m) winner Thorn Park (Spinning World), was an impressive winner from 1200m – 2000m, at her best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

At the time of purchase, David Ellis said: “We had a good horse in the stable by Star Witness named Phantom Witness, that won his first two starts over 1200 metres and we probably didn’t see the best of him. It’s a rarity to find many fillies out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. This filly has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level.”

Bellatrix Star is raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 69 individuals from all parts of New Zealand and one from Australia with 13 of them being first time investors in a Fortuna Syndicate

Members of the Ownership Group enjoying that winning feeling

Bellatrix Star was strapped by Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper.

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Fortuna Race Mare DANCARINA scores impressively at Avondale 6th September – her 3rd Career win

 

Continuing outstanding form for Te Akau Racing Stable and Fortuna Racing, Dancarina (5 m Sebring – Dance for Me, by Commands)richly deserved her victory in the $18,500 Rating 75 1200 metres on 6 September at Avondale. Performing solidly with two seconds and a third, before suffering a cardiac arrhythmia at her previous start, Dancarina bounced back in the best way possible to record her third win for owners in the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate (Manager: John Galvin). The win provided the Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson with their third on the programme, following My Lips Are Sealed (Ace High) and Fon Memories (Eminent), each by emerging young sires, and fresh from a record-breaking 203 wins in 2022/23, the 10 wins inside a week has already propelled the new partnership to 20 winners since 1 August.

Ridden by stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who is also reeling in the winners, Dancarina was caught on a limb in the early rush for positions before slotting in fourth and the talented mare quickened appreciably when asked to extend inside the 300m. On Heavy10 footing in the race sponsored by Magness Mighty Steam Train, she scored comfortably by half a length, running the 1200 metres in 1:16.9, and returned $7.20 & $2.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race video replay

 Dancarina – Victorious at Avondale 6th Sept 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard

“It was a good tough effort after working early in the race and another nice ride from Parmar, who is riding in such good form,” said Mark Walker.“We’ll have to see what the handicapper does with her in the way of rating points, as far as working out a campaign going forward, but in the back of our minds we feel that she’s a mare capable of getting black type. It’s always great to train winners for John Galvin and his Fortuna owners and they’ve been having a good run of late with five individual winners since 1st August, including the first two-year-old winner this season, Bellatrix Star, last Saturday at Wanganui.”

Dancarina is by top-class Australian two-year-old and Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Sebring (Danehill), sire of 129 stakes winners, among over 2300 wins, including 18 Group Ones, while dam Dance for Me (Commands) won twice to 1400 metres in Australia, from a good winning family that included third dam, Champion 2YO Filly in NZ, Ballroom Babe (Citidancer).

Fortuna Racing Director John Galvin was on course along with a solid group of Syndicate Members and commented after the race. “It’s been a year since she won last time, but she did have quite a few months off due to fetlock surgery and has been racing in great form but without winning since resuming – she did have the hiccup last time out at Te Rapa where the race day vet said she took a long time to recover after dropping out in the run home. She was absolutely fine on the Monday after she had raced at Te Rapa and it’s very pleasing to see her bounce back today – we had a really good turnout of owners to witness her performance. I did have some reservations about the track conditions and was not overly confident of her handling what was pretty testing ground, but knowing the tactics were to be positive from the gate was going to be helpful and she was either going to handle the ground or not. She did it nicely in the end and Parmar rode her with lovely judgement. Well done to Mark and Sam for producing this Mare in such great order”

DANCARINA with successful jockey Niranjan Parmar and connections celebrate victory

DANCARINA was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast January Sale for A$100,000 from the draft of Widden Stud. She is raced by the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 60 individuals.

Dancarina was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.

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Auckland Thoroughbred Racing announces a $3m Stakes “top up” over and above standard NZTR prizemonies
 
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has today confirmed that it will be contributing $3,094,000 into stakes for the season as part of its annual stakes announcement. Total stakes on offer for the Club’s 2023/24 season is $18,705,000.  This figure sees stakes offered at a $25,000 minimum across all of ATR’s race meetings in the coming season. The amount, which is over and above New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) minimum of $17,000, continues the upward trajectory ATR committed to at the time of merger. Following the pleasing trend of last season, the figure is the highest minimum to have been offered by the Club, exceeding 2022/23’s figure of $20,000.

ATR chief executive officer Paul Wilcox says that in addition to the exciting installation of the StrathAyr track at Ellerslie, the Club remains committed to improving stakes in the Auckland area.   “We are firmly focused on growing the industry and stakes increases remain a priority for us. We’ve set an ambitious goal of contributing $15 million to stakes at Ellerslie and Pukekohe Park within 5 years, giving us averages we’ve not seen or heard of in New Zealand racing,” Wilcox said. “This really is a journey for us, and we hope our all-important stakeholders – our owners, trainers and jockeys – have enjoyed the improvement in stakes at all levels while racing with ATR to date and today’s announcement continues to underline our commitment in this area.”

The $20.3 million stakes increase for New Zealand racing as a whole, announced by NZTR as a result of the Entain/TAB strategic partnership, created a real sense of optimism in the industry and Wilcox said that it is pleasing to offer further stakes increases in the Auckland area. “To offer a further uplift on top of the boost the industry has already received for the coming season creates a real sense of confidence in the future of racing in Auckland and beyond for our stakeholders,” he said. “We’ve made no secret of the fact that our new business model is designed to offer sustainable returns to the industry and whilst it may take time to see us ultimately reach the returns we’d like to see, we are heading in the right direction.”

The TAB Karaka Millions race meeting, already New Zealand’s richest race meeting with three races run for $1 million in stakes or above, will continue to be the glamour night of the industry with the Gr. 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) now run for $300,000, $125,000 more than the NZTR minimum. Likewise, the Gr.3 Brighthill Farm Yearlings Concorde Handicap (1200m) and Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) will each be run for $225,000, $105,000 more than the NZTR minimum.
Wilcox is quick to emphasise however that, whilst ATR’s black-type races have all seen significant increases, the Club has also considered the full spectrum of races when setting stakes for the coming season.

