Three confirmed Fortuna Runners in Singapore on Sunday 23^rd – one on Ballot

Fortuna runners in Singapore on Sunday 30th are Marcus Antonius (Race 2 – 4.30pm NZT), Hidden Promise (Race 8 – 7.30pm) and Hadeer (Race 11 – 9pm)  – Red Rover is Race 13 (10pm) but does need scratchings to get a start

3yo Marcus Antonius was good on debut 26^th July, drawing wide and suffering a check at the start – he has since trained on well and ran 2^nd in a recent trial. A promising type, he has a very wide barrier draw to contend with again on the Turf short course with barrier in C position. To be ridden by Mark Walker’s star apprentice K Hakim (claiming 3kgs) he will carry just 49.5kgs – draw makes it very tough, but look for him to be storming home at the finish

Hidden Promise backs up from last week (1200m) into this week’s more suitable 1600m Class 5 trip on the Turf. String to the line last week when finishing 5^th, this trip is more to his liking (all 5 of his Singapore wins have been at 1600m), but has a horror outside barrier draw to contend with. Will be ridden by Dennis Tan (claiming 4kgs) – Dennis rode the Fortuna horse, Sportscaster to victory a couple of weeks ago – and so will only carry 51.5kgs with the claim. Will need a strong pace and a lot of luck to feature – any rain will help.

Hadeer is another with a horror draw, but he is on the Polytrack in this Class 4 1100m race and does have the services of leading jockey Vlad Duric – a winner in Australia, his 2 Singapore runs to date have had merit and can feature with some luck in the running

See below what the Turf Club analysts have to say about this race;

1st Pick: HEALTHY STAR (8)

Didn’t get much galloping room at his last start. Could have won the race. Has drawn marble one. Big say in this.

2nd Pick: HADEER (4)

Has done nothing wrong in two runs here. Drawn awkwardly, but if he gets the right runs, he can threaten late. Crossover noseband on.

3rd Pick: SUN PRINCEPS (6)

Powered home for third at his comeback run. On that form, he has to be considered in this lot.

4th Pick: THE BROTHERHOOD (10)

Scored gutsy maiden win last time. This is tougher, but he can still pinch a place with some luck

Red Rover is Ballot 2 and needs  scratchings, but then has to contend with a wide barrier draw. If he does get a run, he would need an awful lot of things to go right to be in contention

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

Tuesday 25^th August

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) worked nicely at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.7, home in 45.2.

Thursday 27^th August

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.8, last 600 in 43.9.

Other News

Melody Belle is to return home from Australia and will campaign in New Zealand during the Spring and Summer and may return to Australia to campaign in the Autumn

5yo Gelding Khafeef, who ran a strong finishing 5^th at Taupo recently on his NZ debut (he is a UK import with one win over there) has gone to the South Island with a small team of other Te Akau trained horses and will have a three to five race campaign there over the next three months

Finally, a word about our very latest acquisition, the 3yo Gelding NAVALHA (Portuguese word for “Razor”).

Key points about this horse are:

• A A$450,000 Yearling purchase at the January 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sales, he clearly ticked a few boxes at the time for the very professional James Harron Bloodstock operation (not to mention the underbidders who would have done their homework as well)
• Acquired as a Stallion making proposition, when it became obvious to his Ownership Team that he was not going to be a Group One Star as a Colt, they decided to move him on (this is a very common story) and he was acquired by Fortuna at an Inglis Online Sale
• Navalha had three trials between Dec 2019 and May 2020 as a 2yo and three races in June and July, running a close up 4th in his last race – Click HERE to see that replay
• Still a Colt, our spies indicated to us that he was a horse that badly needed Gelding.
• By the Golden Slipper winner Sebring, who had now sired close to 600 winners including 60 Stakes winners and from a very strong female family (Dam sire is Encosta de Lago), Navalha doesn’t lack for much on the Pedigree front
• Gelding him in Australia the day after we bought him, Navalha is now at Te Akau Stud and was inspected by David Ellis (who had been away on vacation) on Tuesday – David says “John, I finally got to see your Sebring Gelding – he is a beauty – well proportioned, strong through the shoulder, great in the coat and with a great walk, he is hard to fault physically”
• Navalha will have another two weeks in the paddock at Te Akau Stud and then come into work at Matamata where Jamie will work him up with the aim of having him ready to race early December.
• Still a Maiden, he will contest Maiden 3yo events until winning and if up to the necessary standard, will contest some of the nice 3yo races in the late summer/autumn
• Notable that Navalha is eligible to run in the various races run on Magic Millions Day on the Gold Coast (January of each year) – while he won’t have time to make the A$2m Magic Million Guineas in January 2021, he will be eligible for one of the 6 or 7 other Million Dollar races run for older horses each year at that meeting in subsequent years.
• Progeny of Sebring are renowned for taking a bit of time to mature and we believe from what we have seen of him so far that his best distances are likely to be in the 1400m to 2000m range
• We didn’t pay a lot to secure this horse, he has been syndicated for an all up total of NZ$76,000 – this includes his purchace cost, NZ GST, freight from Aus, Promoter’s fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2022 and working capital.
• As always we do shares down to 1% but a 5% share is $3800, a 2.5% share is $1900 and a 1% share $900 Ongoing monthly fees commence 1 October 2020 at $40 for each 1%
• Click HERE to read more on the Fortuna website – shares can also be ordered from that link
• Pedigree link is below

