Friday Flash – 20th May


MARLBOROUGH BAY – 2yo wins on debut Matamata 13th May – Lisa Allpress aboard
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Headline News;Five Fortuna winners last week – 22 total for the calendar year – Four of our winners had their first win, Deception, Hayate and Marlborough Bay – the latter two were both on debut

Fortuna has just one runner in NZ this week, none in Singapore

New Zealand – Saturday 21st May – Te Rapa

KHAFEEF races in the R74 2100m event – Race 1 @ 12.16. Ryan Elliot to ride from a good barrier – a strong last start winner at Hawera in Highweight Grade 27th April, he will relish this trip. Can be inclined to over race, but was good last time and has a strong senior rider aboard this time – is the in form horse of the field here and is a strong Top 3 chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  17th May
No Fortuna timed trackwork today

Thursday  19th May
No Fortuna timed trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 14th May

Trident (Jerlyn) with Rocky (Aiman) – 1000/600 37; Kermajack (Aiman) – 800/600 40; Briggs (Aiman) – 800/600 39; Elliot Ness (Yusoff) – 1000/600 40;

Tuesday 17th May

Trident (Jamil) with Rocky (Aslam) – 1000/609 38.5;

Other News

One of the highlights of my Racing Year is Royal Ascot – 5 consecutive days of world class racing, pomp, pageantry and the presence of Racing’s greatest cheerleader (and participant) Her Majesty the Queen – full crowd this year after Covid restrictions limited attendances the last two years and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as well – it’s always on in the middle of the night of course, but I just flick the Sky Recorder on and watch the following morning – still four weeks away yet, but its time to start studying the form!!! – see story below

Countdown to Return of Royal Ascot

Excerpt from Royal Ascot news …
We’re gearing up to crown the kings and queens of the Flat game as the highlight of the summer season comes racing into sight. Royal Ascot 2022 is set to be extra special for not just one but two reasons as this year is Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and a full crowd is permitted at the lucrative meeting for the first time since 2019. Whether you care about the pomp and pageantry or not, the action on the track is still the most important thing and you simply cannot move for quality at Royal Ascot with 35 contests on the packed agenda including eight Group 1’s.  The good news is that traditionally Trackside has broadcast this carnival overnight, NZ time.

ROYAL ASCOT 2022 RACE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 14
14:30: The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
15:05: The Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
15:40: The King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1)
16:20: The St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)
17:00: The Ascot Stakes (Handicap)
17:35: The Wolferton Stakes (Listed)
18:10: The Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap)

Wednesday, June 15
14:30: The Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
15:05: The Queen’s Vase (Group 2)
15:40: The Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)
16:20: The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)
17:00: The Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)
17:35: The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
18:10: The Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap)
Thursday, June 16
14:30: The Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
15:05: The King George V Stakes (Handicap)
15:40: The Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
16:15: The Gold Cup (Group 1)
17:00: The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
17:35: The Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
18:10: The Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

Friday, June 17
14:30: The Albany Stakes (Group 3)
15:05: The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)
15:40: The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)
16:20: The Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
17:00: The Sandringham Stakes (Handicap)
17:35: The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)
18:10: The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap)

Saturday, June 18
14:30: The Chesham Stakes (Listed)
15:05: The Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
15:40: The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
16:20: The Platinum Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
17:00: The Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
17:35: The Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)
18:10: The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions)

Guest Selector

Des had an “out” last week, but is all set to rock on Saturday – see his comments below:

John and Team, we missed last week but some horses are worth playing the long game and with winter almost with us, the pick from last week, Zoey Satin, will be in her element next time. Rotorua last week simply wasn’t wet enough for her but her finish into 8th from almost last on the turn stopped the clock as the quickest over both the last 400 and 200m.

Let’s turn the page and focus on this week’s meeting at Te Rapa. I’m keen on another multi. We are one from one with Fortuna clients on the multi option. Fingers crossed!

In race 3, the Robbie Patterson-trained Swiss Kitty (No 6) interests me a great deal. His run at Te Rapa last time was full of merit and his final sectionals were outstanding. It may well be wetter this weekend but that won’t faze him and what’s more he loves Te Rapa with 4 collects from 4 attempts there. In the very next race I’m a big fan of the “toppy” Wewillrock (No 1). This is a come back in class after a game third to Bonny Lass here last time. He has two black type placings in his two recent starts. He cops all types of track conditions and was a winner on the track last December. I’ve priced the multi at around 7 to one.

