Headline News; 2 nice yearlings acquired at Karaka this week – 1 Colt, 1 Filly – see more below

Fortuna has six runners this week, one in NZ on Saturday and five in Singapore on Sunday

New Zealand

Madame Moet races at Counties Saturday – she contests the R65n 1400m event – Race 7 @ 4.13pm. Drawn nicely at barrier 6, she gets the services of Michael McNab. Freshened since her impressive Maiden win at Matamata late January, and a strong trial performance since, she is in contention here. She is a Mare who has shown she prefers some sting out of the track, but is she copes with what will be a firm track Saturday, she is a good each way chance
 

Singapore

Olympia is in the Class 5 1100m Poly – Race 1 @ 5pm NZT and will be ridden by CC Wong from barrier 7 in a 12 horse field. Has had 2 starts in the Fortuna Silks for a 3^rd and a 2^nd. Been working well, has a reasonable draw and a very good rider. Good each way chance

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

1st Pick: GOLDEN DASH (4)
Typical Argentinian-bred who loves the all-weather. Won with something in hand at his last start when the blinkers came off. Will be hard to catch if he gets his own way in front again, but has drawn off the track this time. Stiffer task but not without claims for a double dose.
2nd Pick: LIM’S UNIQUE (5)
Always thereabouts these days. Working well on the training tracks. Nice low draw. Will give the selection a run for his money.
3rd Pick: OLYMPIA (10)
Been knocking on the door. Gives the impression he would be more effective over a longer trip. Include in calculations.
4th Pick: RESURGENCE (7)
First-up and may need the run and more ground. Will probably drop back from the wide alley. If they roll along, he may sneak into the minors.

DECEPTION contests the Restricted Maiden 1200 Turf – Race 2 @ 5.30pm NZT. Four race day starts for 2 thirds and 2 seconds, this high quality son of I Am Invincible is knocking on the door. Drawn mid field with CC Wong in the saddle, he is back in trip with blinkers on and plan is to ride him conservatively and let him finish strong. Has a lot of class about him and is a strong each way chance here

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

1st Pick: DECEPTION (3)
Four placings in as many starts. Won’t be long before he breaks his duck and Sunday could see him do that. Pinched ground off the smart Alqantur last time out. Blinkers on. Horse to beat.
2nd Pick: STREET OF DREAMS (11)
Powerful big-striding colt who registered two barrier trial wins by a margin. Has drawn an alley. Seems versatile enough – can lead or take a drop. Go close.
3rd Pick: EALAMI (8)
Won narrowly at his two barrier trials but ran time on both occasions. May be inexperienced but looks like a horse who doesn’t fret at taking gaps. Forward run expected on debut even if the awkward alley throws a dampener.
4th Pick: SUNSET (4)
Resuming. Showed some potential at first prep. Not fully tested at his second barrier trial but still held his ground nicely for third. Blinkers and shadow roll off. Has drawn off the track but still bears watching.

Hidden Promise contests the Class 5 1600 Poly – Race 8 @ 8.30 NZT with CC Wong in the saddle – a 3rd placing at 1200m and a 2^nd placing at 1400m last two starts indicate that this spritely 9yo will relish the 1600m trip, a distance that he has won at 6 times in his career. Beautifully drawn in barrier 2 and just 53.5kgs to carry, he is a good chance of making it career win No 8 here

Hadeer is in the Class 3 1200 Turf – Race 9 at 9pm NZT with Aus expat rider Jake Bayliss taking the mount for the first time. Disappointed somewhat last start, but previous form had been good. Has won four times in Singapore including a win in this grade – likes to be on speed and gets a good gate here to take advantage of that. Represents a good each way chance here

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

1st Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (8)
Low-flying at the moment winning his races in dominant style. Trialled nicely for this after being scratched with hoof issue a few weeks back. Manoel Nunes sticks and looks the danger.
2nd Pick: HADEER (2)
Not much luck last start in a hot speed race and failed to finish off after burning early. Senior jockey jumps on and with the right run can be there in the finish.
3rd Pick: MOONGATE STAR (5)
First-up since November last year and had a few trials to have him fit for his. Oscar Chavez rides and could be a danger fresh.
4th Pick: BE BEE (4)
Impressive winner two starts ago and makes the switch back to the turf. Has a great record over the course and distance and is a multiple group winner in his younger days.

BRUTUS races in the Class 4 1200 Turf, Race 11 @ 10pm, he will be ridden from barrier 12 by Singapore’s leading rider, Manoel Nunes – this classy son of Rubick has won 4 times in Singapore and has run 1^st or 2^nd 6 times in his last 7 starts, but has not been able to get a decent barrier draw for a while, but if Nunes can get him away to a flier, he can certainly feature here

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

1st Pick: BRUTUS (2)
Gets the services of our leading jockey Manoel Nunes and has very strong form figures for here. Can be adaptable in the run and if he gets luck from a wide barrier will be there in the finish.
2nd Pick: WAR PRIDE (3)
Consistently running into the placings at his last four starts and Oscar Chavez returns from suspension. Just missed last start and with a similar run can be dangerous in this race.
3rd Pick: CHAMPAGNE FINALE (8)
Has not been seen since middle of November when finishing seventh. Goes well in the grade and loves a wet track. Keep an eye on the weather leading into this.
4th Pick: STENMARK (5)
Although drawn wide needs to be kept safe with a lot of form coming out of his races. If Jake Bayliss can plot a course from a wide gate his best can have him in the multiples.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 8th March

Madame Moet (S Pillay) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.7, home in 37.

Thursday 10th March

Leaderboard (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.31, last 600 46.

Madame Moet (S Pillay) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.10.4, home in 40.1.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 8th March

Olympia (Saimee) – 1000/600 40; Brutus (Nunes) – 1000/600 37; Hadeer (Jake Bayliss) – 1000/600 40; Deception (CC Wong) – C, 800/600 38; Hidden Promise (CC Wong) – C, 1000/600 39; Kermajack (Jerlyn) with Tightwad (Jamil) – 600 42

Other News

Fortuna Acquires Two Yearlings at Karaka

Day One of the sale saw us strike relatively early acquiring Lot 85  – the Merchant Navy – Anchovy Colt. Given a B + by the “brains trust” of David Ellis, Jamie Richards, Mark Walker, Joe Walls and Marcus Corban, the team described this Colt, who was offered by Cambridge Stud, as a real “ get up and go 2yo type” who could be a genuine contender to make the 2023 Karaka Million. Not having had a runner in the KM since Melody Belle won in 2017, I was keen to acquire exactly this type of horse, subject to budget. Budget was $80k and he was knocked down to us for $60k, so a good outcome – he is a lovely walking Colt with a very nice pedigree page, with the dam sire being the mighty Galileo and from a  very strong UK/Irish family. Read more about “Salty” below.

Fortuna acquires a Merchant Navy Colt from the NZ Bloodstock Yearling Sale – A definite “Karaka Million” Type

Lot 85 – the Yearling Colt by the Emerging Stallion MERCHANT NAVY out of ANCHOVY (By Galileo) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination

Given the stable name “Salty” he will now spell at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in and will then be prepared for racing in New Zealand by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata.