5.Pedigree-Navalha

Two Fortuna runners in NZ/Aus on Saturday 22nd – Three confirmed Fortuna Runners in Singapore on Sunday 23^rd – one on Ballot

Fortuna runners on Saturday are Highly Likely in the Manawatu Steeples – Race 5 12.55pm and Melody Belle in the Winx Stakes – Group One 1400m A$500k (Race 7 at 5.45 pm NZT)

Highly Likely has not won over the big fences for over 3 years and meets a strong field here in this time honoured $50k race over a gruelling 4400m trip. But ran on nicely for 4^th in his most recent Steeples race, is rock hard fit and gets track conditions (Heavy) which will suit his grinding style of racing perfectly. Charlie Studd to ride – hard to be confident that he can win but is a place chance if he is at his best.

Melody Belle was mildly disappointing on her resuming run in the Missile Stakes At Rosehill 2 weeks ago, however she has shown a pattern of not being at her best first up, did have a good blow afterward, gets to 1400m 2^nd up on an improving Randwick track – Kerrin McEvoy to ride. Meets a very strong field with 9 other Group One winners. Punters are wary in this race with early markets having the favourite Master Of Wine at $6.50 – Melody Belle is on the 4th line of betting at $11 (Aus bookmakers) and that is a fair reflection of her chances we think. Is ready to race boldly, is a strong place chance and can win if she is at her best.

Fortuna runners in Singapore on Sunday are Entertainer (Race 2 – 4.30pm NZT), Hidden Promise (Race 5 – 6pm) and Showbound (Race 6 – 6.30pm)  – Red Rover is Race 13 (10pm) but does need one scratching to get a start

Entertainer ran a bold 3^rd at his Singapore debut – a big, strong type who has impressed his handlers, he gets the Turf, a good draw and a top jock – can be a bit fractious at the barriers. Presents as a strong each way chance – see below the comments from the Singapore Turf Club Race analysis team

1st Pick: THE MAREEBA MANGO (1)

A very pleasing run on debut from this well bred sort (half-brother to a Group 1 winner) and can build on that here. Leading hope.

2nd Pick: ENTERTAINER (3)

Another to run a very nice race on Kranji debut and can continue to improve once again. A must for the numbers here.

3rd Pick: LATENT POWER (10)

Run out of it late by a useful one back in March and has trialled very well since and the barn of Michael Clements are in very good form with their youngsters.

4th Pick: BLUE BLOOD (6)

Best of the newcomers in this and the trial win looked smart for a stable having a nice run at the moment. The wide barrier is the drawback, though.

Hidden Promise finally gets a start after being balloted out recently – a five win horse in Singapore, he has never won at 1200m but rarely runs a bad race – although an eight year old, he may well be the soundest horse in Singapore – has been kept fresh for this trip and gate the “your gun” apprentice K Hakim, who can do no wrong of late, in the saddle along with a 3kg claim. Is at a dangerous place in the ratings in what is a moderate field, has a wide draw to contend with, gets visor blinkers on – look for a bold ride from young Hakim – has strong claims to run in the money – see below the comments from the Singapore Turf Club Race analysis team

1st Pick: FIREWORKS (9)

Looks the safest of bets in a very poor race. Could be a good time to make a cup of tea and wait for Race 6.

