Headline News

KNIPPENBERG wins for us again in Singapore 20^th May

TAB/ENTAIN partnership deal approved by the Minister of Racing
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Fortuna has four runners this Saturday – one in NZ, three in Singapore
 
New Zealand – Trentham

KHAFEEF contests the Maiden Steeplechase – Race 1 @ 11.22am with Shaun Fannin to ride. Dominant last start winner at Hawera in a Hurdles event, he goes to the big fences for the first time on the Trentham figure eight course. Myers stable says he is the best jumper in the stable and the TAB bookies are not taking any risks with a $1.55 quote!!! If he jumps safely will be hard to beat.

Singapore

ROCKY runs in the Class 4 1600 Poly  – race 8  @ 3.30pm Sing time (7.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from Barrier 6. Failed badly last start on a slippery Turf track, but now back to the Poly where he has had 8 starts for 2 wins and 6 minor placings – is stepping up to the 1600m for the first time. Trainer Donna Logan is sure he is ready for the step up in trip but also concedes that it is a bit of an experiment. If he runs out the Mile, he can feature in the finish

ENTERTAINER runs in the Class 3 1200 Turf  – race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (8.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Craig Grylls (who is riding in Singapore for Guineas Day) from barrier 2. Encouraging performance last start after a run of poor form but is an eight time winner in Singapore – now rated on 69 he has got to a dangerous place in the ratings – note that he ran a close up 2^nd this trip and surface in August 2022 off a 75 rating. Needs to be taken on trust, but has a great draw and a busy, talented rider aboard – can feature at odds

ELLIOT NESS contests the Class 4 1200 Poly  – race 12 @ 5.35pm Sing time (9.35pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from Barrier 6. Slightly disappointing last time when fading closing stages 1100m – previous form was good. Has to run 1200m here, but is a speedy type. Top three chance

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday 23^rd May

Navalha (T Wenn) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.20.2, final 600 in 38.1.
Angels Wings (J Kamaruddin) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.7, home in 37.9.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 20th May

ELLIOT NESS (ASLAM)1000/600-38;; ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)1000/600-39

Tuesday 23rd May

ROCKY (ASLAM)800/60039-; ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)800/600-39;

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Other News

KNIPPENBERG wins for us again in Singapore 20^th May – John was on track hosting local Singapore based clients

KNIPPENBERG, the three year old gelding by I Am Invincible out of Red Fez, produced an outstanding performance in the Novice 1200 Turf event for prizemoney of S$75,000 in the hands of the regular race day rider Ronnie Stewart. Race day tactics for KNIPPENBERG, given his good barrier, was finish up in the box seat one out from the rail. As it turned out he finished up one back but on the rail. Traveling beautifully in the run, Stewart had a lapful of horse as they turned for home but was stuck in behind the two leaders with nowhere to go. Resisting the temptation to come off heels and go to the outside, Stewart demonstrated the patience of Job, waiting and waiting for the gap to appear. Eventually it did come but paper thin and both horse and rider exhibited great courage to push through the narrow gap on the rails and once through, KNIPPENBERG surged away, going to the line clear by 1.5 lengths in the smart time of 1.09.54 for the 1200m trip.

This victory was a great result for the Gelding’s connections as Fortuna Director John Galvin, who had traveled to Singapore from his home in New Zealand, to watch his charge storm to victory, explains. “Knippenberg won impressively in Restricted Maiden Grade on debut 29th January, then ran an unlucky 2nd in Novice Grade at his next start. He was then set for the 3yo Sprint, the first leg of the 3yo Series over 1200m – drawn the outside barrier, he stormed home for a 4th placing. Stepping up to 14oo in the 3yo Classic, he was sent out favourite, had a beautiful run, went up to win but failed to run out the trip. Donna Logan and I then made the decision to bypass the Singapore Guineas over 1600m, deciding to step him back to the Novice 1200 instead. Donna hardly did anything with him in the intervening two weeks and he was presented in great order for the 1200m and duly obliged, assisted by a heroic ride from Ronnie Stewart. Well done to Donna and her team for getting us this great result.”