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

Des also tell me that since we started promoting his 2022 Melbourne Cup Tour, the booking numbers have doubled, with quite a few from the “Fortuna Family” paying up – still some spots available – so take a close look at the packages below and if you are keen, you know what to do – Click HERE to read all details  Click HERE for the booking form

DECEPTION wins for the first time in Singapore

DECEPTION, the three year old gelding by I Am Invincible out of Friday Hussy was too dominant for his rivals in the Restricted Maiden 1200m Turf at Singapore’s Kranji race course on 14th May 202o. Having his 7th start in Singapore since Jan 1st, DECEPTION had run either 2nd or 3rd in each of his previous six starts, all in Restricted Maiden Grade, clearly demonstrating ability, but just not quite able to nail his first win. A short freshen up by his Trainer, Donna Logan, after his last start at 1600m 26th March, and bought back to 1200m proved just the ticket and aided by a clever ride by Singapore’s leading rider from 2021, K Hakim, victory was achieved.

Drawn nicely in Barrier 4 and with speedy types inside, the race plan was to have DECEPTION sit in behind the speed and then present for a run at the top of the straight. The plan was executed perfectly by Hakim, traveling well in the run, peeling out as they turned for home and then mounting a compelling run down the Kranji straight, going to the line clear by 1.5 lengths in the good time of 1.10.39

Click HERE to see the replay.

Trainer Donna Logan, who prepared three winners on the day taking her 2022 season total to 18 wins, was in awe of her charge post race “That was just a super effort, we have always known that this boy has ability, but he just kept running in to one or two better on previous race days. But today, he ran the perfect race and was just too big, too strong and was beautifully ridden by Hakim. John Galvin’s Fortuna Stable is on fire, they have had 9 wins for me so far in 2022 and well done to them, they are wonderful supporters of Singapore Racing.”

Deception – wins Restricted Maiden Singapore 14 May 2022

John Galvin, watching from his Hamilton home, was overjoyed with the outcome  “He has really been knocking on the door this horse, he is a lovely type, big and strong and the freshen up and back in trip really worked the oracle today. Hakim, who has had a difficult start to 2022, due to Covid, rode him an absolute treat. Well done to Donna and her team, they are really starting to hit their straps.”

DECEPTION was originally acquired as a yearling by the China Horse Club/Newgate partnership, who fancied him as a Stallion prospect due to his very strong pedigree, for A$750,000 at the 2020 Magic Million Yearling Sale and given to Peter and Paul Snowden to train in Sydney. However after two trials and showing signs of real coltyness, his ownership group decided to sell him unreserved, as they do not race geldings, preferring to focus on Stallion prospects

Fortuna acquired DECEPTION at the April 2021 Inglis Online Sale for just A$65,000, he was  gelded within a couple of days of purchase and shipped to Singapore. He has now accumulated S$105,000 in Stakes money

DECEPTION is raced by the Fortua Deception Syndicate, an ownership group of 37 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia

Fortuna Racing scores a Matamata double with Two year old MARLBOROUGH BAY winning on debut

From a family that Te Akau has great affinity with, Malborough Bay (2 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) debuted with victory in the $12,000 Matamata Veterinary Services Maiden 2YO 1200 metres on 13 May at Matamata.

Malborough Bay had produced a well timed finish to win a trial 19 April at Taupo, and overcame an awkward draw (9) on raceday at Matamata to frank his trials performance.

Ridden by Lisa Allpress, Malborough Bay was posted three wide in third, drew to a narrow advantage 200m out and exuded plenty of tenacity to score by a long neck.

“I was really happy with him,” Allpress said. “He jumped relatively well and even though I was three deep with no cover I just felt he was more comfortable in that part of the track. He cornered really well, came into it nicely and was strong to the line, so it was just a really nice effort.”

“It was a tough effort because he had to race three wide,” said trainer Mark Walker, after saddling the 15thindividual two-year-old winner for the stable this season. “I trained Spin ‘N Grin in her racing career – she was a really good gilly who won thr Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie – she achived a lot in her short racing career and has been a prolific boodmare.”

On Soft5 footing, Malborough Bay ran 1200 metres in 1:11.6, last 600m in 36.1, and returned $8.10 & $2.70 on NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

MARLBOROUGH BAY – wins on debut – Matamata 13th May 2022

Fortuna Racing also had the pleasure of racing Group 1 placed three-quarter sister Burgundy Belle (Burgundy), winner of four races, who is now in foal to exciting young sire Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt), while Spin ‘N Grin has now left six individual winners of 18 races, including Group 1 and Group 3 placed Éclair Lightning (Darci Brahma).