David Ellis comments about this Colt “Merchant Navy was a great racehorse and is an exciting young stallion and this Colt looks to have many of his attributes. On the dam side, he is out of a Galileo mare, out of a Storm Cat mare, and Kingmambo mare and you can’t get better international blood than that – he is closely related to two European Champions, DUKE OF MARMALADE and RULER OF THE WORLD, both who have gone on to be very good Stallions at Stud – This Colt looks like he’s going to be an early Two Year Old runner, I gave him a B + when assessing him and is particularly good buying at the price we secured him for.”

Click HERE to listen to the Te Akau and Fortuna Trainer Mark Walker, talk about this high quality Colt

This Colt 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 NOW  – $11,000 per 10% share, $5,500 per 5% share, $2,750 per 2.5 share, $1,100 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2023 and working capital

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

Click HERE to see the Sales Page for this Colt, including a parade clip – he has been given the Stable Name “SALTY”

Click to see Pedigree  Pedigree

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest

We then patiently waited for the first day of Book 2 on Thursday, as we had identified Lot 775, a Reliable Man grey Filly out of a winning Encosta De Lago Mare, as a genuine Oaks type staying filly and these are the sorts of fillies we like to buy. As always, Fortuna buys to budget and for this Filly we had set a budget of $50k but did feel she may make less, given that it was Book 2 and much of the International buying bench had filled their orders from Book 1 – and so it proved with this Filly getting knocked down to us for $35k – exceptional value here.
Read more about “Grace” below

Fortuna acquires a Reliable Man Filly from the NZ Bloodstock Yearling Sale

Lot 775 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Sire of  RELIABLE MAN out of CONFERRE (By Encosta De Lago) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination

Given the stable name “Grace”, she will now spell at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in and will then be prepared for racing in New Zealand by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata
Mark Walker  comments about this Filly “This lovely Grey Filly is well grown, very athletic, looks to be a genuine Staying type – an Oaks type filly for sure – her pedigree page matches her type, being by the veteran Sire of so many good stayers, Reliable Man and out of an Encosta De Lago mare who won 4 times in Australia up to 2400m – this girl is bred to stay and is superb value at the price we got her for. I can’t wait to get her into my Stable”

Click HERE to listen to the Te Akau and Fortuna Trainer Mark Walker, talk about this lovely Filly

This Filly 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 NOW  – $8,000 per 10% share, $4,000 per 5% share, $2,000 per 2.5 share, $800 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2023 and working capital.

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

Click HERE to see the Sales Page for this Filly including a parade clip – she has been given the Stable Name “Grace”

Click to see Pedigree–

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest

Paperwork is still being finalised for both of these lovely yearlings, but we are taking expressions of interest  on both horses  HERE or call/text John direct 021 921 460

Other Opportunities

Most New Zealand racing fans love Stayers and harbour dreams of having a contender in one of the big “Cups” races, be it the NZ Cup, Wellington Cup or Auckland Cup. If that is you, now here is your chance to take a share in a “ready made” Cups staying type. We have acquired the UK bred 6yo MILESTONE, a genuine staying type on pedigree and a winner at distance in France and Victoria, from his Melbourne based owners – he has been transported to NZ and will be aimed at those “big three” Cups events in the coming season – read all about Milestone on the Fortuna website HERE – Shares available at $800 per each 1% and $40 per month from 1 April

We have also acquired an outstanding Yearling Filly, from the last crop of the most successful Stallion the racing world has ever seen, MORE THAN READY – picked out of the recent Inglis Classic Sale by Mark Walker, this Filly, out of a four time winning Bernadini Mare, represents excellent value at $1200 for each 1% share and $40 per month from 1 April – Read all about “MTR” HERE  Only a few shares left, so be quick if this one appeals

Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival – United Kingdom

For jumps racing fans this festival is the highlight of the year – Jumps Racing is hugely popular in the UK and Ireland and the Irish have dominated the Festival in recent years – and this year, based on form, look to do so again. Interestingly enough the Irish eight year old Gelding “GALVIN” is one of the favourites for the feature, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, run – see some info below about this great race

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious contest in jump racing and has been won by some of the greatest horses in the history of the sport. The Grade 1 chase provides the highlight of the four-day Cheltenham Festival and, with prize-money of £625,000, is the most valuable jumps race in Britain and Ireland after the Grand National. The Gold Cup represents the ultimate challenge for the very best staying chasers, with 22 fences to be jumped during the relentless three miles and two and a half furlongs, and a punishing finish up the famous Cheltenham hill. Among the greats to have won the race are Golden Miller, Mill House, Arkle, Best Mate and Kauto Star.

Galvin, trained by Gordon Elliot, is the winner of 7 from 12 over the big fences. Click HERE to see him winning at the 2021 Festival

The carnival is run over consecutive days, commencing Tuesday 15^th March and ending Friday 18^th with the Gold Cup run on the last day

Click HERE to listen to Trainer, Mark Walker, talk about “ZOI”

SOPRANO SUPREME – the 4yo racemare by Contributer out of Falsetto completely dominated her rivals in the Rating 65 1950 metere event at Rotorua 3rd March.  Unlucky at her last start at Ruakaka, due to being slow away, riding instructions to the very much in form Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin (claiming 1kg) were to go foward from the draw and take up a prominent position in the run. Joe executed this to perfection, she traveled nicely in the run, applied pressure to her rivals before the turn and sprinted home on straightening, at one point being six lengths clear in the straight, before being eased down and going to the line with 3.5 lengths to spare

Click HERE to see the race Video replay

Trainer Jamie Richards watching from his Matamata base commented “She was great today wasn’t she? We had gone up to Ruakaka, expecting her to run really well and I was disappointed that she missed the kick and ended up back and then rattled home. She looked good, but had she been up in the race she probably would have been winning, simple as that. I made it clear to Joe (Kamaruddin): give her a good warm up, keep her on her toes before the start, get her out of the barrier and she’ll be awfully hard to beat. So it proved and she’s a progressive mare. She’s been given plenty of time to mature by John Galvin and his Fortuna Team and she’ll only continue to improve next season”

“Soprano Supreme” – Victorious at Rotorua 3rd March 2022

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was on course and said afterwards “That was a big thrill to watch her win like that – Obviously she won very well in Maiden grade at Matamata, and a bit unlucky last start at Ruakaka, the way the race was run, but today she got away well and in the end was just too dominant for the rest of the field – She’s a mare that’s needed time and Jamie  has certainly given her the opportunity. She’s by Contributer and out of a Zabeel mare, so bred to stay. We bought her as a stayer and she’s now starting to hit her straps. Horses like her are not easy to come by and she seems to be a really nice staying mare in the making. She’ll be up to Rating 74 grade now and providing she comes through the race in good order I guess it would be nice to give her a crack at that grade, see if we could get a win there, and then put her out.When she comes back in, she’ll be eligible for the Karaka Stayers race, Dunstan Feeds Stayers Series, those sorts of races could be targets for her and hopefully she could develop into a Cups type mare. We’ve had three wins in two days and 11 wins in nine weeks. And we still have four more runners, if you include Singapore, before we get to the end of the nine weeks this Saturday – well done to Joe Kamaruddin, he is riding in white hot form of late”