Click HERE to see the race replay – Click HERE to see the head on replay  

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, was very pleased with the result. “ I have always thought a bit of this horse, he has a lot of ability. We had to make the decision after his slightly disappointing run in the 3yo Classic as to whether to press onto the Guineas or go back to Novice Grade over 1200om. The latter was my instinct and big kudos to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing for supporting that decision”

Knippenberg – Making it 2 wins in Singapore – Kranji 2oth January 2020

Ronnie Stewart, returns to scale after riding Knippenberg to his 2nd Singapore win 

KNIPPENBERG had originally raced in Australia for his breeders Phoenix Thoroughbreds and been trained for them by the Ciaren Maher/David Eustace team. Showing just moderate form from two race day starts, his owners decided to offer him for sale at the Inglis Digital Sale (June 2022) – he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500 and sent to Singapore to race. John was assisted in his selection process by Mark Walker, the former Singapore based Trainer for Te Akau Racing and now leading Trainer for them in NZ

Knippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia – he has now won twice and had two minor placings from five race day starts and has accumulated just under S$100k in stakes monies

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider Ronnie Stewart after the race
 

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TAB/ENTAIN partnership deal approved by the Minister of Racing
 
We have been waiting for this for a long time – 1^st June is the start date – can this be a fresh dawn for our beleaguered NZ Racing scene – see the news release below from NZ Racing Desk

Minister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company Entain that delivers at least $900 million in guaranteed funding for the racing industry over the next five years.

Entain, a UK based group that operates multiple sports betting providers globally, will use their economies of scale and significant technology and capital capabilities to deliver TAB NZ’s betting, wagering and broadcast operations”

“This is one of the most significant days in New Zealand racing history. This deal will reverse falling revenues for racing and provides certainty over the coming years,” Kieran McAnulty said. “I’m confident this agreement will help secure a solid future for the racing industry and sports in New Zealand through increased financial distributions to national sports organisations. TAB NZ has been facing increasing financial challenges over recent years and was facing an uncertain future, largely due to competition from offshore gambling websites”

“The Agreement provides an upfront payment of $150 million upon approval of the agreement. In addition to this there will be a 50% revenue share from day-1 with guaranteed payments of at least $150 million per year for the first five years. This partnership will also allow TAB NZ to use Entain’s expertise and economies of scale to make necessary upgrades and invest extensively in infrastructure and technology. It will be an improved offering for customers.

“Our racing industry is worth $1.6 billion to the economy and directly employs 14,000 New Zealanders. It’s reliant on TAB NZ distributions, and if they were allowed to fall that would hit the industry hard and jobs and revenue lost. It’s important this deal assists in reducing gambling harm. As such I’ve received confirmation from TAB NZ of a $5 million allocation for harm minimisation measures upon approval of the agreement.

“Entain has better harm minimisation technologies, such as facial recognition tools that can be rolled out in TAB venues. The partnership between TAB NZ and Entain does not prevent the Government from putting in place further harm minimisation regulation, and I have been clear with TAB NZ that I intend to do so.

“I am also pleased to announce that Cabinet has decided an in-principle agreement to extend TAB NZ’s monopoly for sports and racing betting to the online environment, subject to further work being done. The TAB was set up as a monopoly to fund New Zealand racing and sports. But the onset of unregulated online gambling changed the game and our racing and sports industry has been losing money ever since. Regulating this environment offers a significant new revenue source for local racing and sport, while also addressing the inherent risks in unregulated online gambling. By prohibiting online gambling outside of the TAB the Government can place greater controls over the betting environment. We would expect to also see much more money allocated to harm minimisation, a fairer deal for Kiwi punters and sports codes and a greater focus on animal welfare,” McAnulty said. – NZ Racing Desk

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Shares For Sale

The Karaka Sale Yearling Fillies

Still a few shares left in each of these three lovely Fillies – all have been broken in and completed their first stable prep. Click HERE to read details from the Fortuna website on these three Fillies

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party filly, “Ali”, who is very forward, is now back in work in her 2nd Stable Prep and is being aimed at one of the early season trials and looks like being an early 2yo runner

Star Witness – Alana’s Party Filly “Ali”

Secondary Market Sale – ENTERTAINER

A 3% share in the 6yo Singapore based galloper, ENTERTAINER, has become available for the sum of NZ$432 and $108 per month from 1 June. Note that Entertainer runs this Saturday 27^th May and if you confirm a purchase and make payment by close of business Friday, you will be on the Ownership register for that race.