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course with a very large contingent of the Ownership Group “That was a great outcome for this horse” he said, “Jamie Richards and now Mark Walker as Trainer have a lot of time for him and have labelled him a potential NZ 2000 Guineas type. Fortuna has had a lot of success with the progeny of Darci Brahma over the years and we have also had a great relationship with the progeny of Spin ‘N Grin,” Galvin said. “Burgundy Belle had a wonderful career and we also enjoyed success in Singapore with two of her sons, Major Tom and Jack’s Secret. Lovely ride by Lisa, she took a risk in keeping him 3 wide, but correctly assessed the state of the tracxk in making that decision.”

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.

Marlborugh Bay was strapped by Reece Trumper

Fortuna Racing’s Three Year Old Filly HAYATE wins on debut at Matamata

Natural ability shone through when Hayate (3 f Maurice – Vamoose)) produced a winning debut in the $12,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres (eligible $11,500 bonus) on 13 May at Matamata.

Hayate had indicated her readiness at the trials when quickening through late for third over 950 metres on 26 April at Cambridge (poly-track), and benefitted from a positive ride by premiership leading Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin. Showing good gate speed to sit in second place outer at the 800m, Hayate quickened to an advantage on straightening, kicking away by two lengths and kept giving to prevail by a short neck at the line

“I wanted to be one out and one back, but Plan B was outside the leader,” a beaming Joe Kamaruddin said after the finish. “She travelled well and finished really strong.”

On Soft5 footing, Hayate ran 1200 metres in 1:11.2, last 600m in 35.9, and paid $10.60 & $3.25 on TAB tote.

“It was a good ride by Joe and he took bad luck out of the equation,” said trainer Mark Walker. “She’s always been pretty shin sore, probably will be again tonight, and we were touch and go getting her here today, so she’ll go out for a spell with a win under her belt. She’ll be right with a bit more time and could stretch over longer distances.”

Click HERE to see race result and replay

HAYATE – wins on debut – Matamata 13th May 2022

Hayate is from the first crop 0f Arrowfield shuttle stallion  Maurice (Screen Hero), the 2015 Japanese Horse of the Year and both Champion Sprinter and Champion Miler, and now one of the hottest young sires in Japan.

Fortuna Director, John Galvin was on course along with a solid contingent from the ownership group  “Well done to David Ellis and Jamie Richards who picked this filly out for us at the 2020 Karaka Yearling Sale,” he said post race. “When we bought her, Maurice was a first season sire and now he’s more than hit his straps in Australia and Japan. It’s lovely to get the Pearl Series bonus on top of the prize money at an industry day race meeting. It was an excellent ride by Joe Kamaruddin to put her in a handy spot and she was good enough to stay on and win.

Raced by 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 Molly Whiteford.

KING ARTHUR wins the feature race in Singapore 8th May – making it 6 career wins

KING ARTHUR produced another strong winning effort in the feature race, the Class 3 1000 Polytrack event, at Singapore’s Kranji racetrack, Sunday 8th May. The winners of four races in a row late 2021/early 2022. he had run three minor places in this grade since, without winning. Freshened up for this 1000m event, he drew nicely in Barrier One – away well Stable Apprentice, F Yusoff, slotted him into 3rd place in the running just behind the two leaders. Cleverly getting KING ARTHUR off the rail as they turned, he then set out after the leader and with a compelling run down the middle of the Kranji straight, was too strong for his rivals and went to the line with a length to spare

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 15th Training success in 2022 was elated after after the race  “That was a great result for this very talented horse – pre race I thought he may have been a bit under done, but he won very nicely regardless and will take a lot of improvement. He was very well handled by Yusoff, he kept his ammunition to the closing stages – congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna ownership group on recording another Singaore win, their 8th for my stable in 2022”

“King Arthur” – Singapore Win #6 – 08 May 2022

Fortuna Racing’s, John Galvin, watching from his Hamilton home in New Zealand was very delighted “My God, that was a great watch – Yusoff gave him a great ride, got him out into the middle in the run home and chased the leader down in the home straight. Well done to Donna and her team in producing a double for Fortuna Racing on the day.”

Earlier in the programme, OLYMPIA had broken through for his first win in Singapore, at his 6th start in the Fortuna Silks

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after not meeting their expectations, they decided to put him on the market and he was purchased by John Galvin on the advice of former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000. He is raced by the Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$230 000 with six wins, five 2nds and two thirds  from 17 starts in Singapore,

Fortuna Racing’s OLYMPIA breaks through for his first Singapore win

The  four-year-old gelding Olympia (Gingerbread Man – Second Omen)  finally shed his Maiden tag with a compelling victory in the Class 5 1000 meter Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse 8th of May. Narrowly beaten last time when carrying 59 kg, connections made a decision to engage 3kg claiming apprentice rider Jerlyn Seow when the horse was allocated the same weight for this event. Away well from the barrier Olympia settled nicely into third place and held that position in the run – he seemed to be under some pressure as they turned for home, but then mounted a strong finishing burst down the middle of the track to go to the line with a one length margin.