Soprano Supreme was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna 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

Headline News; 3 winners from 4 starters last 2 days for Fortuna racing – that’s 11 wins for 2022 in just under 9 weeks – 6 in NZ, 5 in Singapore

Fortuna has four runners this week, two in NZ and two in Singapore

New Zealand

Navalha races at Ellerslie Saturday 5^th March in the Rating 74 1200m event – race 7 @ 3.55pm and will be ridden by Jonathan Parkes from Barrier 6 – 5^th this grade and course 1100m in January but was tardy away with no luck in the running – he is ready for this – strong field, but if he jumps well can certainly feature

Dancarina also races at Ellerslie – the Rating 65 1400m – race 10 at 5.49pm. Matthew Cameron takes the mount – an impressive last start winner at Ruakaka 9^th February this trip, she is ready to step up here – has drawn wide, so rider choice of tactics on jumping will be important – if she jumps well, he will press forward, if average will go back – will need luck, but if she gets it is an each way chance

Singapore

Entertainer is in the Class 2 1100m Poly – Race 6 @ 7.30pm NZT and will be ridden by Harry Kasim from barrier 4 in an 8 horse field. A last start winner at this trip and grade and boasting 7 wins from 9 starts this trip and surface, he is the one to beat. Meets a strong field here, including his stable mate King Arthur, who has won  his  last 4 in a row. An on speed runner, he is a strong each way chance here in a good field.

King Arthur contests the same race – has taken all before him with 5 wins in Singapore to date, the last 4 in a row. Jumps from the Ace barrier with CC Wong in the saddle – hard not to like on form but is up in Grade here– represents a strong each way chance and can win if things go right for him

Here is what the STC Tipsters have to day about this race

1st Pick: KING ARTHUR (4)
Looking for five wins straight and again finds himself in a nice race down in the weights from the ace draw. The drop back to 1100 is a positive if anything for a speedy horse like him.
2nd Pick: ARARAT LADY (6)
Finds herself meeting Entertainer 4kg better at the weights this time around. Trial win suggests she has progressed well since her first-up run.
3rd Pick: ENTERTAINER (2)
Almost finds himself at the top of the weight scale in this field after last-start victory. As much as the win was super, the ride got him there. He will find this tougher having to spot some nice horses a bit of weight but is seven from nine track and distance, so he must be respected.
4th Pick: NOWYOUSEE (1)
Carried an extra kg in his first-up run for 2022 and went super behind Lim’s Kosciuszko. Drops in class and carries more weight here as a result but last start deserves plenty of respect.

Who will hold court – the “King” or the “Joker” (Entertainer’s stable name is “Joker”)

Here is a good story from the STC website on this clash;

If Donna Logan had her own way, her two prolific Fortuna NZ Stable runners Entertainer and King Arthurwould not have clashed in the same race this Saturday.
But the racing calendar is such that the New Zealand trainer didn’t really have any other option but to let the collision course take place.
They both race in the $85,000 Class 2 race over 1100m, and as much as she would have preferred not to put all her eggs in one basket, it is comforting for her to know the two on-speed runners have both drawn low in the eight-horse contest.

King Arthur, a five-time winning (including four at last four starts) four-year-old by I Am Invincible has drawn an alley while Entertainer, a seven-time winning five-year-old by Zoustar, will break from barrier four.
“Of course, I would rather not have them in the same race, but there were no other races for them. I didn’t have much of a choice,” said Logan.
“The next available race is a Class 3 race over 1200m on March 13 and then it’s all the way till April 30 for another Class 3 1200m. Looks like they’ll have to run together again.”
Like a mother who won’t be drawn into choosing a favourite child, Logan won’t split them, but she has a pretty good idea who would be in front of who in the running.
“They’ve both got gate speeds. The draws were the determining factor, and the good news is they have both drawn well,” she said.
“Between the two, Entertainer is the quicker out of the gates and I reckon he will lead, but King Arthur won’t be far behind.
“They’re both in very good order. Both have been working well and both Jimmy (Wong Chin Chuen on King Arthur) and Harry (A’Isisuhairi Kasim on Entertainer) have given great feedback on them.
“Obviously, King Arthur will be up in class, but he’s always so well in himself. He’s incredibly well and to this point, I don’t see why he can’t measure up.”

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 1^st March
Soprano Supreme (A Gujar) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.15, last 600 in 45.6.
Dancarina (A Gujar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.6, home in 36.8.

Thursday 3^rd March

Dancarina (A Gujar) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres to time, home in 41.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 26th Feb

King Arthur (CC Wong) – 1000/600 38.5;

Tuesday 1^st March

Olympia (Aslam) – 1000/600 38; Hidden Promise (Jake) – 800/600 37King Arthur (CC Wong) – 800/600 38.5; Entertainer (Harry K) – C, 800/600 39

Other News

Fortuna winners RAGAMUFFIN and MOHAWK BRAVE make it a double for the Fortuna Racing Team Hastings 2nd March

Fortuna Shares available

Most New Zealand racing fans love Stayers and harbour dreams of having a contender in one of the big “Cups” races, be it the NZ Cup, Wellington Cup or Auckland Cup. If that is you, now here is your chance to take a share in a “ready made” Cups staying type. We have acquired the UK bred 6yo MILESTONE, a genuine staying type on pedigree and a winner at distance in France and Victoria, from his Melbourne based owners – he has been transported to NZ and will be aimed at those “big three” Cups events in the coming season – read more below – order shares HERE

About MILESTONE – the Six Year Old Gelding by Mastercraftsman out of Mission Secrete

MILESTONE was bred in France, a son of the hugely successful Stallion, Mastercraftsman, out of the winning Galileo Mare, Mission Secrete. After winning in France as a 3yo over 2400m, he was acquired in 2020, for a very substantial 6 figure sum, by the high profile Australian racing organisation OTI Racing, who saw him as a potential candidate for the major staying races in Australia. He started 17 times for them in Australia and although showing reasonable form, including a win at Moe and a 2^nd at Moonee Valley in December 2021, he clearly was not meeting their expectations as a staying type good enough to contest the Major staying races in Australia and so with new racing stock arriving from the UK, they decided to move him on and offered him via the Inglis Digital site

Milestone was identified by Mark Walker as an ideal candidate for New Zealand staying races, such as the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland Cups – Mark’s assessment based on his pedigree and recent Australian form. John Galvin acquired Milestone from the February Inglis Digital Sale for just A$30,000.

Having arrived in NZ 24^th February, MILESTONE is now agisting at Phoenix Park, near Cambridge until the 20th March – he will then go to Waiuku Beach, south of Auckland where he will undergo 4 to 6 weeks of pre-training at the beach ahead of heading to the Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata, where he will be in the care of the Fortuna/Te Akau Trainer, Mark Walker, who will set him on a path toward the NZ Cup ($250k) at Riccarton in November 2022.