ENTERTAINER – Winning in Singapore – Harry Kasim aboard

ENTERTAINER (Zoustar-Laughing) is an eight time winner  in Singapore from 32 race day starts with over S$300k of stakes winnings in the bin. “Joker” has paid the price of a rapid ascent in the ratings, getting rated so high that he found it difficult to win and has not greeted the judge since Sept 2022. However, now back to a rating 69, he put in a solid performance at his most recent start in Class 3 Grade and is only two points away from getting back to Class 4. An 1100m Poly track specialist (7 of his 8 wins have come at that trip and surface), he is set to race next on 27^th May. Just contact John by email or call/text 021 921 460 if you wish to take up this opportunity – the 3% can be broken down into 1% parcels @ $144 and $36 per month from 1 June

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Guest Selector  – Mayne Bax
 
Yes, under our new “in house selector” initiative, Mayne Bax is the first to step up to the plate for a three week stint. Mayne is a long standing Cambridge farming identity who has been in several horses with us over the years, including Trident, who now races in Singapore. Mayne really fancied Khafeef’s chances in the Maiden Steeples at Trentham on Saturday, but after seeing the $1.55 Fixed Odds, he has switched to the 2yo event at Pukekohe – Race 3 Horse 2 – Paragon. Racing in the Cambridge Stud Silks, trained by James/Wellwood and to be ridden by Warren Kennedy, the beautifully bred Paragon was nosed into 2^nd at Hastings on debut 1200m after a winning trial previously. Bound to take natural improvement from that run, note this is a Stakes event, so does meet some nice types here, but has an astute training team at the helm with an in form jockey aboard and a good draw – track was a Heavy 10 Wednesday afternoon, but mild sunny conditions could see it come back into the soft range – Mayne says 1 unit the win – 3 units the place – showing fixed odds of $8/2.40

 

DARCI BRAHMA retired from commercial Stud duties

Fortuna has five runners Friday/Saturday – three in NZ, two in Singapore

New Zealand

HAYATE contests the R65 1400 event at Rotorua Friday 28^th April – Race 7 @ 3.42 pm and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jess Allen, claiming 4kgs from a good barrier draw – was very good for 4^th at Matamata this grade and trip last start and will appreciate the softer conditions at Rotorua – looks well placed here and can run into the money – showing $9/$3 Fixed Odds

NAVALHA contests the R65 1400 event at Hastings Saturday 29^th April – Race 9 @ 4.23pm and will be ridden by Temyia Taiaroa, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier. Was average last start at Te Rapa but had drawn wide in that R75 event– is capable on his day, now back to R65 and is looking for the 1400m trip – each way – showing $9/$3 Fixed Odds

LEADERBOARD contests the R75 2400 event at Te Rapa Saturday 29^th April and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jess Allen, claiming 4kgs from an outside barrier draw. Was super on resuming at Matamata last start over 200om for 2^nd, gets up to a trip that suits and is a recent winner of the Wellington Cup in January – has some weight to carry, but is very fit and is using this race as a lead up to a Hurdles debut the following Saturday – would certainly appreciate some rain which if it came, would bring him right into it  – showing $8/$2.50 Fixed Odds

Singapore

RHETT BUTLER races in the Restricted Maiden1100m Poly – race 2 @ 12.30 Sing time (4.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable apprentice, S Jamil, claiming 4kgs from a wide barrier. This well bred 2yo is on debut, has trialed well and only has to carry 48.5kgs in this race. Hard to fault his preparation for this but is making his very first race day start, does come against more seasoned 3yo’s in this and has a tricky draw to contend with – but has a huge weight advantage – a professional effort on debut would see him feature in the finish