2nd Pick: MINGS MAN (7)

More reliable than most of these and he is bidding for his 10th victory here, and very best of luck to him as well.

3rd Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (11)

Has a visor going on here for this start and a good apprentice is on.

4th Pick: DAVID’S STAR (10)

Keen-going sort who will be in the front rank throughout. Place hope if able to hold on.

Showbound has not set the world on fire with his three Singapore starts to date, but has earned prizemoney at each start. A recent trial winner, he gets the Turf in a Maiden 1200m – stable view is that he will appreciate 1400 to 1600m trip eventually, but has a reasonable draw, an apprentice rider (Hakim) who is on fire and claims 3kgs – can make his presence felt here and is certainly a good place chance – see below the comments from the Singapore Turf Club Race analysis team

1st Pick: ST ALWYN (4)

Has the form to win a little race like this and has the assistance of the champion hockey, which is a plus. The one to beat in a weak race.

2nd Pick: SHOWCASE THE GOLD (1)

Put in some good late work on local debut and wouldn’t be an surprise to see him improve on that effort in this affair.

3rd Pick: SHOWBOUND (2)

Has bits and pieces of form and is one to include for the multiples in this for a stable going well.

4th Pick: CRU BOURGEOIS (3)

Has been off a good while but if finding his early form, he is not without some sort of chance here. Interesting.

Red Rover is Ballot 1 and needs a scratching, but then has to contend with a wide barrier draw and a strong Class 2 field – he raced in a similar field at his last start and was in contention with 600 metres to run, before suffering a bad check. If he does get a run, he would need an awful lot of things to go right to be in contention and does look to be better placed in Class 3 company.

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

 Tuesday 18^th August

 Charmaine’s Dream (T Harris) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57.6, final 600 in 42.5.

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute, last 600 in 45.2.

Rhapsody In Blue (D Montes de Oca) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57, final 600 in 41.

Kensington Track – Randwick NSW:

Melody Belle (K McEvoy) and Probabeel (S Clipperton) galloped over 1000 metres, running the last 800 in 50.78, final 400 in 24.13. Melody Belle prepares for the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on Saturday

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In other news, great results for the Fortuna NZ Stable in Singapore last Sunday with the evergreen Sportscaster winning for the 4th time – he doesn’t win out of turn, but rarely runs a bad race. Click HERE to read that story from the Fortuna website – and then Brutus continued his remarkable run of performing strongly without winning – now 7 Singapore starts for 4 3rds and 3 2nds after running 3rd last night in a very strong Novice field and off a wide draw – he has now won over S$72k and has is still a Maiden

In closing, we have two great value 3yo opportunities available, one for Singapore –TITAN – and one for NZ – NAVALHA – both have similar profiles (high priced yearlings, high profile owners, acquired by us from Inglis digital for a fraction of their yearling cost)

Click HERE to read all about TITAN – $2250 per each 2.5% share

TITAN – 3yo Gelding by Written Tycoon

and HERE to read all about NAVALHA – $1900 per each 2.5% share

Iron horse, SPORTSCASTER, who hardly ever runs a bad race finally rewarded his Ownership Group in taking out his first win in Singapore for 2020, after running a series of minor placings in recent starts. Perfectly ridden by Apprentice Dennis Tan, claiming 4kgs and who was having his first ride in Singapore for the Mark Walker Stable, Sportscaster raced handy to the speed, went to the front with about 400 metres to go, was challenged strongly on the inside briefly by Ningaloo, but fought back strongly to go to the line winning by 1.3 lengths in the end. Click HERE to see the race replay

Now a seven year old, Sportscaster (Fastnet Rock- Gypsy Dancer) is a half brother to Champion Australian 2yo and Golden Slipper winner, Dance Hero and while he has not matched his illustrious half brother’s deeds, he has now won 4 races in Singapore from 32 starts and accumulated approx S$100k in prizemoney for his ownership group, the Fortuna Sportsman Syndicate, an ownership group made up of 24 individuals, including the Singapore based Derek Tan, who was on course to watch his charge achieve victory