Click HERE to see the race replay

 “OLYMPIA” – 1st win in Singapore 8th May 2021
Fortuna Director John Galvin, was delighted with the result “OLYMPIA has had a frustrating run of minor placings in his previous five starts since we acquired him – he looked all over the winner at his last start, but got run down the last few strides, so it was very satisfying to see him succeed today. I thought he was beautifully ridden by Jerlyn, who is really hitting her straps in what is looking like a burgeoning career for her as a rider in Singapore. Well done to Donna Logan and her team for presening OLYMPIA in such great race order.”
Trainer Donna Logan was also very happy “”Lovely ride by Jerlyn, gave the horse every chance and while it took him a while to wind up, he was too strong in the end – congrats John and Team”
Donna and Fortuna Racing had further success later in the evening when KING ARTHUR won the feature event on the day and making it six career wins in Singapore in doing so.
OLYMPIA was acquired by John Galvin in November 2021 for the sum of S$25,000 as a tried horse (10 starts) from a local Singapore owner – he has how had 6 starts in the Fortuna colours for S$32k in stakes money
He is raced by the Fortuna Olympia Syndicate, an Ownership Group comprising 48 individuals

Khafeef wins at Hawera

Fortuna Racing’s European bred Stayer, KHAFEEF, delivered a strong winning performance when taking out the 2200m Highweight event at Hawera 27th April. Inclined to over race in his races, this time he settled nicely for rider Shaun Fannin, was back in the running, close to last as they turned for home but finished resolutely to win by a short neck on the line. This was his 2nd win in New Zealand and his 3rd career win altogether

Click HERE to see the race replay

KHAFEEF wins at Hawera 27th April – Shaun Fannin aboard

KHAFEEF, who had raced in France as a 3yo for one win and a 2nd from four starts, 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

Fortuna Racing acquires a Churchill 2yo Colt from the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale – Newmarket – UK

What a wonderful run we have been having with our staying types these past few weeks with Leaderboard winning the St Leger at Trentham, Soprano Supreme winning three of her last four races and now embarked on a Brisbane campaign, No Envy wining in Australia at his 2nd second start and Khafeef winning again just last week

With all of that in mind, we are very pleased and excited to announce details on our very latest acquisition – this one has a real twist in the tail, as we are going to start his racing career in the UK

Read more below – he is already proving very popular, so if you are keen to be involved please make contact with me at the link below as soon as possible

Contact John  HERE to express interest

Lot 165 – the 2yo Colt by the Emerging Stallion CHURCHILL out of PARTITA (by Montjeu) has been acquired by the Fortuna Racing/De Burgh Equine combination.

This Irish Bred Colt will stay in the UK and be prepared by Harry Eustace at Newmarket – he will be prepared to have a race or two as a 2yo at the back end of his 2yo season (November 2022). He will then have a break and return to work 1st February 2023 (he becomes a 3yo 1st January 2023) with an obvious target being the Epsom Derby – 12 Furlongs (2400m) in early June 2023. The Derby carries total prizemoney of GBP1.125m (approx NZ$2.1M). If he proved to be not up to Derby Standard, but just a nice handicapper, there would be plenty of “sideways” options for him and in the Autumn (Northern Hemisphere) of 2023, i.e Oct/Nov, we would re-assess and if we thought he would be suitable type for Aus/NZ staying races, then we would bring him “down under”.

As readers would be aware, we have developed a strong relationship with Hubie De Burgh, highly regarded as one of the best International Bloodstock agents – Hubie has helped us acquire Leatherboard, Khafeef and No Envy, so clearly has an eye for the nice staying types. Hubie says, “John, Harry and I picked this Colt out of the Sale as a “must buy” as he looks to be, on type and pedigree, a genuine 10 to 12 Furlong plus type. We secured him “under budget” for you – the buyers at this sale seemed to be more focused on earlier, speedier types, so we seemed to fly under the radar a bit”

This horse will be syndicated by Fortuna to its clients and the general public – Syndicate paperwork still being prepared but shares will be available down to 1% and we are taking expressions of interest at this stage  – $10,000 per 10% share, $5,000 per 5% shares, $2,500 per 2.5 share, $1,000 per 1% share all inclusive of UK Vat, Fees, Insurance and working capital

Ongoing costs start 1 July 2022 at $40 per month per each 1% share

Click HERE to see this outstanding Colt parading at the Sale

Click HERE to listen to Newmarket Trainer Harry Eustace talk about this Colt 30th April

Click HERE to see Pedigree – note that the dam is a half sister to Bauer, who ran 2nd by a nose in the Melbourne Cup.