“Whilst it’s pleasing to announce that our Group One races will now be run for $450,000 and our Listed races run for at least $100,000, it’s also important to highlight that our stakes increase formula saw races at all levels achieve an uplift. As an example, all races run at industry non-peak racedays will have minimum stakes of $25,000, better allowing those grassroots participants to continue to enjoy the game.”

ATR plans to conduct 20 race meetings over the 2023/24 season from both Pukekohe Park and Ellerslie, with racing’s headquarters set to return in 2024.
To view the full breakdown of ATR’s stakes for the 2023/24 season, click here.

John comments – “Obviously this is a very welcome and significant announcement which adds another layer of confidence to the growing feeling of positivity that permeates NZ Racing at the present time. Readers may be curious as to where the $3m extra funding comes from? The answer to that is the former Auckland Racing Club had assiduously built up an investment fund over the past few years from asset sales – and now this fund (which totals $60m approx) is invested in income producing growth assets (shares and property) and as a result Auckland Thoroughbred Racing is able to allocate income from this portfolio to enhance Stakes. Further good news on this is that upcoming asset sales (such as the famed Ellerslie Hill) will further boost the investment fund to an estimated $250m approx. – so watch this space for further Stakes enhancement news from ATR”

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Guest Selector
 
Guest Selector Gary Williams has an “off day” last week – his disappointment tempered somewhat by the success of Fortuna’s Bellatrix Star at Whanganui, in which he has a share!!!

Here is what Gary says this week;

Hi John and Team, It was a tough watch last week and its been hard this week at the Dinner table….Sardines on water crackers after trips to the food bank!!
Thankfully it’s Group 1 day at the Bay and such fond memories of Starcraft, Xcellent, Seachange and of course, Melody Belle, who won the race twice.  The Tarzino is a class field but Dragon Leap [ $7 /$2.50]  is in top form and is my top pick . Must be in the finish and looks the quinella with Legarto who is quite short, even for an Aussie Guineas winner. 
Winnings can be boosted quickly with White Noise in race 10. The grey ticks a lot  of boxes and gets a handy weight claim and @ $3.20 he’s been noticed
  
In the earlier races Fashion Shoot [race 6] looks a strong chance at $5.50 / $2.50. And in race 7, Slipper Island [ $7.50/ $2.50 ] should be longer on the tote and looks well placed. 
Hopefully I have selected at least one winner from the above
Cheers, 
Gary W
 

Fortuna Race Mare DANCARINA scores impressively at Avondale 6th September – her 3rd Career win

 

Continuing outstanding form for Te Akau Racing Stable and Fortuna Racing, Dancarina (5 m Sebring – Dance for Me, by Commands) richly deserved her victory in the $18,500 Rating 75 1200 metres on 6 September at Avondale. Performing solidly with two seconds and a third, before suffering a cardiac arrhythmia at her previous start, Dancarina bounced back in the best way possible to record her third win for owners in the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate (Manager: John Galvin). The win provided the Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson with their third on the programme, following My Lips Are Sealed (Ace High) and Fon Memories (Eminent), each by emerging young sires, and fresh from a record-breaking 203 wins in 2022/23, the 10 wins inside a week has already propelled the new partnership to 20 winners since 1 August.

Ridden by stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who is also reeling in the winners, Dancarina was caught on a limb in the early rush for positions before slotting in fourth and the talented mare quickened appreciably when asked to extend inside the 300m. On Heavy10 footing in the race sponsored by Magness Mighty Steam Train, she scored comfortably by half a length, running the 1200 metres in 1:16.9, and returned $7.20 & $2.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race video replay

 Dancarina – Victorious at Avondale 6th Sept 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard

“It was a good tough effort after working early in the race and another nice ride from Parmar, who is riding in such good form,” said Mark Walker.“We’ll have to see what the handicapper does with her in the way of rating points, as far as working out a campaign going forward, but in the back of our minds we feel that she’s a mare capable of getting black type. It’s always great to train winners for John Galvin and his Fortuna owners and they’ve been having a good run of late with five individual winners since 1st August, including the first two-year-old winner this season, Bellatrix Star, last Saturday at Wanganui.”

Dancarina is by top-class Australian two-year-old and Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Sebring (Danehill), sire of 129 stakes winners, among over 2300 wins, including 18 Group Ones, while dam Dance for Me (Commands) won twice to 1400 metres in Australia, from a good winning family that included third dam, Champion 2YO Filly in NZ, Ballroom Babe (Citidancer).

Fortuna Racing Director John Galvin was on course along with a solid group of Syndicate Members and commented after the race. “It’s been a year since she won last time, but she did have quite a few months off due to fetlock surgery and has been racing in great form but without winning since resuming – she did have the hiccup last time out at Te Rapa where the race day vet said she took a long time to recover after dropping out in the run home. She was absolutely fine on the Monday after she had raced at Te Rapa and it’s very pleasing to see her bounce back today – we had a really good turnout of owners to witness her performance. I did have some reservations about the track conditions and was not overly confident of her handling what was pretty testing ground, but knowing the tactics were to be positive from the gate was going to be helpful and she was either going to handle the ground or not. She did it nicely in the end and Parmar rode her with lovely judgement. Well done to Mark and Sam for producing this Mare in such great order”

DANCARINA with successful jockey Niranjan Parmar and connections celebrate victory

DANCARINA was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast January Sale for A$100,000 from the draft of Widden Stud. She is raced by the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 60 individuals.

Dancarina was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.