“Sportscaster” – Wins again in Singapore 16th August 2020

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, was ecstatic with the result “His best distance is usually 1600m, but he was balloted out at that trip last week, so Trainer Mark Walker, decided to keep him fresh so that he could run at 1200m this week and made the smart decision to use the 4kg claim available to apprentice Dennis Tan – horse and rider delivered for us – a great training effort by Mark and a heady ride by young Dennis”

Two Fortuna Runners in Singapore on Sunday

Runners on Sunday are Sportscaster (Race 5 – 6pm NZT) and Brutus (Race 14 – 10.30pm NZT)

Sportscaster, after being set for a Class 5 1600m event last weekend, was balloted out and so will contest the Class 5 1200m on the Poly on Sunday – this trip is short of his best distance but he is a horse that needs regular racing, so will take his place on Sunday. He will be ridden by apprentice Denis Tan claiming 4kgs from Barrier 8 in a field of 12. Probably too short for him to win, but he rarely runs a bad race and can place.

Brutus is, without a doubt, the best Maidener in Singapore with three thirds and three 2nds to his name in Restricted Maiden Grade and S$68k in prizemoney. He gets his chance this week in the Novice (1 win Grade) 1200m on the Turf, however strikes a really strong field (6 last start winners) and has drawn the carpark (14 out of 14). Ruan Maia takes the mount with 55kgs to carry – not without his chances given his form, but would need a hot pace and a lot of luck. Can get some of the prizemoney if things go right.

 Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 11^th August

Leaderboard (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55.3, final 600 in 40.1. Charmaine’s Dream (H Durrant) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1.02 last 600 in 45.7.

New Acquisition for NZ Racing

 Navalha

Navalha has been identified by Champion New Zealand Trainer, Jamie Richards as an ideal type for NZ Racing

Now a Three Old Gelding (as of 1 August 2020), Navalha was originally purchased as a Yearling at the 2019 Magic Million Gold Coast Yearlings Sale for A$450,000 as a Stallion prospect for the high profile James Harron Bloodstock and other high profile Owners. Trained by leading Sydney Trainers, Peter and Paul Snowden at Randwick in Sydney, he was given three trials as a 2yo between December 2019 and May 2020, before having three race day starts in June and July, finishing 4th beaten 1.7 lengths at his most recent start. After determining that Navalha was not up to Metropolitan Saturday Class racing he was put up for sale by his owners.

Fortuna acquired Navalha at the July Inglis Online Sale for just A$27,500. Still a Colt, we had him gelded immediately that we took possession. He is now agisting at Shipton Lodge in New South Wales awaiting a flight to New Zealand on August 17th. On arrival in NZ, he will have a short break at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato and then will travel to the Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata, where he will be prepared to race by Fortuna’s NZ Trainer Jamie Richards and should be ready to have his first race in NZ in December 2020.

As a Three Year Old non winner Navalha will be eligible to contest 3yo or Open Maiden Grade races and once winning in Maiden Grade, he can either be aimed at races specifically for 3yos or Open Grade races – Jamie will pick a path for him and hopefully, he will be good enough to contest some of the rich 3yo races in the late summer / autumn of 2020.

“Navalha” – 3yo Gelding by Sebring

Pedigree

Navalha A possesses a strong pedigree. He is by the Stallion, the Golden Slipper winner, Sebring, the 4th ranked Sire by winners and wins in Australia for the 2019/20 season and the Sire of over 590 winners including 60 Stakes Winners. He is out of the Encosta De Lago mare Afiado, a non winner on the race track herself, but she the daughter of the 5 win and Group 2 winning mare, Sharp, who is also the dam of 4 race day winners. View Navalha’s Pedigree.

Training & Race History

Navalha was prepared in NSW by the highly successful training team of Peter and Paul Snowden – he had three trials between December 2019 and May 2020 before making his race day debut on a Slow 7 track at Randwick 1100m on the 3rd June running 6th. He backed up at Canberra over 1200m on 19th June finishing 8th of 14 runners and then put in a much improved performance at Hawkesbury 12th July over 1300m putting in a strong performance for 4th beaten 1.7 lengths. View the race replay – Navalha is in the green colours and is on the rail during the run slightly ahead of mid field. Analysis of these performances by Jamie Richards and Mark Walker concluded that he was a nice horse in the making and would improve further with being gelded (which has now been done), a bit more maturity and racing over distances of 1400m plus

Physical Type

A strong, handsome, athletic Bay Gelding, standing 15.2 hands high and weighing 480 kgs, Navalha has the physical attributes to match his pedigree. Australian bred Sprinting/Miler types have had an exceptional record in NZ over the years, including many trained by Te Akau Racing.

