Friday Flash 28th January

Fortuna has four runners in Singapore this Saturday 29th January – and one runner in NZ Sunday 30^thJanuary

New Zealand

Breaking News – Leaderboard has had to be scratched from the Wellington Cup due to a hoof abscess – huge disappointment for Jamie, Te Akau Racing and of course his big crew of Owners from the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate

Navalha contests the Rating 74 1100m at Ellerslie Sunday 30^th – an impressive winner of his first two starts Dec 2020 and Jan 2021, he has had a long and frustrating time on the sidelines with minor injuries and illness. A strong finishing 3^rd Cambridge trials 11^th January suggests all is now well. To be ridden by Opie Bosson from barrier one. Performs well fresh – never easy in this grade, but if back to his best can feature

Singapore

Brutus is in the Class 4 1200 Turf (Race 3 at 6pm NZT) – has taken all before him of late with 3 wins and a 2^nd from his last 4 starts – Shafiq Rusof stays on. Up significantly in the ratings but dominant win at his last start and can repeat

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

1st Pick: BRUTUS (3)
The form continues and holding strong with three wins from his last four starts. Doesn’t have to lead but should be up there and fend them off in the finish.
2nd Pick: LIM’S PASSION (2)
Gets back and runs home strongly. There should be good speed in the race and with that looks a definite place chance in this field. Switch back to the turf suits.
3rd Pick: HARRY DREAM (8)
She has a serious motor when she gets running. This is a race that if she brings her best and things go her way, she could surprise.
4th Pick: DR KARDO (10)
Last three starts have been respectable after failing to do much since his maiden win. Should press forward with a lightweight and give some sight.

Elliot Ness is in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack event (Race 6 at 7.30pm NZT) – CC Wong takes the mount – a track record holder at Kranj (1200m) this talented galloper has been plagued with virus and soundness issues – however recent treatments seem to have him back to near his best – has a featherweight to carry (50.5kgs) – can feature here if at best

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

1st Pick: PROOF PERFECT (3)
Back to winning mark of 60 once again. Could surprise much like last season where off the same mark, broke through first start for 2021 over 1100m on the Polytrack. Coming off a long break is the only query.
2nd Pick: ELLIOT NESS (11)
Put in a super run last time to the races with a low weight beaten 1.9L by Al Green. Consistently not far off the winner and looks to be a threat here once again. One-from-one track and distance.
3rd Pick: RESOLUTION (1)
Slick trial on January 20 ahead of first start in 2022. Form behind King Arthur last start looked strong, looks a major player.
4th Pick: MIRACLE (8)
Rating is probably still a little high but trials have been good, therefore he shouldn’t be left out of exotic bets.

Entertainer contests the Class 2 1100 Polytrack (Race 10 at 9.30m NZT) – faded out this trip Class 3 on resuming last start but not suited by tactics – will improve from that run – racing out of his class here, but has won this class, trip and surface in 2021. Senior Rider Harry Kasim takes the mount with just 50.5kgs to carry. A six time winner in Singapore, he loves to lead and if he can do that here, represents a good each way chance

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

1st Pick: CELAVI (2)
She returns to the Polytrack after a disappointing run on turf last start. She is drawn perfectly in two and should be leading and giving them all something to chase.
2nd Pick: MAKKEM LAD (1)
Has a great record on this surface and does most of his racing on the turf. The three-kilogram claim for Yusoff Fadzli brings him right into contention. Speed runner.
3rd Pick: ENTERTAINER (6)
This is a tough test for him compared to his best wins. With good speed in the race, he should be behind the leaders and have one crack at the finish.
4th Pick: ARARAT LADY (8)
Trialled in sensational style stopping the clock at 58.8 in preparation for this run. Great stats over this distance and should run well fresh.

