Fortuna has four runners Sunday 25th July – all in Singapore

Brutus races in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack (race three at 5 pm NZT) – will be ridden by Harry Kasim from barrier eight – this talented galloper has not had all favours with  luck in the running of late and while on paper his barrier draw looks a bit tricky he does like to race on the outside – has just 52.5 kg to carry and can feature here if things go right in the running for him 

Hidden Promise contests the Class five 1600 Polytrack (race six at 6:30 pm) – Shafiq Rusof to ride from barrier 2 – racing consistently without winning, this looks to be his race, drawn well, top jockey, moderate weight and this is his winning distance – good each way chance here

Red Rover contests the Class 4 1100m Polytrack (race eight at 7:30 pm NZT) – backing up from a similar event last week where he drew the outside barrier, he has drawn better this time and will jump from barrier six with former Singapore apprentice jockey champion Shafiq Rusoff in the saddle – this three time winner in Singapore has been battling of late but his  underlying form is good – he loves to lead and if can do so from his nice draw, he represents a good each way chance in this race

Hadeer races in the Class 4 1200 Turf  (race nine at 8 pm) – stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 4 kg takes the mount  – has a tricky draw from barrier nine in a field of 12 runners but only has 49 kg to carry – will need luck but if he gets it can finish in the money

Fortuna Horse Trackwork Matamata

Tuesday 20^th

Leaderboard (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59, last 600 in 44.5.

Thursday 22^nd

Leaderboard (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 57.2, last 600 in 42.5.

Fortuna has six runners Sunday 18th July – all in Singapore (and most with tricky draws)

Red Rover contests the Class 4 1200m Polytrack  (race two at 4:30)pm and will be written by Singapore champion jockey Vlad Duric – unfortunately he has drawn the outside barrier in a field of 12 runners. Red Rover is the winner of four races but has been out of the winning circle for some time, however his recent starts have indicated he is coming back to form – loves to run up on the pace and if Vlad can get him into a good spot in or near the lead from barrier rise he represents a good each way chance in this race

Marcus Antonius runs in the Class five 2000m Turf (race three at 5 pm NZT)  and will be ridden by Oscar Chavez – he has drawn wide in barrier 12 in a field of 14 runners – he gives the impression that he will really appreciate the 2000 meter trip and has a luxury weight of 52 kg – will need a little bit of luck from the draw to get some cover and if he does we can expect him to be running on strongly at the finish and would be a good each way chance

Sportscaster races in the Cladd five 1200m Polytrack event (race five at 6 pm) and will be ridden by champion jockey Vlad Duric from barrier 4 – typically better over longer trips but has shown good form over sprint trips before – loves to lead and if he can do so there’s a chance of running into the placings here

King Arthur races in the Novice 1400m Turf (race seven at 7 pm) – King Arthur is still a maiden but has shown good form in his races to date – does step up to a 1 win grade here which won’t make it easy – he has drawn barrier 8 in a field of 12 runners and has stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 4 kilograms aboard  – his carried weight will come down to 50 kg – these Novice races are never easy to win particularly for maidens, however he is a talented galloper, does have a feather weight on his back and if he gets good luck in the running could well feature in the finish

Our Final Offer also runs in the Novice 1400m Turf (race seven at 7 pm) and will be written by Singapore is leading apprentice K Hakim claiming 2 kgs –  unfortunately he has drawn the outside barrier in a field of 12 runners also against him is that he is still in maiden having had three starts in Singapore – he can be a bit tricky in the barriers but has shown good form in his last two races –  will need a lot going right for him if he is to feature in the finish – he will be at long odds

Federation contests the Class three 1400m Turf (race 12 at 9:30pm) – he is a six time winner in Singapore and won his last race in dramatic style in same grade but at 1200m – his rider from that victory, stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow takes the mount again claiming 4 kg – unfortunately he has drawn the outside barrier in a field of 12 runners which won’t make it easy for him – talented at best he can feature in the finish here but will need a lot of luck in order to do so

Fortuna Horse Trackwork – Matamata

No Fortuna timed trackwork this week

Fortuna has two runners Saturday 19th July – one at Awapuni and one in Singapore

Beau Geste races at Awapuni in the Rating 65 2100m  event (race seven at 3:38 pm) – will be ridden by Apprentice Temyia Taiaroa claiming  2kgs – ran 3^rd in a similar event at Trentham 12^th June – being set for the Open Hurdles at Riccarton 7^th August – this race is not beyond him but may need the run – place chance