Pedigree
MILESTONE possesses an exceptional staying pedigree – he is by the Irish bred Stallion, Mastercraftsman, the sire of over 840 winners, including 86 Stakes winners. This Coolmore based shuttle Stallion who, sadly, passed away in 2021 at the age of 15, stood for several seasons at Windsor Park Stud in the Waikato, and is best known in New Zealand for the deeds of his Group One winners, The Auld Floozie, St Emilion, Valley Girl and Danzdanzdance. Milestone’s Dam, Mission Secrete (by Galileo) was a winner in France at 2900m, is a sister to the One Thousand Guineas (UK) winner, Miss France and is the dam of four winners, including Mask Of Time (by Holy Roman Emperor) a Group 3 winner in Australia with multiple Stakes race placings. This is an exceptional pedigree with a strong staying emphasis over several generations.

Click HERE to view Milestone’s pedigree

Physical type
Standing 16.1 hands high and with a weight of 510kgs approximately, MILESTONE is a handsome bay, who walks well, has no vices and has a smooth, economical galloping action. He was fully vetted by the Victorian Vet, Dr Maxine Brain on 10^th February – Dr Brain conducted a full physical exam including flexion tests, trot ups, tendon and ligament x-rays and scope and he passed him suitable to race.

MILESTONE at Phoenix Park – 24th February 2022

Click HERE to see Milestone parading at Phoenix Park near Cambridge in New Zealand – this taken 24th February shortly after he arrived from Australia

Training/Racing Performance
Milestone was initially trained in France where he had one start as a 2yo and six starts as a 3yo, winning a Maiden race over 2400m at his 2^nd 3yo start. After being acquired by OTI in 2020, he travelled to Australia (Victoria) and was assigned to the Training barn of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young for whom he started 17 times in two campaigns. His first campaign of 7 starts brought only a couple of minor placings, but after a good 115 day spell and showing the benefits of acclimatisation, he ran into form in his second campaign with 8 starts over a 4 month period producing a win over 2400m, a 2^nd over 3000m, and two 3rds over 2000m and 2200m. He is clearly a type who needs distance to be at his best.

Click HERE to see Milestone winning at Moe in Victoria December
Click HERE to see Milestone running 2^nd over 3000m at Moonee Valley

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)
“John and I were on the lookout for a European bred staying type that had good form credentials in Sydney or Melbourne, with the aim of acquiring a horse suitable to tackle the iconic staying races in NZ such as the NZ Cup and Wellington Cup. I came across Milestone on the Inglis Digital site and while it was apparent that he was a length or two off the best Victorian Stayers, his recent form over distance trips was very good and, given the current weakness in the New Zealand Staying ranks, I thought he would be ideal for NZ Racing.

I am now back in New Zealand and in the next few weeks will take over from Jamie Richards as Head Trainer for Te Akau Racing in NZ and I am really looking forward to preparing Milestone for John Galvin and his Fortuna Ownership Team for his racing career here in NZ.” 

Click HERE to listen to Mark Walker talk about Milestone

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“Over the last five years we have selected four Irish/UK bred staying types as “tried horses”, Chance to Dance, Leaderboard, Khafeef and No Envy – the latter has yet to race for us but the previous 3 have all won at distance trips – this has given us good background experience in knowing what to look for. Milestone has proven he is quite capable of winning races and his form over the distance trips in France and Victoria indicate that he should well be up to being very competitive under NZ conditions. We have not paid a lot of money for this horse and I am looking forward to his syndicate Members getting a great ride for their money. Milestone represents great value at this money for potential investors”

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
Click HERE to read Disclosure Statement – Click HERE to read Syndicate Agreement

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000– 5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Inglis Series Entry Fee, Transport to New Zealand, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $8,500
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Purchase a share in Milestone today at the link HERE or contact us for more information.

Fortuna has also acquired an outstanding Yearling Filly, from the last crop of the most successful Stallion the racing world has ever seen, MORE THAN READY – picked out of the recent Inglis Classic Sale by Mark Walker, this Filly represents excellent value – Shares available HERE

About The Yearling Filly by More Than Ready out of Liten Prinsessa (“MTR”)

This Filly by More Than  Ready (now given the stable name “MTR”) was selected by the Fortuna and Te Akau Trainer, Mark Walker, from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale held in Sydney.
Mark had been working on a brief provided to him by Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin to select a strongly pedigreed, physically correct Yearling filly, who could potentially make a 2yo, but had the scope to develop into a quality 3yo and older horse. As always, Fortuna had set a budget – this time of A$70k. Mark had identified three Fillies to target, but the Sale was very strong and these went for over budget. On sale completion, Mark went through the passed in lots and observed that Lot 25, the More Than Ready Filly had been passed in – she had not been on Mark’s original list as, being by More Than Ready out of a very good family, he thought she would make a lot more than the Fortuna budget. Seeing that she had been passed in at A$60,000 we checked Scope and X Ray reports  – she was a Grade 1 on the scope and had clean X Rays – we then requested a physical exam by the Hunter Valley based Vet, Dr Paddy Todhunter, and she passed without issue. Mark then negotiated with her Vendors, Vinery Stud and we secured her for her passed in price of A$60,000 – great value given the quality of her pedigree page and a Sales Average A$123,000 (30% up on 2021)

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $12,000– 5% share $6,000– 5% share $3,000 – 1% share $1,200
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Inglis Series Entry Fee, Transport to New Zealand, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $7,000
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

KARAKA YEARLING SALES

Delayed until March this year because of Covid issues the historic annual yearling sale gets underway on Sunday, the 6^th of March – David, Mark and Jamie between them have inspected all of the yearlings on offer, have done the research and homework have drawn up a short list  (which gets shorter by the day) and are currently conducting final inspections – Fortuna will be buying as usual two or three and sticking to our usual “quality but value” formula – keep a look out on our website for updates and of course we will also be communicating details on our offerings via our newsletters.

Interestingly enough I acquired my first yearling at Karaka in 2003 an d have bought at every sale since – so 2022 will be 20 years consecutive for me. David Ellis selected that first yearling for me, a Kapstaad Filly, named KAPSDAN, who won four times as a 2yo including the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes in race record time – her success paved the way for subsequent investment into Darci Brahma and led to me establishing the Fortuna business. It has been a great ride and, for me, the very best part is the joy and excitement that winning races brings to our clients – talking of winners, I calculate that Soprano Supreme’swin yesterday was the 225th winner we have had over the years!!!

Fortuna Trialists

Avondale trials 1^st March saw 3 Fortuna runners as follows

Madame Moet – 4yo Mare – freshened after her Maiden win at Matamata in January, she ran 3^rd in the Open Catchweight 1000m with Opie Bosson aboard – lovely trial finishing under no pressure – she is down to race Pukekohe Saturday 12^th March R651400

Prince Lonhro – 2yo Gelding – first trial – got back in running over the 800m trip – wide on turn, finished strongly for 3^rd in an attractive effort – will trial again 2 weeks time

Angels Wings – 2yo Filly – 2^nd trial this prep, no luck in running – trialed well enough but has trained off – lovely filly, she will now go to paddock for a spell and return to work mid to late May to prepare for her 3yo season

The Fortuna Three Year Old Geldings, RAGAMUFFIN and MOHAWK BRAVE certainly produced the goods with each of them winning their respective races at Hastings on 2nd March and both ridden by emerging Te Akau apprentice rider, Niranjan Parmar. RAGAMUFFIN (Belardo – Short Tale) MOHAWK BRAVE (Extreme Choice-Ben’s Duchess) scored his 3rd win from just four race day starts

RAGAMUFFIN, who carries the stablename “Harry”, was away well in the Maiden 1200m event, traveled nicely in the run in 2nd place, was in the centre of 3 runners as they turned, with stable mate Pisco Sour on his outside and Thatsmorelikeit on his inside and, remarkably, these three fought out a ding dong battle all the way up the straight, with RAGAMUFFIN, in a head bobbing finish, getting the decisive bob in right on the line.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“He showed a bit of ticker in a tight finish and the three-kilo allowance was a big help,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “He fought, displayed tenacity, and got his head down at the right time. He didn’t have much luck at his last start and we’d been happy with him after a break and trialled well since. It was good to see him win like that.”