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: DIAZ (1)
Finished second to Speedy Buck at this level over a shorter trip and had to burn petrol from a wide draw early. Stuck it out well to the line and the winner recorded a nice time. Will sit handy from barrier four.
2nd Pick: GRAND SUPREME (2)
Drops back sharply in grade after contesting the G3 3yo sprint. He was only beaten 5.5 lengths to the winner, and this looks a great steppingstone at start number three in Singapore.
3rd Pick: RHETT BUTLER (12)
Carries no weight being a two-year-old and well bred. Dam was placed at black type grade as a two-year-old and contested at the elite level. Trialed in easy fashion for this.
4th Pick: KING GEE (3)
Comes with race experience but also a string of trials in Australia since joining the Logan team. Won his trial with plenty in hand.

KNIPPENBERG contests the Group 2 Singapore Classic over 1400m Turf – race 11 @ 5pm Sing time (9pm NZT) and will be ridden by regular race day rider Ronnie Stewart from a handy barrier. Produced a barnstorming finish for 4^th off an outside barrier in the 3yo Sprint 1200m three weeks ago. Gets a good marble this time and will appreciate the extra 200m as well – meets a very good field of 3yo’s here but won in dominant fashion at his Singapore debut in January and his two runs since for 2^nd and 4^th have been full of merit – is up for this and is a good each way chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 25^th April
Navalha (T Wenn) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.2, home in 37.3.
Hayate (J Allen) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.1, final 600 in 37.5.

Thursday 27^th April
Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.3, home in 39.7.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 22nd April

KNIPPENBERG (STEWART)1000/600- 39

Tuesday 25^th April
RHETT BUTLER (ASLAM)800/600-39

Other News

KHAFEEF wins Open Hurdle Race at Hawera 26^th April

Lovely hurdling effort by this fellow as just his 2^nd start over the fences – read the story from the Fortuna website below

KHAFEEF wins Open Hurdles at Hawera 26th April with a great display of jumping
Published 27 April 2023

KHAFEEF, the 7yo Gelding by Champs Élysées out of Tawaareekh, produced an excellent display of jumping in the Restricted Open Hurdle over 2800 metres at Hawera 26th April. Ridden by the classy Shaun Fannin, the Kevin Myers trained galloper was eased back from the start with Fannin content to let him find a good rhythm in the back half of the field – jumping smoothly throughout, Fannin gave KHAFEEF more rein from about the 800m mark – traveling strongly from that point he hit the front taking the 1st jump at the top of the straight and ran away from his opposition closing stages to score with a 3 length margin at the finish post.

Rider Shaun Fannin was fulsome in his praise after the race saying “Beautiful jumping today by Khafeef – he was a lot more relaxed compared to when I last rode him in the Spring – he got into a nice rhythm, gave me everything I asked for and had plenty in reserve as well – we have always held him in high regard, so great to get this sort of result and there is plenty more in store”

Trainer Kevin Myers was on course and was very pleased “Great display by Khafeef today  – he is a lovely jumper” he said after the race.

Fortuna Racing Boss John Galvin, who had been unable to attend the meeting at Hawera watched the race from his Hamilton home and was also very pleased with the result “Gee, that was a great watch, Khafeef always seemed to be traveling like a winner – and as they turned for home, you would not have wanted to be on any other horse – he has not done himself a lot of favours with previous racing because he just goes so keen, but Kevin has done a wonderful job with him over the summer months, Shaun handled him perfectly and he was really relaxed in this race – he looks like he could have a great future at the jumping game.”

KHAFEEF, who had raced in France as a 3yo for one win and a 2nd from four starts for his Owner/Breeder, the Shadwell Estate, was acquired by John Galvin, with the assistance of International Bloodstock Agent, Hubie De Burgh, at the 2019 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale for 28,000 Guineas (NZ$60k approx).

He is raced by the Fortuna Khafeef Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 71 individuals, in the main New Zealanders, but with three of the Group from Hong Kong. He has now had 4 career wins (3 in NZ – 1 in France) and has accumulated just under $100,000 in Prize money earnings

DARCI BRAHMA to be retired from commercial Stud duties

Sad news yesterday with the above announcement – as most readers would be aware the writer took a 5% share in Darci Brahma when he was acquired by David Ellis for $1.1m at the 2004 Karaka Yearling Sale – a Champion on the race track with Group One wins at ages two, three and four, I attended every one of his races including his amazing last to first win as a 2yo in the Group One T J Smith Stakes at Eagle Farm and then on retirement enjoyed an amazing ride with him, along with my fellow shareholders, as he progressed through his Stallion career. All good things come to an end as we know – enjoy your retirement old fellow!!!