Sportscaster races in Singaorethe Class 5 1600 Polytrack event  (race 9 at 8pm NZT) – but is E1 on the ballot does need to see one scratching to get a start – Jerlyn Seow claiming 4ks takes the mount  loves to lead – will give a great sight and is a good each way chance if he gets a run

Fortuna has three runners in Singapore Saturday 3^rd  July

Brutus starts in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack event (race three at 5 pm) it will be ridden by leading apprentice apprentice K Hakim claiming 2kgs – he gets a lovely draw here and will carry just 51 kg with the claim – very rarely runs a bad race – looking to be very competitive here and represents a strong each way chance

 BRUTUS (inside) – Wins in Singapore 19th September 2020

Sportscaster races in the Class 5 1700 Polytrack event  (race five at 6 pm) – former Singapore champion apprentice Shafiq Rusof, making his Singapore come back takes the mount and will ride from barrier five – this horse has been running over shorter trips as a lead up to this type of race at his favourite distance – loves to lead and will give a great sight here and is a good each way chance

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

1st Pick: HERO IN THE WIND (5)

Last three runs have been solid. Only one win on his CV, but will take some beating if he reproduces his recent good form here.

2nd Pick: LION SPIRIT (1)

Narrowly missed a podium spot last time out. Recorded only win over course and distance. Each-way claims.

3rd Pick: SPORTSCASTER (4)

Versatile type who can mix up his distances. Three of his four wins were recorded over course and distance. Bears watching.

4th Pick: ENDLESS (7)

Often beaten by his awkward starts. Not without a turn of foot. Place claims look better again.

Red Rover is in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack event  (race 12 at 9:30 pm) –  champion jockey Vlad Duric will ride him from barrier 10 – out of form for most of 2020, a recent 3rd placing gave a glimpse of him being back to his best – loves to lead and will endeavour to do so from his wide draw and if he can get to the lead represents a good winning chance

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

1st Pick: RED ROVER (2)

Wide barrier will suit him after jockey stated he resented running in among runners last time out. Shadow roll on. Has maintained his form and can bounce back here.

2nd Pick: SUPER SMART (5)

Can mix his form but if on song, he is not without a say in this. May find the 1100m a little sharp but if they run along, he can finish off the best.

3rd Pick: THUNDER (4)

Last-start closing second was a ripper but his poor Polytrack form is a query. Was unplaced in three runs on Polytrack. Place claims.

4th Pick: ARION PASSION (7)

Scored in Class 5 company last time out but always found it harder to make his mark when going one class up. Can still include in calculation for the exotics.

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 29th June

Mohawk Brave (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres, running home in 44.

Thursday 1^st July

Mohawk Brave (S Pillay) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 54.9, home in 39.3.

Federation (5yo g Written Tycoon-Bloomingdale Miss), producing an exhilarating finishing burst and made it six Singapore career wins, when taking out the Class three 1200m Turf event at Kranji 27th of June.  Drawing nicely in barrier 2 and with the benefit of Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow’s 4kg claim, Federation jumped nicely and settled into a good position in 6th position on the rail – relaxing nicely in the run, it was obvious on turning for home that he was going to need a bit of luck as there was a wall of horses in front of him. Try as she might, young Jerlyn could not find a gap for much of the way down the straight – finally electing to duck back to the inside, she probed and probed and eventually a gap appeared, albeit a narrow one – with 150m to go and still a good three lengths off the leader, the task seemed impossible, but Federation sprouted wings in the concluding stages, hitting the line strongly and appearing to have done enough to win.  However the post race photo showed a virtual dead heat and it took the judge a few minutes before he was able  to declare Federation the winner by the barest of margins

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna NZ Stable boss, John Galvin, watching the race from his New Zealand home, was ecstatic “that was an amazing win – I thought we were no show with 200 to go – lovely ride by young Jerlyn – I would have been happy to accept the dead heat but in the end it was a cigarette paper margin – congrats to Mark Walker and his team, they had some issues with this horse during 2020, but now have him back to his best.“