 Ragamuffin in action  Hastings 2nd March 2022

Fortuna Racing Boss, John Galvin, was on track at Hastings, to watch his charges perform. “Whew, what a finish, Ragamuffin was definitely headed by his stable mate in the last 100m, but then he fought back, but in the meantime, the inside horse was also coming again – watching the replay, I thought we were a chance of getting the judges call and so it proved. Congrats to Jamie Richards, he made the call to freshen Harry after his last start, believing that he just needed to strengthen up a bit and a winning trial a couple of weeks ago showed that he was on the right track. Well done to Parmar as well for a great ride, he showed experience beyond his years in a tight finish like that.”

RAGAMUFFIN was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2020 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale,  for $80,000, from the draft of Lilywhites Lodge and was bred by Paul Moroney and Catherine Bruggeman

He is raced by the Fortuna Ragamuffin Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 31 individuals

Two races later, it was MOHAWK BRAVE’S turn to shine in the 3yo Set Weights and Penalties 1400m event. The winner of his first two races in late October and late December 2021, MOHAWK had come up short in the Group 3 1200 at Ellerslie on Karaka Million evening after enduring a torrid run from a wide draw, but had stepped up in trip to contest this 1400m event. Drawn out but in a small field of sevem Parmar had him away well, then steadied into a one out, one back position. Traveling nicely, he was poised to challenge as they turned, but the Allan Sharrock trained Per Inaway, also the winner of 2 of his 3 raceday starts was in for the fight, however MOHAWK BRAVE, showing his exceptional turn of foot once again, was too strong in the closing stages and went to the line with a half length margin and 3.5 lengths back to the 3rd horse

Click HERE to see the race replay

“He’s putting together a good record,” said trainer Jamie Richards, securing his 13^th winner in 10 ten days. “He’s a pretty handy horse, by a really good stallion, Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt), just run off his feet last time and the 1400 metres suited him. He was very well ridden by Parmar, able to take up a position one out and one back. Once he got to the outside in the straight he really finished it off well. I’m very happy with the way that he’s going and he’s a promising horse. He freshened up nicely, off 39 days, and the team have a done a great job to present him at the races in such good order. And great to see Parmar ride this horse wo win agin – he is unbeaten on him to date”

Richards said that all going well, Mohawk Brave could take his place against talented stable-mates in $260,000 Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) on NZ Oaks Day (19 March) at Trentham.

MOHAWK BRAVE – 3rd career win – Hasings 2nd March 2022

Celebrating the second Fortuna victory on the day, John Galvin said: “It was an interesting test for Mohawk to go to 1400 metres today and he didn’t get it all his own way. The Sharrock (trained) horse (Per Inaway) was in for the fight, and he’s got ability as well, so it was very satisfying to see Mohawk Brave get up in the end. With his pedigree, we thought he would be an out and out sprinter, and maybe he is, but when Johnathan Parkes got off him at Ellerslie, in the group three Almanzor Trophy, he said this horse could be 1400m – 1600m. So that’s why we brought him to the 1400m today, in order to test him at the trip, and it now brings the Levin Classic into play. It won’t be easy, it’s a mile, and has to run against some pretty good horses but he deserves the opportunity. Nice effort by Jamie to have this horse going as well as he is, he has had some fetlock issues, but Jamie has been spacing his races nicely and making good use of the water walker”

Mohawk Brave was originally purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for A$160,000 as a yearling at the Inglis Classic Sale, but after two moderate trial’s results and showing signs of coltyness, his Ownership group decided to move him on  and John Galvin bought him for A$65,000 in January 2021 at the Inglis Digital Sale on the recommendation of Te Akau Trainer, Mark Walker

MOHAWK BRAVE  is raced by the Fortuna Mohawk Syndicate, an ownership group of 42 Individuals, in the main, New Zealanders, but with ownership representation in Australia and Malaysia as well

Fortuna has four runners this week, one in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

Leaderboard races at Matamata in the R74 2000m event – Race 9 @ 5.12pm, had no favours this trip Awapuni at last start from wide draw – jumps from barrier 1 in this 12 horse field and the in form Joe Kamaruddin takes 2kgs off his back – is an each way chance here – any rain would assist

Singapore

Hidden Promise is in the Class 5 1600m Turf  – Race 4 @ 5.30pm NZT, but is Emergency 2 and so may not get a start – back to his pet distance after two very good placings at shorter trips – Apprentice rider K Yusoff takes 3kgs of his back – right in this if he gets a start

Hadeer races in the Class 3 1200 Turf – Race 10 @ 9.30pm NZT. Run of the race last start when beaten into 2^nd place by his Fortuna stablemate, King Arthur. Back to the Turf for this – Jerlyn Seow takes 3kgs off his back – drawn well and loves to lead – right in this up to his ears and deserves to be a short priced favourite

Here is what the STC Tipsters have to day about this race

1st Pick: HADEER (2)
Ran a cracking second to stablemate King Arthur last time out despite being caught wide throughout. Has pulled up in great order and will be hard to beat.
2nd Pick: PROSPEROUS RETURN (3)
Resuming since creditable fifth to Hard Too Think in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) last October. Well drawn. Goes well fresh and won’t surprise if he goes well first-up.
3rd Pick: SURE WILL DO (5)
Resuming after bleeding attack. Has had two barrier trials under the belt and looks fit enough for his comeback. First-up record is second to none. Nice low draw. Earmuffs, tongue-tie on, crossover noseband off. Keep safe.
4th Pick: SONGGONG HERA (1)
Every chance last start but could not quite measure up. Has drawn off the track but is still in great form and can bounce back here.

Brutus contests the Class 4 1200 Turf  – Race 11 @ 10pm – racing in Super form with 3 wins and 2 2nds from his last 5 starts this trip and surface – has barrier 11 to overcome though – will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 3kgs – race plan is to be positive from the gates and if that comes off, he is a strong each way chance

Here is what the STC Tipsters have to day about this race

1st Pick: STENMARK (5)
Slow to begin but rattled home for third last time out. If he jumps on terms this time, watch out for his turn of foot. Wide barrier doesn’t really bother him as he gets back.
2nd Pick: BRUTUS (1)
Loves this course and distance. Three of his four wins were recorded over 1200m on turf. May be vulnerable again from the awkward alley. Donna Logan could still get the quinella here.
3rd Pick: SPEEDY MISSILE (6)
Or even the trifecta if we throw in that last-start winner. Was hemmed in behind runners last start but burst through once he got the gap. Has trained on and can finish in the money.
4th Pick: WAR PRIDE (4)
Runner-up to Speedy Missile last time out. The 2.5kgs turnaround may give him the upperhand this time. Strong claims.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 22nd Feb

Leaderboard (N.Parmar) galloped nicely over 1200 metres, home in 36.