 

Fortuna Two Year Old Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, shines brightly with winning debut Whanganui 2nd September 2023

Worthy of favouritism, Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) debuted with victory in the $25,000 Wanganui Chronicle Maiden 2YO 800 metres on Saturday at Wanganui in the hands of NZ Champion Jockey, Michael McNab

Last season Te Akau and Fortuna had success with Rubicon Crossing (Rubick) in the same event and similarly with Bellatrix Star was also purchased in conjunction by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s  John Galvin, who syndicated both Fillies

In her sole trial on 1 August at Te Rapa, Bellatrix Star camped behind two leaders, cornered well, and let down strongly under minimal urging to win and rider Michael McNab was keen to continue his association. While drawing the outside (6) had some drawbacks, ridden conservatively appeared the right approach and although requiring full stretch to claim the pacemaker, Hard Attack (All Too Hard), McNab showed an element of confidence in his charge. Scoring by a nose, with over four lengths to second, Bellatrix Star ran 800 metres in 46.4 on footing upgraded to Soft7 and paid $1.50 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to watch the replay

“Even though she won by a short margin, it was most impressive given the way she got it done,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who during a record-breaking previous season of 203 wins, had 29 two-year-old runners, 11 individual winners, 21 wins, 21 seconds, and 12 thirds. “She had to do it the tough way, getting back and running down the leader, and it’s not that easy over only 800 metres. It was a lovely ride of Michael’s, giving her such an educational sort of ride and that will be great experience for her going forward. She will have a little break now at Te Akau Stud. I think she will come back bigger and stronger and I certainly feel she is a Karaka Million type of filly. There is a lot of upside with her and she has the size and scope to really train on.”

BELLATRIX STAR – wins on debut – Wanganui 2nd September 2023
Michael McNab aboard (picture by Race Images)

Boasting a speedy pedigree, Bellatrix Star was purchased for $80,000 by Ellis and Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate.

Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin, was on course at Whanganui along with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group  – “That was a wonderful debut by our girl – things didn’t go all her way. She was a bit unsettled early in the run, but Michael (McNab) got her balanced, asked her for an effort turning for home, and although Hard Attack gave us a bit of a fright, in the end our girl did enough to win. It’s the first time she’s ever been off the bridle and she’d have learned a lot from that. It was a lovely ride by Michael and it’s why we put him on. He’s a professional and knows how to get the very best out of horses. Her work was really good leading into the trial on 2 August at Te Rapa, her jump outs have been very good also and she worked sensationally on Tuesday. So there was a lot of confidence in the camp. But of course they were all new, all on debut, and just hard to line up. She’s Karaka Million registered, probably now qualified for the race in January with the stake money from today, so we’ll just work backwards from that, give her a break and set her up for a couple of races leading into the KM.”

“Well done to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson with how they have handled this Filly to date, she clearly has tons of ability, but they have nurtured her very well.”

BELLATRIX STAR – all action – closing stages  

Stallion Star Witness (Starcraft) was a dominant winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) down the straight at Flemington, before becoming a successful sprint sire in Australia. His son Star Turn, winner of the Schillaci Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) is a very good young sire in Australia, while his fillies Global Glamour (Star Witness) was a dual Group One winner of the Flight Stakes and Caulfield Guineas, both at a mile, and Swift Witness won the Silver Shadow (Gr. 2, 1200m). Grand-sire of the filly, Starcraft (Soviet Star) is well known in New Zealand, winning two legs of the Group One Triple Crown at Hawkes Bay, winning Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and becoming a World Champion Turf Miler.

A satisfied Michael McNab salutes the judge on returning to scale on Bellatrix Star

Dam Alana’s Party is by Australian Champion Sire and leading broodmare sire Exceed and Excel (Danehill), who made a name for himself over two decades of world racing and breeding – just an extraordinary sire whose winners have numbered over 5000, 205 stakes winners, including 17 individual Group One winners. Grand-dam The Party Stand, by Stradbroke (Gr. 1, 1400m) winner Thorn Park (Spinning World), was an impressive winner from 1200m – 2000m, at her best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

At the time of purchase, David Ellis said: “We had a good horse in the stable by Star Witness named Phantom Witness, that won his first two starts over 1200 metres and we probably didn’t see the best of him. It’s a rarity to find many fillies out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. This filly has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level.”

Bellatrix Star is raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 69 individuals from all parts of New Zealand and one from Australia with 13 of them being first time investors in a Fortuna Syndicate


Members of the Ownership Group enjoying that winning feeling

Bellatrix Star was strapped by Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper.

Friday Flash – 01 September 2023

Headline News
 
 
Malborough Bay records his 2nd career win Matamata 29th August
 
Fathers Day 3rd September – we have Father’s Day discounts available

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Two Fortuna Runners this week, both in NZ

BELLATRIX STAR (Star Witness – Alana’s Party) makes her raceday debut at Wanganui Saturday 2nd in the first 2yo race of the season over 800m – Race 3 @ 2.12pm and will be ridden by Michael McNab. An extremely impressive trial winner at Te Rapa 2nd August, she has only continued to improve and her track gallop on Tuesday was exceptional. Could be very hard to beat here – showing $1.70 Fixed Odds

BEAU GESTE  gets back to the big fences at Hawera Sunday 3rd – Race 5 @2.13 – the Open Steeples – Race 5 @ 2.13 and will be ridden by regular rider Dean Parker – has had two unplaced Hurdles races at Riccarton (including the Grand National Hurdles) before this and has taken a lot of improvement. He will appreciate the transition to the Steeples (he has won over the big jumps in the past) and looks to be a very good each way chance here

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Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 29th August

Court Of Appeal (C Grylls) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.05.4, last 600 in 38.1.

Singapore Trackwork

Tuesday 29th August 30, 2023

GUN (ASLAM)600-40; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-38;

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MALBOROUGH BAY records a dominant win at Matamata 27th August – his 2nd career win

Presented in first-class order and from a family that Te Akau and Fortuna has a great affinity with, Malborough Bay (4 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) was a dominant winner of the $18,500 Wrightway Builders Rating 65 1400 metres on 27 August at Matamata. He did well off a wide trip for fifth in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 29 July at Te Rapa, won by stable-mate Hero Worship (Xtravagant), and brought compelling stats to the race. Solid in each of four recent starts, stakes placed, a debut winner at his only course attempt, and weight relief to 56.5kg, added up to rate a top three chance.

In the hands of Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who won the previous race aboard Amberite, Malborough Bay was posted three wide in the open before being sent to a handy advantage rounding the home turn and he sustained a powerful finish to win stylishly. “He loved the ground today and has improved a lot,” Parmar said. “He was three wide, but happy there and finished really well.”