See the news item below from The Oaks Stud

Darci Brahma was laid low last season by illness and an issue that subsequently impacted his fertility. “In early October, he had an infection in his abdomen that wasn’t obvious, and it snuck through to one testicle, and we had to treat him with antibiotics,” The Oaks Stud Manager Rick Williams said. “While we cleared that up, the antibiotics affected his semen production. We test bred him through late January and early February and he wasn’t producing any viable semen. We haven’t given up hope, but realistically he isn’t going to breed commercially and if he showed some return to fertility we might breed a few shareholders’ mares to him. At the moment, I’ve told people he isn’t available and it’s a 90 per cent chance that’s the way it will stay. We have been lucky to have him, he’s been an absolute pleasure and a gentleman to work with.”

Darci Brahma retired to The Oaks in 2007 and to date has sired more than 540 winners in eight countries with 57 individual stakes winners and 12 at Group 1 level.

Guest Selector  – Des Coppins

Here is what Des says for this week;

Easter Special 10% discount offer still available on current Fortuna offerings

NZ bred runners took out seven of the eight Group One features at the The Championships at Randwick

Well known racing media personality Andre Neill is to host a hospitality package to Doomben Cup

Vale Doug Payton

NAVALHA contests the R75 1200m event at Te Rapa on Saturday – Race 5 @ 2,52 and will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin from a wide barrier. Had two Ok runs early in the year on resuming after returning from a South Island campaign – then developed a virus which has kept him away from the track until now. Capable on his day, but will need luck this track and trip from a wide barrier draw – can run into the money if he gets it

Singapore

DECEPTION races in the Class 4 1600m Turf – race 4 @ 1.30 Sing time (5.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Singapore Champion Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, from an inside barrier. This horse always runs well, has not always had his due favours, but is clearly looking for a 1600m trip and gets it here. Good even field, but with just seven runners, top rider and good draw, he is right in this – each way

OUR FINAL OFFER contests the Open Maiden 1400 Turf – Race 6 @ 2.30pm Sing time (6.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jamil, claiming 4kgs from Barrier 7 in a 9 horse field. With a 3^rd and a 2^nd this grade last two starts after 15 months away from the track, he is very well placed here. Will need to manage his widish draw but represents a very good each way chance here

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: OUR FINAL OFFER (2)
Jumped much better last start to finish second over 1200m. Looks like he will appreciate the rise in distance and holds nice form to take this out. Wide draw makes it tricky but has the form.
2nd Pick: SCHNEIDER (9)
He is a get back and fly home style horse who clocked a nice time at the end behind Sun Rectitude on a leader dominated surface. Continues to catch the eye and a win is coming. Carries no weight again.
3rd Pick: GRANDEUR (1)
Finished last but only beaten 5.5 lengths at Novice grade last week and is on the quick backup. Should appreciate the drop in class and must be respected against these.
4th Pick: HURRICANE MARS (5)
Just the one minor placing and that was his most recent start where he led and just foundered the last 100m. If he gets steady sectionals early on can grind it out.

ROCKY contests the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 7 @ 3pm Sing time (7pm NZT) and will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff, from an inside barrier. Two Singapore wins and several minor placings from 10 starts for this son of El Roca, he was an impressive winner in Class 5 this trip and surface at his last start with 57kgs on his back – he carries 51kgs this time, has a lovely draw and can certainly feature in the finish here

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: PACIFIC WARRIOR (1)
Didn’t take him place in the 3YO sprint. Was arguably one of the winning hopes in the event. This looks potentially an easier task if he can put his best foot forward, respect.
2nd Pick: SPORTY SIXTY-ONE (2)
On her day, she absolutely blitzes this field. She oozes class and should be winning a race soon, respect.
3rd Pick: MAJOR KING (3)
Trialled well leading up to this, top three hope on his day with Nunes in the saddle.
4th Pick: ROCKY (4)
Great winner last start down in grade. Back to class 4 but watch the market, if he gets late support, he is worth following.