Soprano Supreme (M. Crawford-Smith) worked at three-quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.26, home in 45.

Thursday 24th Feb

No timed trackwork for Fortuna runners today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 19th Feb

Brutus (Jamil) – 1000/600 35.5; Entertainer (CC Wong) – 800/600 40

Tuesday 22nd Feb

Hadeer (Jerlyn) – 800/600 38.5;; Hidden Promise (Yusoff) – C, 1000/600 39.5; God’s Gift (Jake) – 1000/600 39; King Arthur (CC Wong) – 1000/600 38; Entertainer (Harry K) – C, 1000/600 38

Other News

Fortuna Shares available

Most New Zealand racing fans love Stayers and harbour dreams of having a contender in one of the big “Cups” races, be it the NZ Cup, Wellington Cup or Auckland Cup. If that is you, now here is your chance to take a share in a “ready made” Cups staying type. We have acquired the UK bred 6yo MILESTONE, a genuine staying type on pedigree and a winner at distance in France and Victoria, from his Melbourne based owners – he has been transported to NZ and will be aimed at those “big three” Cups events in the coming season – read more below – order shares HERE

About MILESTONE – the Six Year Old Gelding by Mastercraftsman out of Mission Secrete

MILESTONE was bred in France, a son of the hugely successful Stallion, Mastercraftsman, out of the winning Galileo Mare, Mission Secrete. After winning in France as a 3yo over 2400m, he was acquired in 2020, for a very substantial 6 figure sum, by the high profile Australian racing organisation OTI Racing, who saw him as a potential candidate for the major staying races in Australia. He started 17 times for them in Australia and although showing reasonable form, including a win at Moe and a 2^nd at Moonee Valley in December 2021, he clearly was not meeting their expectations as a staying type good enough to contest the Major staying races in Australia and so with new racing stock arriving from the UK, they decided to move him on and offered him via the Inglis Digital site

Milestone was identified by Mark Walker as an ideal candidate for New Zealand staying races, such as the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland Cups – Mark’s assessment based on his pedigree and recent Australian form. John Galvin acquired Milestone from the February Inglis Digital Sale for just A$30,000.

Having arrived in NZ 24^th February, MILESTONE is now agisting at Phoenix Park, near Cambridge until the 20th March – he will then go to Waiuku Beach, south of Auckland where he will undergo 4 to 6 weeks of pre-training at the beach ahead of heading to the Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata, where he will be in the care of the Fortuna/Te Akau Trainer, Mark Walker, who will set him on a path toward the NZ Cup ($250k) at Riccarton in November 2022.

Pedigree
MILESTONE possesses an exceptional staying pedigree – he is by the Irish bred Stallion, Mastercraftsman, the sire of over 840 winners, including 86 Stakes winners. This Coolmore based shuttle Stallion who, sadly, passed away in 2021 at the age of 15, stood for several seasons at Windsor Park Stud in the Waikato, and is best known in New Zealand for the deeds of his Group One winners, The Auld Floozie, St Emilion, Valley Girl and Danzdanzdance. Milestone’s Dam, Mission Secrete (by Galileo) was a winner in France at 2900m, is a sister to the One Thousand Guineas (UK) winner, Miss France and is the dam of four winners, including Mask Of Time (by Holy Roman Emperor) a Group 3 winner in Australia with multiple Stakes race placings. This is an exceptional pedigree with a strong staying emphasis over several generations.

Click HERE to view Milestone’s pedigree

Physical type
Standing 16.1 hands high and with a weight of 510kgs approximately, MILESTONE is a handsome bay, who walks well, has no vices and has a smooth, economical galloping action. He was fully vetted by the Victorian Vet, Dr Maxine Brain on 10^th February – Dr Brain conducted a full physical exam including flexion tests, trot ups, tendon and ligament x-rays and scope and he passed him suitable to race.

MILESTONE at Phoenix Park – 24th February 2022

Click HERE to see Milestone parading at Phoenix Park near Cambridge in New Zealand – this taken 24th February shortly after he arrived from Australia

Training/Racing Performance
Milestone was initially trained in France where he had one start as a 2yo and six starts as a 3yo, winning a Maiden race over 2400m at his 2^nd 3yo start. After being acquired by OTI in 2020, he travelled to Australia (Victoria) and was assigned to the Training barn of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young for whom he started 17 times in two campaigns. His first campaign of 7 starts brought only a couple of minor placings, but after a good 115 day spell and showing the benefits of acclimatisation, he ran into form in his second campaign with 8 starts over a 4 month period producing a win over 2400m, a 2^nd over 3000m, and two 3rds over 2000m and 2200m. He is clearly a type who needs distance to be at his best.

Click HERE to see Milestone winning at Moe in Victoria December
Click HERE to see Milestone running 2^nd over 3000m at Moonee Valley

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)
“John and I were on the lookout for a European bred staying type that had good form credentials in Sydney or Melbourne, with the aim of acquiring a horse suitable to tackle the iconic staying races in NZ such as the NZ Cup and Wellington Cup. I came across Milestone on the Inglis Digital site and while it was apparent that he was a length or two off the best Victorian Stayers, his recent form over distance trips was very good and, given the current weakness in the New Zealand Staying ranks, I thought he would be ideal for NZ Racing.

I am now back in New Zealand and in the next few weeks will take over from Jamie Richards as Head Trainer for Te Akau Racing in NZ and I am really looking forward to preparing Milestone for John Galvin and his Fortuna Ownership Team for his racing career here in NZ.” 

Click HERE to listen to Mark Walker talk about Milestone

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“Over the last five years we have selected four Irish/UK bred staying types as “tried horses”, Chance to Dance, Leaderboard, Khafeef and No Envy – the latter has yet to race for us but the previous 3 have all won at distance trips – this has given us good background experience in knowing what to look for. Milestone has proven he is quite capable of winning races and his form over the distance trips in France and Victoria indicate that he should well be up to being very competitive under NZ conditions. We have not paid a lot of money for this horse and I am looking forward to his syndicate Members getting a great ride for their money. Milestone represents great value at this money for potential investors”

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
Click HERE to read Disclosure Statement – Click HERE to read Syndicate Agreement

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000– 5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Inglis Series Entry Fee, Transport to New Zealand, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $8,500
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Purchase a share in Milestone today at the link HERE or contact us for more information.