Scoring by two and a half lengths, Malborough Bay ran 1400 metres in 1:25.4, last 600m in 36.0, on Soft6 footing and paid $3.20 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“It was a really good win and he’s now two from two on the home course,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “He was suited perfectly by track conditions, a Soft6 with just the right amount of jar out of it, and Parmar is riding in great form. And well done to John Galvin and his team of Owners in this horse – he had struggled to win again since his debut win as an Autumn 2yo, but recent form has been good and they are now rewarded with another win”

MALBOROUGH BAY – 2nd career win – Matamata 27th August 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard

Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Glenn & Cathie Holmes, who experienced success during the week with stable-mate Sorcha (Burgundy), Malborough Bay is owned by  the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate (Mgr John Galvin), with Fortuna  notching their second recent win following Navalha (Sebring) at Riccarton three days earlier.

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group “Matamata has been a happy hunting ground for us and I can remember back to when Mark (Walker) trained Darci Brahma to win a two-year-old race here, prior to Mark going to Singapore, where he trained a lot more winners for Fortuna, and those winner continue to flow with Mark now back in NZ,” Galvin said. “Mark had varied Marlborough Bay’s work of late, putting him over a few hurdles, and he was certainly very dominant in his win. While his action on firm tracks can be found wanting, his action with the right amount of give in the ground was very good today. It has been rather frustrating with this horse running 12 times without winning as a 3yo after winning on debut as a 2yo, but his Ownership Group have been very patient and today their patience has been rewarded”

Malborough Bay is out of the Group winning mare Spin’N Grin, who has now left six individual winners of 19 races, including Group One and Group Three placed Éclair Lightning (Darci Brahma), along with additional Fortuna Racing owned horses Major Tom (Darci Brahma) and Jack’s Secret (Sakhee’s Secret) whom, trained by Mark Walker in Singapore, each won three races. She also left the Group One placed (Telegraph Handicap) Burgundy Belle (Burgundy), trained by Jamie Richards and also owned by a Fortuna Syndicate

“When Malborough Bay was a yearling here on the farm, I rang John (Galvin) and said I’ve got another really nice yearling for you to syndicate, as he’d already had plenty of success with the family, and now he’s furnishing into a really nice horse” said David Ellis

Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis and Glenn & Cathie Holmes Malborough Bay was acquired by John Galvin in a private sale for $80,000. He is raced by the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 55 individuals.

Malborough Bay was strapped by Cooper Stumbles

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Fathers Day 3rd September – we have Father’s Day discounts available – 10% discount on any of the three 2yo’s on our website
 
Yes Sunday 3rd September, we honour the many Dad’s in our community and what better way of doing that than helping Dad into a share in one of our lovely 2yo offerings on our Website – full details on each horse are at the various links but here is a thumbnail summary of each one;

“Frankie” – the 2yo Colt by Mastercraftsman out of Trikala (by High Chapparal)

  • Acquired at the Tattersalls Irish Breeze Up Sale in May
  • In full work with Harry Eustace at Newmarket (UK)
  • On target to make 2yo debut late October
  • Genuine staying pedigree
  • Lovely physical type with a great action
  • Will be targeted at the 3yo Classics (Guineas, Derbys) in 2024
  • Medium Term plan is to bring him down to Mark Walker’s new Cranbourne Stable Sept/Oct 2024

$1088 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 Oct – Click HERE to see full details

 “FRANKIE”

QUEEN CONSORT – the 2yo Filly by Eminent out of Queen Boudicca (by Perfectly Ready)

  • Acquired Karaka Book 1 Sale in January as a 3yo Staying type
  • Outstanding pedigree page – half sister to an Australian Group One winner
  • Big, strong robust physical type
  • Has been broken in and had two Stable preps
  • Currently on paddock spell until mid September, her next prep should see her trial late November
  • Potential race day debut for her could be as an Autumn 2yo in 2024

$1564 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 Oct – Click HERE to see full details

 QUEEN CONSORT

STAR SHADOW – the 2yo Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen (by Redoutes Choice)

  • Acquired Karaka Book 1 Sale in January as a 3yo Staying type
  • Been broken in and had two Stable Preps
  • Trialed nicely at Te Awamutu 29th August for 3rd placing
  • Now gone to paddock for 4 week maturity break
  • Has surprised us with how forward she is – training team think she can make race day debut around Christmas type

$1064 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 Oct – Click HERE to see full details

 STAR SHADOW

Orders can be made online from the website links – enter the words “please apply Fathers Day discount to this order” – don’t make any payment when ordering by Internet banking – just submit your order and wait for our Greetings Letter (email) which confirm the discounted amount to pay (all the prices above are gross prices with no discount) – if you wish to pay by Credit Card you will need to pay the gross amount and we will refund the discount to you

If you need any assistance with your order just email me or call/text 021 921 460

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Secondary Market Sales

Two nice opportunities here due to an Estate situation

3.5% available in the 6yo Gelding Elliot Ness (Written Tycoon – Walk with Attitude), a three time winner in Singapore – he is a very fast galloper holding the track record 1100m Polytrack – an impressive winner at that trip 2 starts ago, he was caught 3 wide last start over 1200m, beaten 4 lengths – gets back to his favoured 1100m – Class 4 for S$50 16thSeptember – 3.5% share is $840 and $126 per month from 1 Sept – or $240 for each 1% and $36 per month from 1 Sept

4% available in the 5yo Ragamuffin (Belardo – Short Tale) – this two win horse had a long break due to knee surgery in 2022 but is running into form, just beaten last start on the Cambridge Synthetic – he will contest the R60 at Avondale Wednesday 6th September and Mark Walker opines that he will be very hard to beat. $800 for the 4% and $160 per month from 1 Sept or $200 for each 1% and $40 per month

Contact John by responding to this update or call/text him 021 921 460 if you have interest in either opportunity

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Guest Selector

Gary Williams proved that old racing adage of “Form is temporary – Class is permanent”, tipping out three winners for us from 5 selections at Te Rapa on Saturday, Deebee Zapower @ $7.30, Queen Sarabi @ $4.40 and Dragon Leap @ $3 – incredible. A $100 outlay on each of Gary’s selections would have seen $1470 total return – I think we will keep him on!!!