Trainer Mark Walker,  who quinelled the race with 2nd place getter, I  Am Sacred, was also over the moon “top performance by the horse and a very good performance by Jerlyn – she is really going places with her riding and well done to John Galvin and the  Fortuna NZ Stable – they are great supporters of us here in Singapore“

“Federation” – 5th win at Kranji – 07 February 2021

Federation was acquired by John Galvin at the Inglis Digital Sale in May 2018 for A$90,000 – he now has a record of six wins  and eleven minor placings from 25 Singapore starts and has accumulated over S$275,000 in stakes monies

Federation is raced in Singapore by the Fortuna NZ Stable on behalf of an ownership group consisting of 4o individuals – his win made it nine individual wins for the Fortuna NZ Stable to date in 2021

Fortuna has five runners in Singapore Sunday 27^h June

Hidden Promise races in the Class five 1600 Polytrack event (race five at 6pm NZT) – the winner of six races in Singapore, he is still racing well despite being an eight-year-old and has got himself down to a dangerous place in the weights in this grade – he will also be helped along with stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 4kgs bringing his carried weight down to just 49kgs – he can certainly feature here and with the right run can win

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

1st Pick: DIAMOND MINE (3)

Bounced back to form with a close second to Don De La Vega last time out, but that was on turf. Goes okay on Polytrack as well. Blinkers changed to blinker-pacifiers. Hard to tell which way he’ll go but if on song, he can be a factor in this.

2nd Pick: HOSAYLIAO (8)

Two seconds at last two runs reads as a high pass mark for a Class 5 galloper. Can go one better even if only win from 41 starts was on turf.

3rd Pick: SAYONARA (7)

Not a model of consistency but neither are most of these he is pitted against. Unwinds too late but still warrants consideration for a place on board.

4th Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (6)

Getting on in years but does pop up once in a while. Scored twice over course and distance, but that was three and four seasons back. Place claims if in the mood

Marcus Antonius also runs in the Class five 1600 Polytrak event  (race five at 6pm) – to be ridden by leading Singapore apprentice K Hakim claiming 2 kg and will carry just 50.5kgs. A very honest, dour one paced  type, he will benefit from a good pace – if he gets it he will certainly rattle home and can feature in the finish

Hadeer is in the Class 4 1400 Turf (race six at 6:30pm) – another one to be ridden by Hakim, claiming 2kgs, he has drawn out a bit and will need luck – if he gets away well and can be on the speed in the run, he represents a top three chance

Elliot Ness races in the Novice 1200 Turf  (race seven at 7pm) – ran fifth in this grade last time after a track record breaking win at previous start in Restricted Maiden grade – draws perfectly here in barrier 4 and gets the services of leading Singapore rider K Hakim climbing 2kgs – strong field but good draw, top rider and represents a strong each way chance here

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

1st Pick: STENMARK (3)

Although yet to get that maiden win in Singapore form reads good for this. Ran a solid second a few starts back behind the classy three-year-old Lim’s Kosciuszko.

2nd Pick: ELLIOT NESS (4)

Failed to fire at his last start and the jockey reported he failed to sprint on the turf. At previous start he broke a course record, so you know he can gallop.

3rd Pick: PRODIGAL (5)

Gained a start as an emergency and won his maiden in very nice style. Really extended on the line between horses and looks a professional moving forward.

4th Pick: KING ALBERT PARK (7)

Won his maiden on the Polytrack after drawing wide and having to make the speed. Very tough win doing it at both ends and looks well placed here.

“Elliot Ness” – Debut win Singapore – 24th April 2021

Federation races in the Class 3 1200m Turf (race 11 at 9pm) – this five time winner in Singapore finds himself near the bottom of the handicap in this grade, has drawn perfectly in Barrier 2 – Jerlyn Seow to ride takes 4kgs off his back – always hard to win in this grade, but the draw will provide a soft run, has just 50kgs to carry – is right in this

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

1st Pick: LEGEND OF THE SUN (2)

Onto a three-timer here and is now up 14 points. This is tougher but is in great form and the one to be with here in the last.

2nd Pick: SONGGONG HERA (8)

Ran a nice race last time out on the all-weather and can transfer that form to the turf, he is a good chance in this.

3rd Pick: FEDERATION (11)

This return to 1200m is key to this Mark Walker-trained galloper. He has no weight. One to keep on the right side of.