The Sire, Churchill (Galileo) needs little introduction – a dual Guineas winner (British 2000 Guineas and Irish 2000 Guineas) he won 7 races from 13 starts including 4 Group One wins, 1 at Group 2 and 1 at Group 3. Shuttling between the UK and Australia,his oldest progeny are now 3yos (Northern Hemisphere) and he is the Sire of 44 individual winners and is the leading 2nd season sire in the UK in the 2022 season.

Harry Eustace is a young Trainer with an impeccable pedigree – the older son of James Eustace, a long time Newmarket Trainer (Park Lodge), he worked as James’ assistant Trainer up until April 2021, when James retired and Harry became the licenced trainer in his own right. Harry is also the brother of David, the other half of the highly successful Victorian training partnership of Ciarin Maher/David Eustace. Click HERE to read a profile of Harry and HERE to read more about Park Lodge Stables

Contact John HERE to express interest
CHURCHILL – PARTITA Two Year Old Colt

Friday Flash – 29th April

Headline News;
 
Khafeef wins Highweight event at Hawera with Shaun Fannin aboardbringing up Fortuna’s 17th win so far in 2022


KHAFEEF – wins Hawera  27th April 2022

Singapore Turf Club re opens its doors to the public after two years of “crowd free” attendances
 

Fortuna has six runners this weekend – two in NZ, four in Singapore

New Zealand – Saturday 30th

Ragamuffin will contest the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders Stakes over 1200m at Te Rapa – Race 5 at 2.47pm and will be ridden by Jason Laking from an outside barrier – the winner of two in a row from just three career starts, he then failed to shine, this course this trip 16th April after being away tardily and getting no favours in the run – meets a very strong field here, has a shocking draw to contend with and would need everything to go right to feature

Navalha  races in the Rating 65 1600m – Race 8 @ 4.34 pm – a 2nd placing in the R74 1400 at Avondale and another 2ndplacing in the R65 1400 at Te Rapa 16th April is good form for this race – Opie Bosson to ride – steps up to 1600m for the first time and if he sees the trip out is a good each way chance

SingaporeSaturday 30th

Entertainer races in The Kranji Stakes B Turf event – Race 5 at 6pm NZT – a seven time winner in Singapore, he has been struggling to find form of late and this week races at a trip he has never won at and on a surface that he has never won on – does get a 3 kg allowance and the ace draw but is hard to have in this event

Hidden Promise contests the Class 5 1600 Polytrack event – Race 6 at 6.30pm NZT. This veteran nine year old has won seven races in Singapore in his long career, gets his favourite trip here and is on his winning mark – also carries a featherweight courtesy of Jerlyn Seow’s 3kg claim from a nice barrier draw – can run into the prizemoney here

Hadeer races in the Class 3 1200 Turf event – Race 8 at 7.30pm NZT – a 5 time career winner, Hadeer won three in a row in Singapore in the spring of 2021, has been running good races since without winning – Jake Bayliss rides from barrier 2 – an on pace runner, he can certainly feature in this event – each way

Brutus is in the same race – a 5 time winner in Singapore, including 4 wins since September, he was freshened after a victory in Class 4 this trip 13th March. Leading rider Manoel Nunes sticks with him and he will jump from Barrier 3. Not always easy to make the transit from Class 4 to Class 3, but he is a talented galloper and represents a strong each way chance here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: BRUTUS (9)
Holds a 50% first two placing when racing over this course and distance for the strong Logan stable. Looks well placed and with luck in the run will be in the multiples.
2nd Pick: PATTAYA (10)
Strong statistics for this race with two wins and a placing from three starts over this course and distance. There is only an eight-point spread for this race and looks a big player.
3rd Pick: HADEER (2)
On speed runner who likes to be up there and put the pressure on the field. Rates well for this and performs well in this class. Market watch.
4th Pick: CRYSTAL WARRIOR (5)
Looking for a hat-trick of wins but makes the shift to the turf after being dominant on the Polytrack at his last two starts. Trialed nicely since his last win and must be in contention.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 26th April

Leaderboard (N Parmar) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.15.4.

Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.01.87.