Fortuna has also acquired an outstanding Yearling Filly, from the last crop of the most successful Stallion the racing world has ever seen, MORE THAN READY – picked out of the recent Inglis Classic Sale by Mark Walker, this Filly represents excellent value – Shares available HERE

About The Yearling Filly by More Than Ready out of Liten Prinsessa (“MTR”)

This Filly by More Than  Ready (now given the stable name “MTR”) was selected by the Fortuna and Te Akau Trainer, Mark Walker, from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale held in Sydney.
Mark had been working on a brief provided to him by Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin to select a strongly pedigreed, physically correct Yearling filly, who could potentially make a 2yo, but had the scope to develop into a quality 3yo and older horse. As always, Fortuna had set a budget – this time of A$70k. Mark had identified three Fillies to target, but the Sale was very strong and these went for over budget. On sale completion, Mark went through the passed in lots and observed that Lot 25, the More Than Ready Filly had been passed in – she had not been on Mark’s original list as, being by More Than Ready out of a very good family, he thought she would make a lot more than the Fortuna budget. Seeing that she had been passed in at A$60,000 we checked Scope and X Ray reports  – she was a Grade 1 on the scope and had clean X Rays – we then requested a physical exam by the Hunter Valley based Vet, Dr Paddy Todhunter, and she passed without issue. Mark then negotiated with her Vendors, Vinery Stud and we secured her for her passed in price of A$60,000 – great value given the quality of her pedigree page and a Sales Average A$123,000 (30% up on 2021)

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $12,000– 5% share $6,000– 5% share $3,000 – 1% share $1,200
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Inglis Series Entry Fee, Transport to New Zealand, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $7,000
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Fortuna has four runners this week, one in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand
Navalha races at New Plymouth on Friday 18^th February – he is in the R74 1200, Race 4 at 2.12pm. This lovely 4yo son of Sebring took all before him when winning his first two starts in NZ late 2020 and early 2021, however a series of setbacks has not seen him race since April 2021. Over all of his issues, he has trialed well recently, jumps from barrier 2 in this 6 horse field and the in form Joe Kamaruddin takes 2kgs off his back – is a strong each way chance here

Singapore

Cosmic Sands races in the Class 4 1400m Turf  with CC Wong in the saddle – three Singapore starts to date have been disappointing and will need to lift here to get some of the prizemoney. Work cannot be faulted, blinkers go on and a change of tactics will see him go to then lead from the Ace draw – hard to have on form, but will be at huge odds if tactics pay off.

Deception races in the Novice 1400 Polytrack event – CC Wong takes the mount. Three starts in Singapore have yielded two thirds and a 2^nd for this handsome 3yo son of I Am Invincible – steps up to Novice Grade here, meets some nice types and has to jump from the outside barrier (12) – is very talented and carries just 51.5kgs. Will have to be right on his game here to win this but can feature with luck in the run

Olympia contests the Class 5 1100 Polytrack event on Saturday 19^th  – Race 8 @ 8.30pm and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 3kgs. A nice 3^rd on resuming will have improved him. Meets some other form runners here, so it won’t be easy – Top 3 chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 15th Feb
Navalha (S Pillay) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.2, home in 36.7

Thursday 17th Feb
Leaderboard (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.30, last 600 metres in 45.
Mohawk Brave (N Parmar) galloped over and easy 1000 metres in 1.09, home in 40.5.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 12th Feb
Brutus (CC Wong) – 800/600 36.5; Olympia (Aslam) – C, 1000/600 38; Deception (CC Wong) – C, 1000/600 41

Tuesday 15th Feb
Deception (CC Wong) – 800/600 39; Cosmic Sands (CC Wong) – 800/600 38.5

Other News

The Highs and Lows of Racing

High – Wednesday 9^th of February we bought two horses in Australia – a Yearling Filly by Super Sire More Than Readyand a tried “Cups” type by Mastercraftsman

Low – early Saturday morning our very promising “DB”, a 2yo son of Darci Brahma, fractured a shoulder during trackwork and had to be put down – tragic to lose any horse this way, but DB was really showing to be something special – very disappointing for all of his connections

High – Sunday in Singapore, we produced a win, a 2^nd and a 3^rd from 2 runners

New Zealand Horse of the Year Probabeel Retired

Yes, its true, a suspensory ligament issue has bought this wonderful Mare’s career to an end – Read the full story HERE

Fortuna Racing/David Ellis acquire a lovely More Than Ready Filly at the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney – the now retired More Than Ready is the greatest Stallion of all time and this Filly is from his last racing crop – Shares available HERE

About The Yearling Filly by More Than Ready out of Liten Prinsessa (“MTR”)

This Filly by More Than  Ready (now given the stable name “MTR”) was selected by the Fortuna and Te Akau Trainer, Mark Walker, from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale held in Sydney.

Mark had been working on a brief provided to him by Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin to select a strongly pedigreed, physically correct Yearling filly, who could potentially make a 2yo, but had the scope to develop into a quality 3yo and older horse. As always, Fortuna had set a budget – this time of A$70k. Mark had identified three Fillies to target, but the Sale was very strong and these went for over budget. On sale completion, Mark went through the passed in lots and observed that Lot 25, the More Than Ready Filly had been passed in – she had not been on Mark’s original list as, being by More Than Ready out of a very good family, he thought she would make a lot more than the Fortuna budget. Seeing that she had been passed in at A$60,000 we checked Scope and X Ray reports  – she was a Grade 1 on the scope and had clean X Rays – we then requested a physical exam by the Hunter Valley based Vet, Dr Paddy Todhunter, and she passed without issue. Mark then negotiated with her Vendors, Vinery Stud and we secured her for her passed in price of A$60,000 – great value given the quality of her pedigree page and a Sales Average A$123,000 (30% up on 2021)

MTR possesses an outstanding pedigree. Her Sire is MORE THAN READY is the BEST sire of winners the world has ever seen. He has sired 2051 winners. The only other stallion in history to tally over 1600 winners is the late Danehill, who sits on 1623 winners. He has sired Golden Slipper winners (Sebring and Phelan Ready), Blue Diamond, Sires’ Produce Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Victoria Derby and Magic Millions Classic winners and is the sire of 70 individual 2yo Stakes winners. This incredible, world record holding sire has a worldwide winners-runners strike rate of 72.4% across his 36 crops of racing age. MORE THAN READY was retired from Stud duties in 2019 and MTR is from his last crop.

MTR’s Dam, Liten Prinsessa (by Bernadini) was bred and raced by Eric Watson. She was the winner of 4 races at 1200-1400m, 2 in NZ and 2 in Victoria and is a full sister to the Karaka Million winner, Ruud Awakening. She is the dam of two foals to race with one winner, Prince Invincible, having won 3 times in NSW

Click HERE to view MTR’s pedigree

Physical type
A strong, attractive Bay Filly  of medium size, “MTR” is physically correct, has a good temperament, walks very well and passed her Vet exam with flying colours with a Grade 1 scope and very clean X Rays – Click HERE to see her parading at Pre Sale

Selector’s view (Mark Walker)
“This Filly has a very appealing pedigree page – More Than Ready is an outstanding Stallion, indeed the greatest the world has ever seen, her dam was a four time winner and a sister to a Karaka Million winner. She is a November foal who still has a bit of growing to do, which probably explains why she was passed in, however 6 months on good New Zealand grass will see her turn into a strong Autumn 2yo in 2023 and be ready to tackle the Classic 3yo Fillies races in NZ. She is exceptional value at the money we paid for her.