ENTERTAINER runs in the Class 3 1200m Turf event Race 9 @ 4pm Sing time (8pm NZT) and will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff, from barrier 2. Eight wins in Singapore for this fellow but has not won since September 2022 – now back in Class 3 and at a dangerous place in the weights. The good draw will enable him to do what he does best, i.e run freely and if things go right for him, he can feature.

KING ARTHUR runs in the Class 1 1100m Poly event Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (8.30 pm NZT) and will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff, from a good barrier. This nine time winner is one of the highest rated gallopers in Singapore and has to carry a good horse’s weight here, conceding several kgs to most of the other runners. He is in good form, he has the runs on the board and has the class to take this out if he cops the weight differential

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (2)
2022 Polytrack horse of the year returns to the race and strikes this event very well weighted. Can go close here. Nunes jumps on and has trialled well in readiness for this.
2nd Pick: SKY EYE (4)
Strong second last time to the races. Strikes a great race and his best would see him going close in this event.
3rd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Carries top weight here but he’s afforded the weight because he’s the clear horse to beat. Hopefully the 59kg doesn’t bring him undone.
4th Pick: RED OCEAN (8)
48kgs here after a great lightweight win last start. At the weights, he’s a logical place chance, respect. Found winning form and can continue it.

Tuesday 4^th April

No Fortuna timed trackwork today

Thursday 13^th April

Hayate (A Gujar) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.2, final 600 in 39.4.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore
 
No Fortuna runners timed track work this week

Easter Special 10% discount offer still available

Still a few shares left in the following three fillies and we are extending our Easter discount for a few more days – just type the word “Easter” into the coupon code section on the website order page to gain the discount.

“Ali” – the Yearling Filly by Star Witness out of Alana’s Party – she has completed her breaking in and has been in the Main Stables now for a week doing her first stable prep Mark says “lovely filly, very forward, very precocious, looks like a real early type 2yo”. Click HERE to see this nice Filly at trot ups during the week. Notable that her 3yo half sister, Vinolass, has been to the races three times in Victoria and won all three – and her 2yo half brother, I’m Coming Up, won a recent trial in Victoria by 2 lengths – so the family is going very well

$1263.60 (with discount) for each 1% and $44 per month from 1^st May. Click HERE to read all about Ali on the Fortuna website

“Raquel” – the Yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen – she has completed her breaking in and has been in the Main Stables now for a week doing her first stable prep – Click HERE to see this lovely grey Filly at trot ups during the week

$759.60 (with discount) for each 1% and $44 per month from 1^st May. Click HERE to read all about Raquel on the Fortuna website

$1209.60 (with discount) for each 1% and $44 per month from 1^st May. Click HERE to read all about Queenie on the Fortuna website

No doubt that NZ Racing is definitely the “poor cousin” compared to Australia when it comes to prize money, but gee, we continue to punch well above our weight when it comes to the breeding barn. The Championships were just amazing results for our breeding industry, and it wasn’t just the Staying/Middle Distance events either, such as the Derby, the Oaks and the Sydney Cup, but we also beat the Aussies at their own game in races that they usually dominate, such as the Sires Produce Stakes 1400m for 2yos (won by Militarise (Dundeel) and the TJ Smith 1200m won by I Wish I Win (Savabeel). Pennyweka (Satono Aladdin), like I Wish I Win, is NZ owned dominated the Oaks and Atishu (Savabeel), owned by a Go Racing syndicate, similarly blew her opposition away in the Queen Of The Turf. Majorbeel (Savabeel)won the Derby of course, Mr Brightside (Bullbars) but carrying the NZ suffix, won the Doncaster and Explosive Jack (Jakalberry) took out the Sydney Cup.

The only Group One we did not secure over the two day Carnival was the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which went to the Irish Bred Dubai Honour, but the NZ bred Mo’unga (Savabeel) did run 2^nd.