Trainer’s view (Jamie Richards)

“Navalha really caught my eye when I reviewed his trials and races – he clearly is a very athletic type with ability but needs to mature a little, race over more ground and will only improve physically now that he has been gelded. By an absolute outstanding Sire in Sebring and with a very solid pedigree on the female side of the family, I am predicting that he can develop into a really nice 3yo and older horse here in NZ.”

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

Fortuna has had a lot of success buying former high priced yearlings as tried horses in Australia, and sending them to Singapore to race. With Navalha we have decided to apply the same process but bring him to NZ. He has a great pedigree, is a lovely athletic type and represents great value at just $3800 for each 5% share, literally cents in the Dollar compared to his price as a Yearling just eighteen months ago – he should be ready to have his first start in NZ by December.”

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

View the  Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for Navalha.

Terms

• 10% share $7,600| 5% share $3,800 | 5% share $1,900 | 1% share $760 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all initial costs (Purchase price, Promoters fees, Transport to New Zealand, Insurance through to 31st January 2021, and Working Capital of over $7,000 approx
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1st October 2020. From that date ongoing costs are:10% share $400 per month | 5% share $200 per month | 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

To Read More and Order a Share – Click HERE

For more information about Navalha, contact us.

Four Fortuna Runners on Saturday

In Australia (Rosehill), Melody Belle resumes in the Missile Stakes (Group 2 – 1200m A$200k) at Rosehill – Race 7 at 5.35pm NZT. Singapore runners are Red Rover in the Class 2 1100m (Race 12) and Federation in the Class 3 1200 (Race 10) while Showbound is in the Open Maiden 1200 (Race 6) but needs two scratchings to get a start.

Melody Belle has had a perfect preparation ahead of her new season debut – she was strong in an exhibition gallop at Randwick two weeks ago and capped that with a very strong Group trial win at Randwick 31^st July – she is ready to go a bold race in this Group 2 race – has a wide draw (11) to contend with but the Heavy track will negate that to some extent – Kerrin McEvoy to ride – currently the $3.60 race favourite, she presents as a strong each way chance and can win

MELODY BELLE – Randwick 6th August

Federation is having his first start since March where he finished 8^th and pulled up with a foot issue. He now resumes in this Class 3 event in which he is well placed – has a difficult barrier draw (11) with the rail right out. Hard to see him winning here as his foot issue (which has been resolved) has resulted in a variance in his normal training regime and so will need a race or two to get fully race fit – has won in this grade, so is a chance of a place if the pace up front is hot – Stable apprentice K Hakim, who is riding in red hot form, takes the mount with a 3kg claim

Red Rover is also having his first start since March – he is in a very strong Class 2 race, a grade in which he has yet to win, but is in great order, loves the Polytrack, the trip will suit, has drawn well at Gate 6 and will carry just 47kgs courtesy of Apprentice rider CK Ng’s 3kg claim. He is a sneaky place chance with the right run

Talking of Singapore Fortuna has secured another Written Tycoon 2yo Gelding from a recent Inglis Online Sale. This horse, Titan of Industry, was a high priced yearling acquired by Sir Owen Glenn as a Stallion prospect, but not meeting Stallion requirements (he had to be gelded) he was put up for sale – we have acquired him and fully syndicated (including freight, fees and insurance) he is all up NZ$90,000, or $4500 for each 1% share. Click HERE to read more on the Fortuna website

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 4^th August

Khafeef (C Burdan) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, last 800 in 59, last 600 in 44.

Thursday 6^th August

Khafeef (C.Burdan) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.05.6, home in 37.9.