Soprano Supreme (H Durrant) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.3.2.

Thursday 28th April

Ragamuffin (N Parmar) galloped over the 1000 metres in 1.11.5, home in 40.8.
Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.2, home in 41.6.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 23rd April

Trident (Jamil) with Rocky (Aiman) – 600 41;

Tuesday 26thth April

Briggs (Aslam) – 800 39; Brutus (Nunes) – 1000/600 39;

Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 
Hi John and Team – It was too difficult for my tip Mega Bourbon to eat into the two pacemakers big leads in the sprint last week. The rain came 12 hours later. Too little, too late for Mega Bourbon but no excuses really. He simply wasn’t on his A-game. He’ll keep. Let’s turn the page and focus on Saturday 30th

I’m going to be greedy and look for a two-leg multi on Saturday but my confident levels are high.
My first leg is in race two at Te Rapa, The Fearless One. This horse has x-factor written all over him. After winning effortlessly on Oaks Day at Trentham he was allowed to freshen, won a sprint trial at Foxton and went to Woodville to run a game second to Sergio over a mile. He carried two kgs more and of course Sergio backed up to win the Anzac Mile on Monday at Awapuni. Trust me, only bad luck will stop The Fearless winning an important Cup race next year.

My second leg of the multi is Aris Aris who is in race 4 at Wanganui.
This filly impressed immensely at the trials before resuming at at Te Rapa with a game challenge against the talented Te Akau galloper, Cote de Beaune a fortnight ago.  She’s drawn to perfection and her acceleration will see her either leading or trailing the leader. I like her a lot.
When I filed this piece to John G the bookies odds weren’t available, but I’m hoping for a $5-$6 priced  multi with the pair.  At these odds I’d be very happy!

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

Fortuna Shares for Sale

We have shares in two horses currently on our website – the proven two win Irish bred staying type MILESTONE, by Mastercraftsman, whom we have acquired to specifically contest the 2 Mile Cups races in the coming season and the Karaka Yearling, the Merchant Navy – Anchovy Colt “Salty”

MILESTONE, who had been agisting at Phoenix Park near Cambridge since arriving in NZ early March, is now at Catherine Cleghorne’s property at Waiuku Beach, where he will undergo 6 weeks of pre-traing in the beach environment before transferring to the care of Mark Walker at Matamata around the end of May – just 5% left in this nice staying type

Salty” is now 5 weeks into his breaking in programme and is handling everything with aplomb – this fellow has been labelled as a “get up and go Two Year Old type” – just 6.5% left in this classy yearling

Both of these offerings can be viewed on the Fortuna website HERE

MILESTONE – the 6yo Two Win Stayer by Mastercaftsman out of Mission Secrete

“SALTY” – The Merchant Navy-Anchovy Yearling Colt

 

Friday Flash 15th April

Headline News;
 
SOPRANO SUPREME goes back to back at Rotorua giving Fortuna Racing its 16th win for 2022 – 9 in NZ, 6 in Singapore and 1 in Aus
 
SOPRANO SUPREME  to campaign at Queensland Carnival
 

Fortuna has a busy weekend with four runners in New Zealand and three in Singapore

New Zealand – Saturday 16th

KHAFEEF  races at Hastings – he contests the Rating 74 2500m event – the Poverty Bay Cup – Race 5 at 2.47pm –   Apprentice Temyia Taiaroa will ride claiming 2kgs will ride. Two lead up runs over sprint trips have prepared him for this race – wet track won’t bother him – he is very fit – query on the big step in distance, but is proven at this sort of trip – Good place chance

LEADERBOARD will race in the Hawkes Bay Cup (Listed) – Race 7 at 4.03pm and will be ridden by Lisa Allpress. An impressive last start winner at Trentham in the NZ St Leger (2600m) he meets a higher grade of runners here, but has not put a foot wrong since his victory. A genuine staying type who loves to get his toe in the ground and will certainly appreciate the soft track conditions – is right in this and represents a strong each way chance

RAGAMUFFIN contests the 3yo Set Weights and Penalties  1200m event – Race 6 at 3.04pm – this talented 3yo Gelding has carried all before him last two starts with good wins at Hastings and Matamata. Up to Saturday company here and this 3yo event will test him, but successful rider last two starts, Te Akau Apprentice, Parmar Singh, claiming 4kgs, rides again from barrier 2. Not many can win 3 in a row coming through the grades, but “Harry” is as game as they come – can feature in the prizemoney here