Cosmic Sands is in the Class 4 1400 Turf (Race 11 at 10pm NZT) with Shafiq Rusof in the saddle – caused some head scratching this trip and surface at last start when over racing and then losing action on turning for home – blinkers come off and we are expecting a better effort – will be at long odds and should be taken on trust

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 25^th Jan
Navalha (M Grylls) galloped in company over 800 metres in 52.7, last 600 in 37.5.
Leaderboard (R Khan) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.19.8, last 600 in 38.8.
Hayate (A Gujar) galloped over 800 metres in 52.7, home in 37.

Thursday 27th Jan
No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore
Tuesday 25^th Jan
Brutus (Jerlyn) – C, 1000/600 38; Elliot Ness (Saimee) – C, 1000/600 38;; Hadeer (Jerlyn) – C, 1000/600 38.5; Olympia (Aslam) – C, 1000/600; Entertainer (Harry K) – 800/600 38;

Other News
Fortuna Shares for Sale

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

The Yearling Filly by Rubick out of Miss Foxwood (“Cube”)

Outstanding pedigree – acquired for “unders” by Mark Walker – registered for the Magic Millions Series – arrived in NZ 26^th Jan – will spell at Te Akau Stud before being broken in and having first stable prep after that – capable of making a 2yo but has 3yo type written all over her. Shares available at $2,000 per each 1% share and $40 per month from 1^st April

Stop Press!!! – Cube arrived at Te Akau Stud Thursday morning – Click HERE to see this “must view” Video Clip of her parading with Voice over from David Ellis
 

Shares can be ordered online from the Fortuna website HERE

NZB Ready to Run Sale

2yo Gelding by Darci Brahma out of the winning Iffraaj Mare,  Ujjayyi – this strapping 2yo is in work and will have his first trial early March – still a few shares left at $1100 per each 1% and $40 per month from 1 April

Shares can be ordered online from the Fortuna website HERE

Contact John by email john@fortuna-nz.com if you require further information or call/text 021 921 460

Secondary Market Opportunity – Polaris – the 3yo Gelding by Deep Field out of Miss Fi (by Makfi)

 Polaris was acquired by David Ellis for Fortuna at the 2020 Karaka Sale – prepared in NZ by Jamie Richard, he was not ready to race as a 2yo, but had three very good placings in NZ as a 3yo, during the late spring/early summer. Following this, Jamie’s recommendation was that he would be ideal for Singapore as he had missed his 3yo age group opportunities and was not a “Derby” type. Also, in being a Maiden with less than 4 starts, he is eligible for the Restricted Maiden Grade in Singapore, a grade which carries S$75k as prizemoney. Polaris passed his in depth Singapore Turf Club Vet test with flying colours and flew to Singapore 20^th Jan, – he exits quarantine 5^th Feb and, all going well, he will make his Singapore debut in April in Restricted Maiden Grade for S$75k. The great majority of the Ownership Group were fully supportive of this move, but some Members have decided not to proceed and so a small percentage of the shares have become available. We had Polaris independently valued recently by Registered Bloodstock Valuer, Marcus Corban, who assessed his value  for the purpose of this share transfer at $50,000. Landed in Singapore with all transport and quarantine fees included, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2023 and working capital account replenished, the all up cost of each 1% share is $720 for each 1% share and $36 per month from 1 March 2022. There are no Promoter Fees in this transaction

John comments “As readers would be aware, Fortuna has had significant success these past 3 years or so in acquiring “tried” horses for Singapore racing – effectively we have had no failures and many, many successes. Polaris with his trial and raceday form, fits squarely into this “tried horse” category and there is every reason to believe he can be very successful in Singapore – interestly, he has a very similar profile to Ronald’s Dream, who had 3 starts for 3 placings in NZ before going to Singapore and winning a Restricted Maiden on debut”

To participate contact John by email john@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 921 460

Another Fortuna Winner

MADAME MOET breaks through for Maiden Win Matamata 26th January

MADAME MOET, the four year old mare by Iffraaj out of Champagne Katie (by Darci Brahma) scored an impressive Maiden Grade win at Matamata 26th January in the Matamata Function Centre 1600m event. Drawn nicely in barrier 3, rider Opie Bosson had her away conservatively from the gates but was able to sneak her up on the rail into a nice spot just in behind the leaders. Moving off the rail just before the turn, MADAME MOET (who carries the stable name “Bubbles”) surged into the lead and went to the line well clear of her opposition.