Here is what Gary says this week;

Hi John and the Fortuna Team

Spring is upon us, things warming up and can be a tricky period with the tracks improving and horses starting new preparations. But the winners are there…..did OK last week but was reminded of a basic ‘investment’ rule…..don’t tip maidens, the penny may not have dropped yet, instead put in ‘black book’.

At time of decision, Saturdays tracks both still listed as heavy but surely like last week they on the improve.  Firstly down south and it’s not the name I’m infatuated with….Kahma Suitsya [Race 2 ]. This horse kept good company last season and though has a horror draw should be able to find  ‘a good position’. Quoted at $8 /$3.

Race 4 …Guitar Man [ $5 / $2 ]. Hopefully first out and first home. Eric Clapton fans will hopefully be humming Wonderful Tonight and not Tears in Heaven ! Goes up against the Tangerine! !

Wanganui Race 6….Top Brass [ $8 / $3 ] is lightly raced and travels a long way for this race. Each way All Day !
Race 7…..Itza Charmdeel [ $4.50 / $1.60 ]. Is number 1 for a reason and Roger James has his stable ready for spring racing !
Race 8 …..Winnie Rose [ $ 9 / $ 3 ]. Ticks a lot of boxes and should be suited to any track conditions. Tends to be slow away, so fingers crossed there !

And always remember….Bet with your shoelaces – not your shoes !

Regards,
Gary W

MALBOROUGH BAY records a dominant win at Matamata 27th August – his 2nd career win

Presented in first-class order and from a family that Te Akau and Fortuna has a great affinity with, Malborough Bay (4 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) was a dominant winner of the $18,500 Wrightway Builders Rating 65 1400 metres on 27 August at Matamata. He did well off a wide trip for fifth in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 29 July at Te Rapa, won by stable-mate Hero Worship (Xtravagant), and brought compelling stats to the race. Solid in each of four recent starts, stakes placed, a debut winner at his only course attempt, and weight relief to 56.5kg, added up to rate a top three chance.

In the hands of Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who won the previous race aboard Amberite, Malborough Bay was posted three wide in the open before being sent to a handy advantage rounding the home turn and he sustained a powerful finish to win stylishly. “He loved the ground today and has improved a lot,” Parmar said. “He was three wide, but happy there and finished really well.”

Scoring by two and a half lengths, Malborough Bay ran 1400 metres in 1:25.4, last 600m in 36.0, on Soft6 footing and paid $3.20 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“It was a really good win and he’s now two from two on the home course,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “He was suited perfectly by track conditions, a Soft6 with just the right amount of jar out of it, and Parmar is riding in great form. And well done to John Galvin and his team of Owners in this horse – he had struggled to win again since his debut win as an Autumn 2yo, but recent form has been good and they are now rewarded with another win”

MALBOROUGH BAY – 2nd career win – Matamata 27th August 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard

Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Glenn & Cathie Holmes, who experienced success during the week with stable-mate Sorcha (Burgundy), Malborough Bay is owned by  the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate (Mgr John Galvin), with Fortuna  notching their second recent win following Navalha (Sebring) at Riccarton three days earlier.

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group “Matamata has been a happy hunting ground for us and I can remember back to when Mark (Walker) trained Darci Brahma to win a two-year-old race here, prior to Mark going to Singapore, where he trained a lot more winners for Fortuna, and those winner continue to flow with Mark now back in NZ,” Galvin said. “Mark had varied Marlborough Bay’s work of late, putting him over a few hurdles, and he was certainly very dominant in his win. While his action on firm tracks can be found wanting, his action with the right amount of give in the ground was very good today. It has been rather frustrating with this horse running 12 times without winning as a 3yo after winning on debut as a 2yo, but his Ownership Group have been very patient and today their patience has been rewarded”

Malborough Bay is out of the Group winning mare Spin’N Grin, who has now left six individual winners of 19 races, including Group One and Group Three placed Éclair Lightning (Darci Brahma), along with additional Fortuna Racing owned horses Major Tom (Darci Brahma) and Jack’s Secret (Sakhee’s Secret) whom, trained by Mark Walker in Singapore, each won three races. She also left the Group One placed (Telegraph Handicap) Burgundy Belle (Burgundy), trained by Jamie Richards and also owned by a Fortuna Syndicate

“When Malborough Bay was a yearling here on the farm, I rang John (Galvin) and said I’ve got another really nice yearling for you to syndicate, as he’d already had plenty of success with the family, and now he’s furnishing into a really nice horse” said David Ellis

Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis and Glenn & Cathie Holmes Malborough Bay was acquired by John Galvin in a private sale for $80,000. He is raced by the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 55 individuals.

Malborough Bay was strapped by Cooper Stumbles

Friday Flash – 25th August 2023

Headline News
 
Fortuna 6yo NAVALHA wins on Riccarton Synthetic
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Fortuna has three runners this weekend – two in NZ, one in Singapore this Sunday
 
New Zealand – Te Rapa SaturdaySOPRANO SUPREME resumes at Te Rapa in the R75 1400m event – Race 10 @ 4.48pm and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Jess Allen, claiming 3kgs, from an inside barrier. A natural staying type, this resuming trip is probably going to be too short for her, but will get a soft run from the nice draw and gets weight relief with the apprentice claim – can sneak into a place if tempo is strong – showing $21/$5.50 fixed odds

Matamata – Sunday

MALBOROUGH BAY contests the R65 1400m at Matamata – Race 6 @ 3.02pm with Stable Apprentice, Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, to ride from Barrier 10. Has been a long time since this 4yo son of Darci Brahma has greeted the judge but has been running solid races, gets suitable track conditions here – can feature in the finish

Singapore – Sunday

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1600 Turf event – Race 9 @4pm Singapore time (8pm NZ Time) with N Zyrul, claiming 2kgs, to ride from barrier 1. Last start winner this grade and trip but on the Polytrack. Gets the Turf here and meets a stronger field, but will get a sort fun from the nice draw and has a featherweight to carry. Presents a danger here and could be at good odds

Trialists – Te Awamutu 29th August

Three Fortuna Trialists this day, the 3yo Fillies COURT OF APPEAL and RUBICON CROSSING and the racemare DANCARINA