NAVALHA races at Te Rapa in the Rating 65 1400m event – Race 9 at 4.52pm and will be ridden by Opie Bosson from Barrier 6 – A strong 2nd placing this trip in R74 Grade at Avondale 2nd April is good form for this race – inclined to be tardy away, but down in grade and if Opie can get him away well, he will be right in the thick of this at the finish

Singapore – Sunday 17th

OLYMPIA races in the Class 5 1100 Polytrack – Race 6 @ 6.30pm (NZT) – Ronnie Stewart retains the mount from a good draw. Still a Maiden, but running consistently in the money – has top weight to carry here but has found Division 2 – can take this out

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: OLYMPIA (1)
Has been in the frame three of his last four attempts. Wouldn’t shock me to see him jump in this field at a very short quote. Looks the one on paper.
2nd Pick: DECRETO (4)
Rarely puts it all together but is a six-time winner in Singapore and is third up this weekend, could improve here.
3rd Pick: HIGH LIMIT (6)
Out of form but has a light wright this weekend in his third run since the blinkers were reapplied.
4th Pick: SAMURAI EXPRESS (2)
Last start was wide without cover and as a result, raced very keen and never got an opportunity to put his best foot forward. Strikes his easiest contest so far this year and he should be beating quite a few of these home.

ENTERTAINER contests the Kranji A Stakes 1200 Polytrack – Race 10 @ 8.30pm NZT – Singapore 2021 Champion rider K Hakim, claiming 1kg, takes the mount. A seven time winner, all at 1100m trips, in Singapore, he meets elite company here at a trip he has never won at. Has a featherweight to carry and gets the ace draw – will need to lift to feature here, but a clever ride could see him run in the money

KING ARTHUR races in the Class 3 1100 Polytrack – Race 11 @ 9pm NZT – Hakim in the saddle – the winner of 5 racers since Oct 2021, including 4 in a row, he was slightly disappointing last start when running 4thback to 1100, ace draw and a top rider aboard, he can redeem himself here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: ARARAT LADY (3)
Classy mare who races well at this level and distance. We haven’t seen her win since the middle of last season but has caught the eye in her last runs and today could be her day.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Arrives in this event carrying topweight and has had a profitable season under the Logan banner. With a comfortable run he will be there in the finish.
3rd Pick: SKY EYE (6)
Rises in grade after a good class 4 win and running good times. If he runs up to that performance and aided by a light weight, he could surprise against these.
4th Pick: HAPPY MOMENT (4)
Continues to race with plenty of consistency and has a 43.9%-win percentage over this course and distance. Don’t leave him out of your picks.

Upcoming week

A bit of action for the Fortuna Team with HAYATE, MARLBOROUGH MAN and INCA BELLE all trialing at Taupo on Tuesday, while the in form MADAME MOET  races at Matamata on Wednesday

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday 12th April

Madame Moet (S Pillay) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.1, home in 39.5.

Ragamuffin (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.1, home in 36.03.

Navalha (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.7, home in 36.4.

Thursday 14th April

Ragamuffin (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.13.6, home in 42.8.

Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.13.6, home in 44.35.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 9th April

Kermajack (Jamil) – C, 1000/600 39; Entertainer (Aiman) – C, 1000/600 42; Brutus (Aiman) – 800/600 37.5; Elliot Ness (Aslam) – 800/600 39;

Tuesday 12th April

Entertainer (Yusoff) – 800/600 38; Elliot Ness (Amirul) – 800/600; Olympia (Ronnie) – 800/600 40; Hidden Promise (Jerlyn) – 800/600 37; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 800/600 36; Trident (Syed) – 600 42;; Brutus (Nunes) – 800/600 36

Other News

SOPRANO SUPREME goes back to back at Rotorua – see story below

Soprano reigns “Supreme” at Rotorua 9th April

Fortuna Racing’s quality race mare SOPRANO SUPREME was on song again at Rotorua 9th April when putting in another dominant performance in taking out the Campbell Infrastructure Rating 74 2200m event. The winner of two of her previous three starts by a combined margin of over eight lengths, this time she was up in Grade, in Saturday Class and was without the benefit of an Apprentice rider’s claim. Away slightly awkwardly in the hands of Opie Bosson, she relaxed nicely in 5th position one out from the rail in the eight horse field. Continuing to travel nicely in the run, Opie was content to sit quiet, but at the 600m mark, he asked the Mare for an effort, she came into the race quickly, was on terms three wide with the leaders as they turned  for home and then sprinted to the line strongly, under a mainly hands and heels ride, to win with a two and a half length margin at the line in a time of 2.16.18 with Rising Storm in 2nd place

Click HERE to see race Video replay

Winning rider Opie Bosson was effusive in his praise after dismounting “She was going to win a long way out,” he said. “She relaxed beautifully, got into a nice position and I was quite confident from the winning post the first time around. I had the horse underneath me, gave her one backhander, and she’ll be a nice staying mare next season.”