I am now back in New Zealand and in the next few weeks will take over from Jamie Richards as Head Trainer for Te Akau Racing in NZ and I am really looking forward to preparing this Filly for John Galvin and his Fortuna Ownership Team for her racing career.” 

Click HERE to listen to Mark Walker talk about this Filly

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“Once again, we have managed to secure a quality yearling Filly for “unders”. She boasts an amazing pedigree, is physically correct with no issues from her vetting. As Mark says, a good period of time on good New Zealand grass will see her thrive and develop. She represents a great opportunity to be involved in a quality filly, whom if can perform on the track, would have exceptional value as a Broodmare prospect on retirement. Fortuna is having a great run in 2022 with 3 New Zealand winners to date, all Fillies or Mares and all acquired as Yearlings using the same “value seeking” techniques that we have applied to the purchase of this Filly

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

Click HERE to read Disclosure Statement – Click HERE to read Syndicate Agreement and Click HERE to view Declaration
Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $12,000– 5% share $6,000– 5% share $3,000 – 1% share $1,200
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Inglis Series Entry Fee, Transport to New Zealand, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $7,000
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Applications can only be made after Investors have perused and signed the NZ Thoroughbred Racing approved Disclosure Statement. This can be obtained from the Syndicate Promoter, Fortuna Ltd (Director John Galvin) by calling John 021 921 460.

Fortuna Ltd is an Authorised Syndicator in accordance with the Code of Practice administered by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (Inc) established under The Financial Markets Conduct (Equine Bloodstock) Exemption Notice 2016. Details of this Offer are contained in the Disclosure Statement relating to the Offer

Purchase a share in MTR today from the Fortuna website page HERE  or make contact HERE for more information.

More Fortuna Racing success

Yes, the winners keep coming – see story below on a fabulous result for us in Singapore last Sunday – 8 wins now for Fortuna Racing so far in 2022 – 5 in Singapore, 3 in NZ

Sensational Singapore result for Fortuna with KING ARTHUR winning 4 races in a row and Stablemate HADEER running 2nd in the same race

The two Fortuna Racing Stablemates, KING ARTHUR and HADEER,  produced a remarkable result when running 1st and 2nd in the Class 3 1200m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse 13th February. For KING ARTHUR (I am Invincible-Pentasia) it was a case of producing another “royal” perfomance as it was his 4th win in succession and his 5th win from his last seven starts. Stepping up to Class 3 for this event was always going to pose a query, although punters seemed to have few doubts, sending him out a warm favourite. Drawn worse than mid field and with a new rider in CC (Jimmy) Wong aboard (regular rider Shafiq Rusof being suspended), KING ARTHUR was away from the barriers well and Wong kept him moving forward to take up a position outside the leader SACRED GIFT. Turning for home KING ARTHUR went to the lead with what looked to be a winning run, however his Fortuna Stablemate, HADEER (Savabeel – A Real Princess), who had endured a torrid four wide trip from his wide barrier draw, was not going to go down without a fight and mounted a stern challenge in the closing stages, however KING ARTHUR was not to be denied and went to the line a length clear of the gallant HADEER.

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 7th Training success in her role as newly appointed Head Trainer for the powerful Te Akau Racing enterprise, was ecstatic after the race  “That was another gutsy performance by King Arthur today, up in grade and drawn wide, but CC Wong’s decision to push forward on him was probably the winning of the race – Hadeer just had no luck from his wide draw and was forced to race three and four wide the whole trip – a super effort from him also – congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna ownership group on recording a great quinella result in this race”

 “King Arthur” – Singapore Win #5 – 13 February 2022

Fortuna Racing’s, John Galvin, watching from his Hamilton home in New Zealand was incredulous “I didn’t know where to look during the race, King Arthur was clearly getting the softer run and looked to be traveling like the winner on the turn, but Hadeer just wouldn’t give up – an amazing outcome for us – well done to Donna for presenting both horses in such great order and congrats to Jimmy Wong and Jeryln Seow for their riding efforts”

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$167,000 with five wins, four 2nds and one 3rd from 13 starts in Singapore.

Covid News and Racing

Thoroughbred Racing continues under the Red Light protocols but with some restrictions.

• Public gatherings on race days on track are limited to 100 people per “pod” and attendees are required to register with the race day Club prior to race days.
• Each Club has its own protocols around attendance numbers
• Some Clubs (eg Whangarei at its recent meeting) are “crowds free” because their facilities d not allow them to meet the protocols required by NZTR
• Those Clubs which are providing Public attendance have strict rules around movement of people on race day – e.g you must stay in your own pod, no mixing with jockeys and trainers etc and of course, you will need to show a vaccine pass to gain entry
• All Owners with runners on a race day get an emailed letter from the Club on acceptance day, however if you have a runner coming up and thinking of attending and need to make plans ahead of attendance day, then the best course of action is to make contact with the Club (phone nos and email addresses are available on the NZTR website) and check their settings for the day

As Covid cases escalate, one can never be sure how the rules may change, however it appears that the current Red Light settings are as restrictive as it will get, given that the current Government thinking is that Covid cannot be contained and their efforts revolve around getting the bulk of the population boosted and protecting the most vulnerable.

In closing, be cheerful, be careful, but don’t be fearful!!!
 

The two Fortuna Racing Stablemates, KING ARTHUR and HADEER,  produced a remarkable result when running 1st and 2nd in the Class 3 1200m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse 13th February. For KING ARTHUR (I am Invincible-Pentasia) it was a case of producing another “royal” perfomance as it was his 4th win in succession and his 5th win from his last seven starts. Stepping up to Class 3 for this event was always going to pose a query, although punters seemed to have few doubts, sending him out a warm favourite. Drawn worse than mid field and with a new rider in CC (Jimmy) Wong aboard (regular rider Shafiq Rusof being suspended), KING ARTHUR was away from the barriers well and Wong kept him moving forward to take up a position outside the leader SACRED GIFT. Turning for home KING ARTHUR went to the lead with what looked to be a winning run, however his Fortuna Stablemate, HADEER (Savabeel-A Real Princess), who had endured a torrid four wide trip from his wide barrier draw, was not going to go down without a fight and mounted a stern challenge in the closing stages, but KING ARTHUR was not to be denied and went to the line a length clear of the gallant HADEER.

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 7th Training success in her role as newly appointed Head Trainer for the powerful Te Akau Racing enterprise, was ecstatic after the race  “That was another gutsy performance by King Arthur today, up in grade and drawn wide, but CC Wong’s decision to push forward on him was probably the winning of the race – Hadeer just had no luck from his wide draw and was forced to race three and four wide the whole trip – a super effort from him also – congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna ownership group on recording a great quinella result in this race”

“King Arthur” – Singapore Win #5 – 13 February 2022

Fortuna Racing’s, John Galvin, watching from his Hamilton home in New Zealand was incredulous “I didn’t know where to look during the race, King Arthur was clearly getting the softer run and looked to be traveling like the winner on the turn, but Hadeer just wouldn’t give up – an amazing outcome for us – well done to Donna for presenting both horses in such great order and congrats to Jimmy Wong and Jeryln Seow for their riding efforts ”

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$167,000 with five wins, four 2nds and one 3rd from 13 starts in Singapore,