4th Pick: QUADCOPTER (3)

Better suited to 1400m but looks interestingly placed in this race.

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 22nd June

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Thursday 24^th June]

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Fortuna has four runners in Singapore Saturday 19^th June

Singapore

Sportscaster contests the Class 5 1100 on the Polytrack (race one at 4 pm New Zealand time) – preparing to race over a mile in two weeks time, this trip is bound to be too short for him and has a difficult draw to content with as well – Will be ridden by stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 4kgs – always runs a bold race but hard to have in this 1100 meter event

King Arthur is in the Restricted Maiden 1200 on the Turf (race two at 4:30 pm) – two seconds and a third from three starts to date in Singapore has stamped this son of I Am Invincible as a three-year-old of some quality, but  does face a difficult task here from the outside barrier, but he has shown before that he can fly home from the back of the field. Harry Kazim takes the ride – will need luck but certainly represents an each way chance here if he gets it

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

1st Pick: REIGNITE (2)

Has shown a fair degree of promise so far and could be the one to be with here.

2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)

Placed at all three starts to-date and hasn’t run a bad race at all. Back in trip and that should suit with a good pace here.

3rd Pick: GOOD FIGHT (6)

Has run two nice races on the Polytrack and now switches to the turf on the back of a good trial.

4th Pick: SAND BOX (12)

One of three Ricardo Le Grange newcomers and on the balance of trial form, he might prove the pick.

Our Final Offer  also races in  the Restricted Maiden 1200 on the Turf (race two at 4:30pm) – Made his race debut in Singapore last week, missed the  jump somewhat and was taken very wide on the turn, finishing back in the field – this three-year-old can certainly gallop but he does have barrier manners issues – will be ridden this week by Louis Beuzelin – does need to get away well to be able to feature in this event, and if he does so can certainly feature – take on trust

Red Rover is in the Class 4 1200 on the Polytrack (race nine at 8pm New Zealand time) – this classy galloper fell into a deep hole with his form during 2020, but at his last start ran very well for a 3^rd placing after previously winning a trial –  gets his chance here to show that that run was no fluke but has drawn barrier 11 in a field of 12 runners – Singapore Champion jockey  takes the mount – definitely needs luck here but look for him to go to the front from the wide draw and if he gets to the lead can certainly feature

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

1st Pick: WATCH OUT BOSS (1)

Has trialled since his last-start second behind I Am Sacred who was too strong on that day. Remains in Class 4 and looks strong here.

2nd Pick: RED ROVER (2)

Wasn’t happy racing amongst other horses in the early stages of his previous start. Once he found room, he hit the line strongly.

3rd Pick: CHALAZA (6)

Won his first race in nearly three years last start. Has been a handy horse over the years and only rises 2kgs on last of his last win.

4th Pick: DR KARDO (7)

Improving horse here at Kranji. Ran a nice second on his debut and backed it up with a strong win at Open Maiden level. Big player in this. 

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 15^th June

Mohawk Brave (S Pillay) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 58.2, last 600 in 43.7.

Thursday 17^th June

Mohawk Brave (P.Singh) worked over 800 metres at three-quarter pace in 59.1, home in 43.

MOHAWK BRAVE 

Entertainer (4yo Zoustar-Laughing) certainly lived up to his name yesterday at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse, putting in a strong front running display in the Class 4 1100m event, making it four wins from his last five starts. Drawing mid field in barrier six with CC Wong aboard, “Joker”, as he is affectionately known around the stables, took no prisoners in the run, forging to the lead early, maintaining a strong gallop in the run, kicking clear on the turn and although pressured somewhat in the closing stages by eventual runner up, Al Green, he won the race by half a length at the line.

Click HERE to see the replay

Fortuna‘s Singapore trainer, Te Akau Racing’s Mark Walker, was very pleased “that was a very good effort from this horse – he’s a big strong lad who loves to bowl along in front and he just keeps improving – big kudos to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team, they are great supporters of my stable”

ENTERTAINER

 Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching from his home in New Zealand was also a happy man “this horse is showing that he just loves to get to the front and lead and interestingly, when he suffered defeat at his previous start, he didn’t lead – he is forging an excellent record in Singapore and is proving to be great value for his ownership group – well done to Mark Walker for handling this horse so well and top marks to rider Jimmy Wong for an excellent ride.”