“Soprano Supreme” – Win #3 Rotorua 9th April 2022 – Opie Bosson aboard

Trainer Mark Walker, was also quick to give praise “That was a really good win and she’s a progressive mare,” he said, “that was a big step up for her today, but she handled it with a lot of authority. David (Ellis) bought her quite cheaply at Karaka, she is out of a Zabeel mare, and she looks a cups quality mare next season with a bit more maturity on her. A race like the Waikato Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m) could be a good target, but in the meantime we may have a look at the Rotorua Cup on 14th May. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing Ownership Team – that’s their 9th win in NZ so far in 2022”

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on track to celebrate the win with some of his Ownership Group “That was very exciting to watch, she traveled so well in the run and was beautifully ridden by Opie – she seems to be going places and big kudos to Jamie Richards who handled her so patiently during her 2yo and 3yo preparations. Well done to Mark Walker, who has only just stepped back into the Te Akau Head Training role, for training another Fortuna Syndicated horse to win, a habit he has been well used to over the years in both New Zealand and Singapore. Well done to David Ellis also for picking this Mare out for us at the 2019 sale – I specifically recall saying to him ‘please find me a filly that can develop into a Cups horse one day’”

SOPRANO SUPREME – winning post in her sights

Bred by Tim HarrisonSoprano Supreme was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the NZ Bloodstock 2019 Karaka Yearling Sale for $62,500 from the draft of Te Runga Stud.

She is raced by the Fortuna Soprano Supreme Syndicate, an Ownership group of 62 individuals from New Zealand, Singapore  and Hong Kong

SOPRANO SUPREME  to now campaign at Queensland Carnival
While initial plans for Soprano Supreme were to go next to the Rotorua Cup mid May, further discussions between Mark and John on Sunday and Monday has led to a change of plan with a Brisbane campaign now being mapped out beginning with the Gold Coast Cup 2400m 7th May with the Premier’s Cup (Group 3) at Eagle Farm 2400m also being in her sights – ongoing racing from there would be results dependent. This staying type Mare has taken a long time to mature, but she has really hit her straps in 2022 and Mark considers her to have a lot of upside, hence the decision to “up the ante” with her – this plan received unanimous support from her large Ownership Group, many of whom are now “dusting off their passports”

Guest Selector

Des’ selection did not win last week but ran 3rd at good odds of $3.30 the place – here is what he is recommending this week

My special for this week is Tellall in race 8 at Te Rapa. There are  number of reasons why I think this Tony Pike-trained runner can get the job done. He’s been unlucky in recent starts and the key to his prospects this week is the return to the saddle of leading rider Michael McNab. This horse has won 4 races and McNab has been on each time. The last time he was on board four starts ago the combination finished an unlucky second to the talented Te Akau runner, Brando at Ellerslie.

A genuine feature of Tellall’s runs surrounds his very quick final sectionals and he’s either been the quickest or the second quickest over the last 600m in his last 5 starts. At his last start he found the 1200m too short and was left flat footed but with the speedster Rose ‘N’ Power engaged with a 4kgs claim apprentice on board the pace will be hot and a fast finisher like Tellall over his pet distance, 1400m, has me excited at the early bird price of $5.50 and $1.80 on a one unit over three basis

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

MELBOURNE CUP TOUR
Des also tells me he has had significant enquiry from our Fortuna Membership for his 2022 Tour – If you are contemplating or want more detail click HERE to read – still spaces left

Fortuna Shares for Sale

We have shares in two horses currently on our website – the proven two win Irish bred staying type MILESTONE, whom we have acquired to specifically contest the 2 Mile Cups races in the coming season and the Karaka Yearling, the Merchant Navy Colt “Salty”

MILESTONE, who had been agisting at Phoenix Park near Cambridge since arriving in NZ early March, has now travelled to Catherine Cleghorne’s property at Waiuku Beach, where he will undergo 6 weeks of pre-traing in the beach environment before transferring to the care of Mark Walker at Matamata – Click HERE to read full details and to place order

Salty” is now 3 weeks into his breaking in programme and is handling everything with aplomb – this fellow has been labelled as a “get up and go Two Year Old type” Click HERE to read full details and to place order

MILESTONE – the 6yo Two Win Stayer by Mastercaftsman out of Mission Secrete

“SALTY” – The Merchant Navy-Anchovy Yearling Colt