Fortuna has a big day in Singapore Sunday 26^th July with 5 runners – MARCUS ANTONIUS  (Race 2), BRUTUS and CASSIUS (Race 4), SPORTSCASTER (Race 6) and SHOWBOUND (Race 8) – all races are on the Polytrack

Marcus Antonius is a 2yo having his first start ever – he has trialed up well in his build up to this debut in a Restricted Maiden field for 2yo’s and 3yo’s – hard to predict how competitive he will be in this field with some runners with significant raceday experience and others with  unexposed form, but whatever he does on Sunday will benefit him for future races – has drawn wide which does not help but is lightly weighted (50kgs) and to be ridden by Senior rider J P Van Der Merwe

Here is what the Race Analyst Team at the Singapore Turf Club think about this race;

1st Pick: KHARISMA (1)

Blinkers are now added to this improving 3yo for the Copperbelt team. He has run well on all Three runs to date and sets the standard in this heat with the champion jockey booked for the first time. The one to beat.

2nd Pick: EUNOS AVE THREE (2)

Has shown placed form on both the turf and the all-weather back in January and the run when 2nd to The Wild Bunch is very good form and puts him in here with strong claims.

3rd Pick: SKY EYE (3)

Won a latest trial in 61.79 on July 16th. Has shown bits and pieces of form already and the stable had a Per Incrown run well on July 11th. Place hope.

4th Pick: MARCUS ANTONIUS (11)

Walker trained 2yo. Dam is a half sister to twice Group 1 winner Riva San (Queensland Oaks and Derby 2008) and although might need more time judged on pedigree, he is an interesting runner in this.

Marcus Antonius

Brutus has exhibited a lot of quality in his five Singapore races to date, with two seconds and three thirds in this grade – trialed beautifully in preparation for this race  – has a tricky draw to contend with – will be ridden by Senior rider Ruan Maia and presents as a strong each way chance in this.

Here are the STC analysts’ thoughts;

1st Pick: HEARTENING FLYER (6)

The Clements barn know what it takes to ready a newcomer and this 3yo looked very impressive in his trial on July 14th under Louis Beuzelin. The horses with form set a fair standard, but it may well prove fruitful to side with this son of Excelebration.

2nd Pick: BRUTUS (1)

Has plenty of form in the book and is now stepping up to 1200m. Comes from a powerful stable and can go very close.

3rd Pick: LADY FAST (10)

Has put together a couple of nice performances so far in a short career and won a trial in June to boot. Receives a bit of weight from the boys and the booking of Marc Lerner is no negative.

4th Pick: ACHIEVED MORE (2)

The wide draw isn’t much of a help here but has run some good races in defeat and has to be respected as one of the stronger hopes on the back of a good course and distance run last time.

Cassius, like Marcus Antonius, is a 2yo on race day debut and meets his quality stable mate Brutus in this race. Has drawn nicely, is lightly weighted (50kgs) and to be ridden by Senior rider J P Van Der Merwe. The Stable has a high regard for Cassius but do think he will be a better horse on the Turf and over more ground, but they all need to start off somewhere and whatever he does on Sunday will only improve him for his next run

Sportscaster races in the Class 5 1200m, a trip too short for him, however he is fresh, drawn well, has the leading Singapore rider in Vlad Duric aboard and if there is a solid pace up front, he can feature in the placings. This view appears to be shared by the STC Analysts – see below.

1st Pick: BRING ME JOY (10)

In what is not a strong race even for this level, a chance can be taken with this lightly weighted runner for Leslie Khoo on the back of both a good run and trial.

2nd Pick: TURF BEAUTY (7)

Has trialed well like a lot of the stables runners lately and is a couple of points lower than her last win. One of the more likely victors here.

3rd Pick: SPORTSCASTER (3)

Trip is all wrong for this Walker inmate but was in decent form when last seen and wouldn’t be the greatest shock to see a bold show.

4th Pick: EXCELLENT MOON (11)

Up 5 points for winning last time to the lofty mark of 27 now. Has place claims judged on that success.

Sportscaster

Showbound showed good form in his first two Singapore races in Restricted Maiden Grade

As one of the two highest rated horses in the field he has some weight to carry (59kgs), but was a recent trial winner – will be ridden by Benny Woodworth from barrier 8 – seems to be well placed here in a moderate field and presents as a very strong each way chance in this race – see the comments below from the STC analyst team;

1st Pick: SHOWBOUND (1)

Won a recent trial well enough and isn’t as exposed as some of these in this contest, would look the most logical starting point in this race.