Entertainer was acquired by Mark Walker on behalf of Fortuna at the Inglis Digital sale in December 2019 for A$20,000 – he has now won four races from nine starts in Singapore and accumulated S$105,000 in prizemoney.

Entertainer is raced by the Fortuna Entertainer Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 51 individuals

Fortuna has five definite runners Saturday 12^th June – four in Singapore plus one on the ballot and one in New Zealand

New Zealand

Beau Geste contests the R65 2200m Amateur Riders race at Trentham Race 4 @1.38pm  – he prepared for this event by racing over 1600m at New Plymouth on Thursday as a lead up into this race – finishing strongly for 6^th placing. Scotty McNab takes the mount – won at this trip two starts back, rock hard fit and could be hard to hold out here on the big roomy Trentham track – a definite strong each way chance

Singapore

Our Final Offer makes his race day debut in the Restricted Maiden 1100 Polytrack – Race 2 @ 4.30pm NZT – a very fast racehorse, he has had barrier issues in his trials however and does need to behave himself at the start. He will be ridden by the very experienced Oscar Chavez –  will be a nailbiting time at the start, but if he jumps well he will race up on the speed, can be a top three contender and can win if things go right

The ever consistent Brutus has been freshened and resumes in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack – Race 3 at 5 pm – drawn perfectly with the Ace barrier, he has the talented CC Wong in the saddle and carries just 53 kg here – presents as  a strong top three contender and can definitely win if things go right for him in then run

Marcus Antonius, a last start winner at 1700m in Maiden Grade, gets another attempt at 1700m but this time in Class 5 grade – Race 4 @5.30 and has the services of Singapore champion jockey Vlad Duric – he will get a lovely run from the draw and certainly represents an each way  chance in this event

Entertainer resumes in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack – Race 11 @9pm – the winner of three races in succession before meeting defeat at his last start, he has had a lovely freshen up – a big long striding type who loves to lead, he will go forward from his slightly tricky barrier and take no prisoners in the run –  can certainly win if he gets things all his own way up front

King Arthur is in Race 2 but needs a scratching to get a start – drawn the outside, it will be difficult for him, but has shown plenty of ability in his 3 race day starts and will be storming home at the end 

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 8^th June

Rhapsody In Blue (A.Gujar) worked over 1200 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.32, home in 46. 

Thursday 10^th June

Soprano Supreme (J.Kamaruddin) worked nicely over 1200 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.27, home in 42.6.

Rhapsody In Blue (H.Durrant) galloped over an easy 1200 metres, home in 40.

Other News

Fortuna launches a new Singapore Syndicate offering – the 2yo BRIGGS – Click HERE to read more

BRIGGS – the 2yo Gelding by Rubick out of High Ace

Fortuna has three runners Saturday 5^th June – all in Singapore

Singapore

Hadeer races in the class 4 1400 Turf (race three at 5 pm New Zealand time) – he will be ridden by M Zaki from barrier 9 in a field of 12 runners – working well Hadeer has not had much luck in his last two starts, but looks well placed in this race at the weights, has a slightly tricky draw with the running rail in the D position – however if he gets luck he can feature and presents as a top four chance

Sportscaster races in the Class five 1200 on the Polytrack (race five at 6 pm) – backing up from an 1100m race same grade last week, this trip will be too short for this staying type of horse, but he does have a good draw from barrier five and with Dennis Tan aboard claiming 4kg, has a very moderate weight to carry – would be a surprise to see him win but he can surprise us over these shorter trips if he gets things his way and could feature as a place chance

Hidden Promise is in race seven the Class 5 1600 Turf (race seven at 7 pm) this six time winner in Singapore looks very well-placed in this  – down to a rating where he has won before he gets up to his favourite trip and has the  highly experienced Danny Beasley in the saddle – He will need a little bit of luck from the draw but if there is a solid tempo and he can race one out with cover in a mid field position, should be in a position to finish off very strongly is a very good each way chance and can win if things go right – is our best chance on the day

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 25th May

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Thursday 27^th May

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Other News

Members of the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate reinvested some of their proceeds from the sale of Melody Belle on the second day of the Magic Millions yearling sale on the Gold Coast when purchasing a yearling filly by Heroic Valour out of the winning racemare  Gowana (by More Than Ready) for A$100,000