Amazing results across the board for the NZ Breeding industry and I do know that some of our Fortuna clients have shares in Atishu and Pennyweka, so congrats to you if you are one of those

Yes our good friend Andre Neill has brought this initiative to our attention – its a great time of the year to be traveling to Queensland – note this package does not include flights – travelers will make their own flight arrangements – this to provide greater flexibility for participants to extend their stay or travel sooner – feel free to contact Andre for more detail or Edie at Travelbrokers if you wanted/needed additional assistance for flight or extension accommodation bookings. Andre is a great host and I am sure he will provide an excellent experience.

Sad news recently of the passing of Doug Payton, a long time Fortuna stalwart – Doug has not kept the best of health in recent years, yet always maintained a cheery disposition and he just loved his horses, particularly Leaderboard, who gave Doug the thrill of a lifetime when winning the Wellington Cup in January. Doug was 85 and had been involved in the kiwifruit industry as a grower during his working life. He his survived by his wife, Sylvia and his three adult children. Silvia tells me that Doug had a great send off and that on his casket he had a number of momentos, including his old pair of kiwifruit secators, a bottle of rum (which was his favourite tipple) and Fortuna colours. Rest in peace Doug.

Here is what Des says for this week;

Hi John and Team

It wasn’t the start I was looking for last week. Skew Wiff, in running second at $2.80 fixed for a place with three units on, saved a wipeout but unfortunately Mustang Valley, the  horse most punters banked on, me included, pulled up slightly lame. Hopefully she will return as good as she can possibly be in her next prep. because she is top class when right as her run in the Doncaster seven days earlier indicated. Let’s turn the page and focus on Saturday at Te Rapa.

The weather looks patchy at times but thankfully there’ll be more sunshine and wind than rain going on the current weather forecast and therefore the track and weather which is reading as showering and a soft 7 may either hold that rating or even improve a point to a soft 6.

I think Millefiori is as good a bet as any the way the track should play. She goes around in race 6 in the open 1400 with Joe Kamaruddin in the saddle. The last time Joe was on board she ran third to her stablemate Challa at Matamata on a slow track back in October. She’s well placed in this and 1400m appears to be her favourite distance. She hasn’t raced for 3 weeks and if you go through her form she seems to race well with her races spaced. It was a dominant win last time after being very keen in the running. She was the quickest from the 800 to the line on a slow track while two starts ago at Te Rapa she came home the quickest over the last 800 after copping a check at the start.

In a small field on Saturday she’s currently at odds of $4 and $1.50 and I reckon the one unit over 4 units is the best way to play her. Good punting.

Des

Fortuna 3yo KNIPPENBERG to contest the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint on Saturday 8^th April

Jessica Galvin wins the “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award Auckland Cup Day at Pukekohe

Des Coppins returns as our Guest Selector and provides details on his ever popular Melbourne Cup Tour as well

Fortuna has three runners over the Easter period, two in NZ, one in Singapore

New Zealand

HAYATE contests the R65 1200m event at Pukekohe on Saturday – Race 6 @ 3.34 and will be ridden by Craig Grylls from a wide barrier. She achieved her 2^nd career win at Tauranga over 1300m early December and followed this up with a 3^rd at matamata early January after over racing – has had a short freshen since, trialed nicely at Taupo recently and is ready for this. Can feature here with some luck from her draw

ANGELS WINGS contests the Maiden 3yo 1200m event at Woodville on Easter Monday and will be ridden by Michael McNab from the Ace draw. This Filly has been knocking on the door and gets her chance to break through here with top rider and sweet draw. Good each way chance

Singapore

KNIPPENBERG runs in the feature event, the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint and will be ridden by regular rider, Ronnie Stewart, from barrier 14 in a 16 horse field. He followed up a dominant win on his debut in Restricted Maiden grade late January with a quality performance in Novice Grade 3 weeks later, running 2^nd. Has been kept fresh for this event and trialed beautifully over 1000m 28^th March. Meets a good quality field here, has a difficult draw to overcome and will need some luck, but he is very classy and if he gets the luck, he can feature in the finish here

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Fortuna 3yo KNIPPENBERG to contest the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint on Saturday 8^th April