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Fortuna Track work – MatamataTuesday 22nd August

Soprano Supreme (O Bosson) galloped in company over 1200 metres in 1.24.1, final 600 in 41.1.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 19th August

ROCKY (ASLAM)1000/600-37.5;

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Other News

NAVALHA wins at Riccarton for Fortuna Racing – his 5th career victory

Fortuna Racing franked their run of recent success with another victory 24th August at Riccarton, winning the $17,000 Rating 75 1600 metres with Navalha (6 g Sebring – Afiado, by Encosta de Lago). Four starts ago Navalha recorded a strong victory in the Rating 65 1700 metres on 7 July at Awapuni (poly-track), before running fastest last 600m (33.3) for close fifth in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 28 July and finished well in the Rating 80 1400 metres on 9 August, both on the poly-track at Riccarton. Ideally drawn in barrier four and ridden by dual premiership winning jockey Michael McNab, Navalha travelled kindly behind a genuine pace, set by two pacemakers involved in a tussle, and once clear inside the 400m he quickened home to score by an increasing two and half length margin.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“It was a good win and a lovely ride of Michael’s,” said co-trainer Mark Walker from his Te Akau Racing Matamata base, while his fellow co-trainer, Sam Bergerson, was on course at Riccarton. “He’s going well on the synthetic tracks and a horse that everyone likes in the stable. He’s so quiet and we’ll continue on with his campaign down south.”In the race named CJC Stallion Tender Open Now, Navalha covered 1600 metres on the poly-track in 1:35.6 and the dominant favourite paid $2.20 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote. It was a clinical victory, aided by the tempo, and gives rise to loftier assignments in the future.

“Navalha”  – 5th career win – Riccarton 24th August – Michael McNab aboard

“You’re always a bit nervous when a couple get out in front like that, but it was a mile and seemed that before the point of the turn he was coming into it nicely and good to see him extend in the straight,” said Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin. “He gets back and shown to need a trip, so getting back to a mile today was just perfect for him. The reason we’ve gone to the synthetic (poly-track) these last couple of months is because he doesn’t handle wet tracks. The synthetic tracks have their advantages, not just for Navalha. We’ve won twice with Angel Wings, once with Hayate, and now twice with Navalha on the synthetics  and right across the whole Te Akau stable, they’ve had a lot of success on that surface the last few months and now there are three synthetic tracks it’s giving us more options with these types of horses that are able to race over the winter months but don’t handle wet turf tracks. Navalha ran campaigned at Riccarton last year and actually won down the chute (1200m) on turf, so he’ll either pursue further synthetic options or race on turf once the weather conditions and footing improves. He’s also racing like he might get 2000 metres and the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) towards the end of October could suit, as will other options.”

Co-Trainer Sam Bergerson with Navalha, strapper Kendyll Lee and winning rider, Michael McNab

NAVALHA (which means “Razor” in Portuguese), a 5yo Gelding by Sebring out of the Encosta de Lago Mare, Afiado, was acquired by John Galvin on the recommendation of Mark Walker, for just A$27,500 from the Inglis Digital Sale in July 2020 after having been originally acquired by James Harron Bloodstock for A$475k as a yearling but then offered for sale subsequently.

Navalha is raced by the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate, an ownership group of 57 individuals

Navalha was strapped by Kendyll Lee

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Guest Selector 

Gary struggled to find a winner at Ruakaka last Saturday but his selection for Rotorua on Sunday, SMUG, duly delivered at the rescheduled meeting on Tuesday

Here is what Gary has to say about this weekend’s racing

Hi John  and the Fortuna Team

Firstly, a dominant Fortuna win at Riccarton with Navalha on Friday…well done ! 
  
Last week’s tips were a little disappointing and a reminder that a firm track in winter can make  things a bit tricky, so I need to remember certain basics in future ….ie around fitness, weights and jockeys in particular. Smug did the job at postponed meeting …Smug indeed ! 
  
Waikato has some nice races this week , with some top horses and some skinny prices. 
  
Need to build a kitty early on….Race 2 Bonnie Islay at double figures….needs a mile , small field , each-way all day ! 

Race 6…Queen Sarabi [ $5/$2 ] looks well placed. Spare a gold coin for place on Lot of Zees, will run the 2400m OK and due to see the inside fence some time before she retires!! 

The Foxbridge Plate has drawn a good field…. Dragon Leap [$5 /$2 ]should give it a big shake!!

Race 10….Deebee Power [$7 /$3 ] ticks a lot of boxes and has Opie. 
  
Enjoy the jumping races spectacles, and if looking for a bet at Matamata on Sunday look at Zedwilldo , a first starter in Race 5. He won a recent trial in style and beat Lashana who lines up in Race 2. Both worth following . 
  
Good luck……bet with your shoelaces, not your shoes ! 
And remember…. he/she who bets is a bettor, and those that don’t bet are NO bettor !!
  
Cheers, 
Gary

 

 

NAVALHA wins at Riccarton for Fortuna Racing – his 5th career victory

Fortuna Racing franked their run of recent success with another victory 24th August at Riccarton, winning the $17,000 Rating 75 1600 metres with Navalha (6 g Sebring – Afiado, by Encosta de Lago). Four starts ago Navalha recorded a strong victory in the Rating 65 1700 metres on 7 July at Awapuni (poly-track), before running fastest last 600m (33.3) for close fifth in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 28 July and finished well in the Rating 80 1400 metres on 9 August, both on the poly-track at Riccarton. Ideally drawn in barrier four and ridden by dual premiership winning jockey Michael McNab, Navalha travelled kindly behind a genuine pace, set by two pacemakers involved in a tussle, and once clear inside the 400m he quickened home to score by an increasing two and half length margin.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“It was a good win and a lovely ride of Michael’s,” said co-trainer Mark Walker from his Te Akau Racing Matamata base, while his fellow co-trainer, Sam Bergerson, was on course at Riccarton. “He’s going well on the synthetic tracks and a horse that everyone likes in the stable. He’s so quiet and we’ll continue on with his campaign down south.”