2nd Pick: GOLD PRIZE (4)

Clearly not the easiest to train and has run some good races in defeat thus far. The overall balance of his form is more than good enough to win a race like this and should be high on anyone’s short list.

3rd Pick: SUPER PINS (2)

There were certainly some positives to take out of his 4th placing to Frey on July 11th and connections are happy to go again this coming Sunday. Can give a good account.

4th Pick: FAST AND FEARLESS (6)

Can prove best of the rest here. Place chance for in-form stable.

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 21^st July

 Khafeef (S Pillay) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1.03, last 600 in 45.8.

Leaderboard (O Bosson) also galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57.6, home in 41.

In Australia MELODY BELLE was strong in an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday 18^th July (Tommy Berry aboard) – will trial Randwick 28^th July and make her new season debut in the Missile Stakes (Group 2 1200m) at Rosehill 8^th August

Saturday 11th July saw the resumption of Singapore racing after a  99 day pause due to Covid-19. The Fortuna Stable presented three runners, Hadeer and Ronaldo’s Dream, both making their Singapore debuts and the veteran Hidden Promise, already a 5 win horse in Singapore. The stable view was that all three were top four chances with Hidden Promise probably the best chance. Hadeer, a 4yo Gelding  (Savabeel – A Real Princess), who was a winner in Australia for his previous owners, Shadwell Stud, was ignored by punters and was the rank outsider in his Class 4 event over 1000 metres. Defying the punter’s dismissal of him, he ran a very bold race on debut finishing 2nd, beaten 3/4 of a length.

Ronaldo’s Dream, a 3yo Gelding (Darci Brahma – Sweet Dreams Baby) was up next in the Restricted Maiden event over 1100m. A Maiden, he had had three starts in NZ in the spring of 2019, all for minor placings, before being sent to Singapore to race. Drawing barrier 6 in a 12 horse field, his rider, the Stable apprentice, K Hakim, who was claiming 4kgs, had him away well from the barriers and into a nice spot in 4th place one off the rails. Relaxing nicely, Ronaldo traveled well in the run, Hakim pulled him out to the centre of the track on  turning and set off after the leaders who had established a three length break – steadily he reeled them in and went to the line 1.5 lengths clear of the 2nd horse. Click HERE to see the race replay.

Ronaldo’s Dream was acquired by Fortuna Director, John Galvin at the 2018 Karaka Yearling Sale for NZ$80,000 out of the draft of Phoenix Park. John picks up the story, “Ronaldo was a horse I had liked since I first saw him as a weanling at Te Akau Stud. Fortuna had previously acquired his two full sisters, Darci’s Dream and Windborne, both stakes winning fillies and we had also acquired his half brother, Colorado Prince (by Alamosa), also a race day winner here in NZ, so we knew the family well. Not a natural 2yo, we took Ronaldo along quietly before giving him his race day debut at Matamata in August, where he ran 5th on a Heavy track, that was followed by an improvers run for 4th at Ruakaka and then a fighting 2nd at Taupo. Clearly he had ability, however the stable view was that he still lacked maturity as a spring 3yo and was unlikely to be competitive in the top 3yo races. Accordingly, we recommended to his Ownership group that he go to Singapore to race. The Syndicate Members agreed and now they have been rewarded with this nice result. I  want to acknowledge that David and Karyn Ellis bred this horse (they were also the breeders of Darci’s Dream, Windborne and Colorado Prince) and a big thanks to them for putting him up for sale. A big thanks also to Trainer Mark Walker and his team for producing Rnaldo’s Dream in great order and thanks to Hakim for a great riding effort”

“Ronaldo’s Dream” – Wins on Singapore debut 11 July 2020

Now eligible for Novice Grade, Trainer Mark Walker will take Ronaldo along quietly  and set targets for him as he progresses – he is a potential contender for the Singapore Guineas which has been deferred until 26th September due to Covid-19.

Ronaldo’s Dream is raced by the Fortuna Ronaldo’s Dream Syndicate, an ownership group of 51 Members, 16 of whom were brand new to the Fortuna family when they took shares in this syndicate.

Finally, Hidden Promise ran boldly for a 4th placing later in the day, capping off a solid result for the Fortuna NZ Stable on resumption day.