KNIPPENBERG (I Am Invincible – Red Fez) really steps up to the plate in Singapore on Saturday 8^thApril contesting this Group 3 event at just his 3^rd Singapore start

Knippenberg was originally prepared for racing in Sydney by Ciarin Maher/David Eustace from their Warwick Farm base in Sydney for his International Owners and Breeders, Phoenix Thoroughbreds. He had two trials and two race day starts for them, but did not appear to meet their standards as a stallion making prospect, so they offered him for sale on the Inglis Digital platform in June 2022 and he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500. Still a Colt, we gelded him straight away, gave him a good paddock break in NSW and then sent him to Singapore in September. Always very forward, he didn’t put a foot wrong in his initial preparation in the hands of Donna Logan, trialing well and then a dominant winner on his Singapore debut 28^th January in Restricted Maiden Grade over 1200m on the Turf track.

He then contested a Novice event over 1200m on the Poly track, finishing a close up 2^nd after getting carted very wide on the track in the run home by the winner and losing a shoe in the process.

So, now he gets his chance in this event, the first leg of the Singapore 3yo Series – he has to overcome a very tricky gate, but his trial last week was very, very good, rider Ronnie Stewart knows him well and if he gets some luck, he should be able to reward his Ownership Group in the best possible way

Jessica Galvin wins the “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award Auckland Cup Day at Pukekohe

Readers would be very familiar with the “Fashions In the Field” concept which has proven very familiar at several racing venues over the years.

This year at Pukekohe on Auckland Cup Day 11^th March a “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award was held with participants having their photos taken on the day, those photos posted on three different Social Media platforms, Face Book, Instagram and Twitter with viewers on those platforms casting their votes for their preferred choice – with Fortuna’s Jessica Galvin gaining the most votes. Congrats Jessica

The writer is very “one eyed” of course, but Jessica looks great doesn’t she!!! For those readers who like to follow fashion, Jessica’s dress is by Zimmerman, her shoes by Valentino and her bag is by Red Current

Guest Selector  – Des Coppins

Yes, we like to rotate our Guest Selectors and so Des will be back in the chair over the coming weeks. Big thanks to Butch Castles for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide us with his selections in recent times.

Here is what Des says for this week;

Dear John and the Fortuna Team – On paper it’ll be hard to envisage the downfall of Mustang Valley in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Pukekohe on Saturday. We know it’s a quick back up after racing in the Doncaster last week where she was terrific in running 5th less than one length and half off the winner, Mr Brightside.

There is a BUT however. If it’s wet she’s unbeatable given the right run. All her winning form and most of her placed form in a limited career has been all about wet tracks. BUT if it’s a track better than a slow 5 she may be slightly vulnerable. But then again it’s hard to fathom at times the changeable weather patterns and how much rain is likely between now and post time.

So here’s how I read it. On a wet track you go all in on a Mustang Valley and the $2.50 by the bookies is totally acceptable. However, if the track is around the slow 5 or dare I say even better there may be the opportunity for the one of the upcoming three year olds to spoil the favourite’s party. In this category I’m finding it difficult to separate Skew Wiff ($7.50) and Mazzolino ($8.50). Both ran incredibly well against their own age group in the group one Levin Classic three weeks ago at Trentham.  Skew Wiff went up to win half way down the straight but was outmuscled the last 100m or so by her hardened stablemate, Romancing the Moon, while Mazzolino was late in finding clear racing room and charged to the line to finish 4th. Super three year old of last season  and current super star Imperatriz  bounced out of the Levin Classic to win last year’s Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Te Rapa. It’s obviously the right launching pad race for Saturday.

From all accounts both these promising fillies have trained on well since Trentham and they’ll be rock hard fit for Saturday’s big one where they receive a 2.5kg weight concession over Mustang Valley and all other runners.

Here’s how I’m playing it. On a track that’s wetter than a slow 6, it’s all about Mustang Valley, with a generous win bet. If it’s a slow 6 or better one unit for a win and three units for a place on the other pair as well and irrespective of track conditions an exotic bet around box  quinellas and a  trifecta with the trio.

Good punting!