Click HERE to see the replay

Trainer Jamie Richards was on course and post race he said “Lovely win, ridden very nicely by Opie, she was always going well and fully deserves this victory after going close in her last two starts.”

Madame Moet – Maiden Win Matamata 26th January 2022

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, forced to watch the race from his Hamilton home due to the “closed door” protocols at Matamata under the “Red” traffic light provisions, was also very happy “Bubbles gave us a great sight today after having to cop wide draws in her last two runs – she presented beautifully pre race, was given a lovely ride by Opie and was too good for them today. Shame that her big ownership group could not be on course, but that is the world we live in at the moment.”

MADAME MOET was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2019 Karaka Yearling Sale for $62,500 from her breeders, Wentwood Grange – she has had seven starts for 1 win, a 2nd and 4 4ths . She is raced by the Fortuna Madame Moet Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 67 individuals

Covid – Traffic light Red and Racing

Earlier in the week, the Government announced a move to “Red” Traffic light protocols – this in the light of Omicron variant being detected in the community and a movement to “Red” is designed to slow down the rate of transmission – it is very clear to everybody that the previous “elimination” strategy is well past its use by date.

So what does this mean for racing? Well, most importantly all race meetings can be held – however attendances by Club Members, Owners and the Public will be significantly curtailed with a maximum gathering of 100 people per “pod” at individual race tracks. Some meetings (such as Matamata on Wednesday 26^th) will be “closed doors” – but this is probably a rarity. Trentham on Saturday (Wellington Cup Day) is going ahead with 1800 on course – presumably this means they have 18 pods available. All attendees will need to register with the respective Club on race day and it is up to each Club to determine how many people they can host.

Jockeys can no longer travel interisland under “Red” settings.

From a practical point of view, this should mean that any Member of a Fortuna Syndicate that has a horse racing can attend on race day if they so choose, although application to the Club concerned will need to be made. The Clubs will be in contact by email with all registered Owners after Acceptances have been taken – full instructions on how to register will be in those emails.

You can read the NZTR protocols in full here.

So, how long will this state of affairs continue you may ask? I guess we could respond “how long is a piece of string?”  Probably the answer lies in how rapidly the Virus spreads. We can get some indication on this from Australia, particularly from Queensland, which has a similar population to NZ (5m approx) and has a similar vaccination profile.

As at 20 December 2021, just before Omicron hit, Queensland had had 2400 cases in total since the start of the Virus (March 2020) and just 7 deaths (now that is “world leading!!). As of 27^th Jan, about a five week period, case numbers had risen sharply to 358,000 – an average of around 10,000 per day, although cases seemed to peak at around 20,000 per day mid January and were 13,500 26^th January. Total deaths have risen to 151. As of 26^th Jan, there were 889 people in hospital, 47 in ICU. Similar figures here in NZ would see the Health system “stretched” but not over run

We should note that these “cases” are just the official numbers – some health experts postulate that “actual” cases may be a lot higher, but go unreported because the symptoms are mild or because people don’t get tested. If this theory is correct then community transmission would be running a lot higher and eventually the bulk of the population would have natural immunity. Notable that figures out of the UK today show that 95% of the adult population have Covid antibodies (immunity), either because they have had Covid or/and been vaccinated.

So, back to the question. My “prediction” is that it will be at least 3 months, maybe longer, before we go back to Orange and Racing goes back to normal. That could change of course depending on how rapidly the Virus spreads throughout the community – watch this space!!!