In the race named CJC Stallion Tender Open Now, Navalha covered 1600 metres on the poly-track in 1:35.6 and the dominant favourite paid $2.20 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote. It was a clinical victory, aided by the tempo, and gives rise to loftier assignments in the future.

“Navalha”  – 5th career win – Riccarton 24th August – Michael McNab aboard

“You’re always a bit nervous when a couple get out in front like that, but it was a mile and seemed that before the point of the turn he was coming into it nicely and good to see him extend in the straight,” said Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin. “He gets back and shown to need a trip, so getting back to a mile today was just perfect for him. The reason we’ve gone to the synthetic (poly-track) these last couple of months is because he doesn’t handle wet tracks. The synthetic tracks have their advantages, not just for Navalha. We’ve won twice with Angel Wings, once with Hayate, and now twice with Navalha on the synthetics  and right across the whole Te Akau stable, they’ve had a lot of success on that surface the last few months and now there are three synthetic tracks it’s giving us more options with these types of horses that are able to race over the winter months but don’t handle wet turf tracks. Navalha ran campaigned at Riccarton last year and actually won down the chute (1200m) on turf, so he’ll either pursue further synthetic options or race on turf once the weather conditions and footing improves. He’s also racing like he might get 2000 metres and the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) towards the end of October could suit, as will other options.”

Co-Trainer Sam Bergerson with Navalha, strapper Kendyll Lee and winning rider, Michael McNab

NAVALHA (which means “Razor” in Portuguese), a 5yo Gelding by Sebring out of the Encosta de Lago Mare, Afiado, was acquired by John Galvin on the recommendation of Mark Walker, for just A$27,500 from the Inglis Digital Sale in July 2020 after having been originally acquired by James Harron Bloodstock for A$475k as a yearling but then offered for sale subsequently.

Navalha is raced by the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate, an ownership group of 57 individuals

Navalha was strapped by Kendyll Lee

Friday Flash – 18th August 2023

Headline News
 
Fortuna 5yo Mare HAYATE wins on Cambridge Synthetic
 
NZB Insurance Pearl Series Revamped by Entain & NZTR and NZ Bloodstock

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Fortuna has one runner in Singapore this Sunday

Singapore

ELLIOT NESS races in the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 6 @2.30pm Singapore time (6.30pm NZ Time) with Bruno Quieroz to ride from the barrier 10. He produced a strong last start winning performance Class 5 1100m Poly two weeks ago – up in grade, up in trip and has a tricky draw to contend with this time. Has very good gate speed and an in form rider aboard and just 52kgs on his back. Luck in running and a heady ride can see him feature in the finish here

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No Fortuna timed trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 12th August

RHETT BUTLER (YUSOFF)1000/600-35.8; ROCKY (YUSOFF)1000/600-36;

Tuesday 15th August

ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)800/600-39;

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Other News

Fortuna Racing’s five year old Racemare HAYATE records her 3rd career win at Cambridge 16th August

Given a perfect trip by Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, Hayate (5 m Maurice – Vamoose) won the $17,000 Cambridge Equine Hospital Rating 60 1550 metre event on 16 August at Cambridge (poly-track). Finding heavy ground too testing in the depths of winter, most recently over 1560 metres on 5 July at Rotorua, Hayate had a break of 42 days between runs and displayed plenty of fresh vigour in her performance. Drawn the ace barrier, Hayate was advantaged immediately when two horses ahead of her entered into a tussle for the lead while she sat third. The race still looked open when she ranged among a group turning for home, but the persuasion of Parmar saw her draw clear over the final furlong to score easily. Winning by two and a quarter lengths, Hayate paid $4.90 & $2.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

HAYATE – 3rd career win – Cambridge 16th August 2023

 “It was a lovely win and she was very well ridden by Parmar,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who with Sam Bergerson celebrated their first win together with Cote de Beaune on 2 August at Cambridge. “It gives us more options with her going forward, knowing that she can handle the synthetic track at race tempo and I think she’s a mare that should also cope getting over more distance, especially being that little bit stronger in this preparation. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team – I trained my first winner for John (Kapsdan) in September 2003 so we have had a wonderful 20 year association with many, many winners”

A winner on debut in May 2022, Hayate recorded her third victory for owners in the Fortuna Hayate Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), having been purchased for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course, along with several Members of the Ownership Group, to witness his charge’s victory and commented post race “The race plan from the inside draw was to try and hold the rail if she could, but obviously the first two were pretty keen to get on with the job and Parmar did the right thing, he eased, got her nicely settled, had her off the rail before the (home) turn, was in a position to challenge and she was too strong for them.

“She looked ready to race well and Rating 60 does suit her. She’s won in the same grade before, was just looking for a decent surface and the synthetic provided that. The freshen up after her last start and blinkers off today were the training master strokes, blinkers off allowing her to relax a bit more and she got the job done really well”

Hayate and Niranjan Parmar return to scale

Raced by the Fortuna Hayate Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 60 individuals, Hayate was acquired for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.

Hayate was strapped by by Stephanie Hyde-Richards.

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NZB Insurance Pearl Series Revamped by Entain & NZTR and NZ Bloodstock

  • Payments have been doubled and no increase to Nomination Fee
  • New $100k Pearl Bonus Series Final to be run in the Autumn

Adding to the list of further boosts Entain and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing have made to New Zealand’s racing industry in recent months is the delivery of enhanced Pearl Series bonuses for fillies and mares. Entain, NZTR and NZB Insurance have collaborated to provide continued support of fillies and mares racing in New Zealand, with all current Pearl Series bonuses now doubled for the 2023-24 racing season.
The refreshed Series will be renamed the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series and will see a boost in bonuses paid out to Pearl Series nominated horses. The winning Owner will receive a $20,000 bonus, increasing from $10,000, as well as the winning Trainer and Nominator receiving $1,000 each, a $500 increase respectively. In addition to this, the Owner of the filly or mare that places second will receive a $4,000 bonus (increased from $2,000), with the Owner of the third placegetter earning a $2,000 bonus (increased from $1,000).
Adding further appeal is the creation of a $100,000 Pearl Series Bonus Final to be run in Autumn. The Final will be open to Pearl Series registered horses only, up to five years of age. Southern and Central-based horses who make the Final will also be provided with travel subsidies to compete. Conditions for the $100,000 Pearl Series Bonus Final are still being finalised and more information about the race will be released shortly.

NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock confirmed this new initiative, “This is a great enhancement for racing and its Owners. The boost in bonuses will apply to all fillies and mares currently entered in the race Series, as well as new nominees wishing to enter for this coming season. Nominations will be reopened until the end of August. Promoting the participation of fillies and mares racing carries advantages not only to total field sizes but also bringing benefits to owners with increased stakes and in turn enhancing the race record of their filly or mare as a valuable breeding proposition. A number of high-profile New Zealand Thoroughbred mares have graduated from the Pearl Series including Group One winners Avantage, Belle En Rouge, Levante, Melody Belle and Probabeel. We would like to thank Entain for their continued innovation in New Zealand racing, as well as NZB Insurance who have now sponsored the Pearl Series for over a decade,” he said.

The Pearl Series boost comes after a full review of the bonus structure was completed ahead of the 2022-23 season, which saw Pearl Series bonuses for registered fillies and mares extend to those who finished second and third in Pearl Series races. It was also extended to include five-year-old race mares which was welcomed by the racing community.

Jim Bruford of NZB Insurance commented on the significant boost to the company’s 11-year Pearl Series sponsorship. “We were a major supporter of the Pearl Series when it was initially developed in partnership with the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association because of the benefit it gave to fillies’ racing in New Zealand. We have been sponsoring the Series for 11 years, proving that Pearl Series races are hotly contested events, drawing maximum fields and developing good betting revenue, giving fillies an opportunity to race to assist us in developing our breeding stock. Throughout the 11 years of the Pearl Series, NZB Insurance has received remarkable support from the industry in recognising our initial sponsorship. Having Entain on board to further strengthen the Pearl Series in the coming years is a tremendous boost to our philosophy of supporting fillies racing in New Zealand,” Bruford said.

Administered by the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, 2023 nominations have now been reopened and will close on Thursday 31 August. There will be no increase in nomination costs, with the entry fee remaining at $1,500 + GST.

What you need to know about the Pearl Series enhancements:

  • Up to 100 races per season
  • Each race now carries a total $26,000 stake bonus
  • Trainer and Nominator bonuses have also doubled, now at $1,000 each
  • $100,000 Series Final Race Bonus, run in the Autumn and a travel subsidy for Southern and Central District horses who qualify
  • No increase in nomination costs
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Guest Selector 

Gary got his Guest Selector role off to a flying start last week with two of his three selections greeting the judge, one at $8 odds!!!

Here is what Gary has to say about this weekend’s racing

Hi John  and the Fortuna Team

Ruakaka fields a little thin on depth, hence mainly skinny odds on offer to build on last weeks boosted kitty. But small fruit are often the sweetest!!

Two winners stand out as “class specials”

Race 1 Malfy Rose [ $3.50]  and Race 5  Trobriand [ $2 ] both look winners – and a nice multi.

In Race 3 , former Hong Kong galloper, Wanderin Apache is getting on in age and has a good horses weight, but he has deserved it and should relish his trip to beach. At  $4.20/ $2 is each- way all -day from rails draw .He trialed nicely.

In Race 4 Rising Tide is debuting as a 4 year old but trialed nicely enough. He  has top jockey aboard and if he has inherited any of his parents [Darci Brahma and Sea Change] talent then he should deal to this maiden field. At $8 / $3 he looks each-way all-day !

Race 6 …skinny odds, but Chevron and Current Surge looks the likely Quinella.

Ruakaka, with rain forecast can throw a few curve balls so only risk half of last weeks profit.

And remember to bet with your shoelaces not your shoes !

And if you have the urge for a nibble on Sunday, look at Smug in hurdles, Race 1.
No quotes out should be $8 and $3 in field with a bit of form !

Cheers,
Gary

 

Fortuna Racing’s five year old Racemare HAYATE records her 3rd career win at Cambridge 16th August

Given a perfect trip by Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, Hayate (5 m Maurice – Vamoose) won the $17,000 Cambridge Equine Hospital Rating 60 1550 metre event on 16 August at Cambridge (poly-track). Finding heavy ground too testing in the depths of winter, most recently over 1560 metres on 5 July at Rotorua, Hayate had a break of 42 days between runs and displayed plenty of fresh vigour in her performance. Drawn the ace barrier, Hayate was advantaged immediately when two horses ahead of her entered into a tussle for the lead while she sat third. The race still looked open when she ranged among a group turning for home, but the persuasion of Parmar saw her draw clear over the final furlong to score easily. Winning by two and a quarter lengths, Hayate paid $4.90 & $2.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

HAYATE – 3rd career win – Cambridge 16th August 2023

 “It was a lovely win and she was very well ridden by Parmar,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who with Sam Bergerson celebrated their first win together with Cote de Beaune on 2 August at Cambridge. “It gives us more options with her going forward, knowing that she can handle the synthetic track at race tempo and I think she’s a mare that should also cope getting over more distance, especially being that little bit stronger in this preparation. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team – I trained my first winner for John (Kapsdan) in September 2003 so we have had a wonderful 20 year association with many, many winners”

A winner on debut in May 2022, Hayate recorded her third victory for owners in the Fortuna Hayate Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), having been purchased for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course, along with several Members of the Ownership Group, to witness his charge’s victory and commented post race “The race plan from the inside draw was to try and hold the rail if she could, but obviously the first two were pretty keen to get on with the job and Parmar did the right thing, he eased, got her nicely settled, had her off the rail before the (home) turn, was in a position to challenge and she was too strong for them.

“She looked ready to race well and Rating 60 does suit her. She’s won in the same grade before, was just looking for a decent surface and the synthetic provided that. The freshen up after her last start and blinkers off today were the training master strokes, blinkers off allowing her to relax a bit more and she got the job done really well”

Hayate and Niranjan Parmar return to scale

Raced by the Fortuna Hayate Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 60 individuals, Hayate was acquired for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.

Hayate was strapped by by Stephanie Hyde-Richards.