fortunanz

Fortuna Filly INCA BELLE wins again at Tauranga making it 3 wins from 3 starts

Published 19 March 2023

Keeping alive her unbeaten record, Fortuna Racing’s three year old Filly INCA BELLE (by Per Incanto – Belle Vie, by Darci Brahma) resumed with victory in the Matamata Veterinary Services $30,000 3YO 1200 metres on Saturday 18th March at Tauranga. A debut winner over 1100 metres on 8 November at Pukekohe, Inca Belle rose in class to win the 3YO 1200 metres on 26 November at Wanganui, before having a break and after finding the line in a trial on 7 March at Rotorua, she secured a hat-trick of wins with her Tauranga victory. Having won previously on good and soft footing, Inca Belle had to endure Heavy10 footing but in the end she had the resolve to prevail.

Riding by Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, who was aboard for the first two wins, Inca Belle got back in a small field, had to overcome a check when looking to work clear on straightening, but pinned her ears back to win drawing away by one and a half lengths. She ran 1200 metres in 1:15.2 and as race favourite paid $1.90 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer, Mark Walker, was on course overseeing his runners on the day “It was another good effort to win and she’s got a nice future,” said trainer Mark Walker. “She was bought quite cheaply by Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin), knows how to win, and the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes will be her main aim.” The $85,000 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) is contested on Saturday 29 April at Te Rapa.

INCA BELLE – makes it three starts – three wins Tauranga 28th March 2023

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, was also on course at Tauranga along with several Members of her Ownership Group “That was a great watch, she seems to have quite a bit of quality about her. She’s from the famous Belle family and quite a few of the Melody Belle owners have come into her as well,” he said. “She can’t do better than winning her first three starts and very good for a filly that was moderately priced ($50,000). She learned a bit in the race as well, after getting into a scrimmage at the top of the straight, but forced her way through and went to the line a dominant winner. She will probably have one or two races before the (Cambridge) Breeders’ Stakes, which is our main target. We were going to take her to Wellington last Saturday, but she blew a bit after her Saturday gallop the week before and Mark (Walker) said it’s a long way to take her if she’s not quite right, so he said to give her a trial and push her back a week and, as always, he seems to get these things right. She’s looked good coming through the grades, but it’s not until you get up against the big guns that you can really determine their quality.”

2022/23 Champion Apprentice JOE KAMARUDDIN returns to scale on INCA BELLE

Bred by R A Williams, Inca Belle was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and John Galvin for $50,000 at the 2021 NZB Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and is owned by Fortuna Inca Belle Syndicate, an Ownership Group consisting of 49 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong

Inca Belle was strapped by Shaun Magee.

Friday Flash – 17th March 2023

Published 17 March 2023

Headline News

Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore

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Fortuna has six runners on Saturday 18^th March, two in NZ and four in Singapore

New Zealand – Tauranga

INCA BELLE runs in the 3yo SW & P 1200m event at Tauranga – Race 1 @ 12.45pm – she will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin claiming 1kg from a good draw. Two starts for two wins is the race record for this Per Incanto Filly. Was freshened after her last win at Wanganui late November and has had two trials to prepare for this. Form hard to fault and is a very good each way chance in this

ANGELS WINGS races in the Maiden 1200m event – Race 2 @ 1.22pm – she will be ridden by Hakim Kamaruddin claiming 1kg from a good draw. Over raced at Rotorua 2^nd March and was flushed wide on the turn – this after a reasonable 4^th placing at Hastings 26 Jan. Has gone back to 1200m for this race, her work cannot be faulted, she won’t mind the forecast rain. Has been hard to follow but did run a nice 3^rd this track and distance on a Heavy track early December. Could be the smokey in this

Singapore

ROCKY contests the Class 5 1200m Polytrack event – Race 1 at 12 Noon Singapore time (5pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from an inside draw – is a galloper with ability and drops in class for this event. Good each way chance in this

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;
1st Pick: THE WILD PRINCE (6)
A horse who has been knocking on the door to win since returning to class 5. Hasn’t had much luck his last couple and shouldn’t be too far away from them here.
2nd Pick: BENBO (1)
Solid winner on debut who finds himself at the top of class 5 here instead of class 4. Good chance to capitalise and score again. Won well enough last start. Nunes on a bonus.
3rd Pick: KSATRIA (3)
Downgrades to class 5 where he has a solid record. Proven to carry weight at this grade and looks a genuine top three hope.
4th Pick: ROCKY (4)
Makes his class 5 debut in his tenth start in Singapore. Amongst this company, he cannot be left out of the multiple, keep him safe.

TRIDENT races in the Class 4 1400 Turf event – Race 3 @ 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Vlad Duric from barrier 5. This talented 2 win galloper rarely runs a bad race – he resumed 25^th Feb off a 3 month break running 4^th over 1200m – has taken much improvement and is ready to fire here from a good draw and a highly experienced rider aboard. Top three chance in this

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

1st Pick: VGOR (1)
Rises to 1400m after finding one better at his last two starts. He has been beaten by lightweights on both occasions and will still carry a bit of weight after Krisnas claim.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (5)
Nice form and course statistics for a race like this. Will be fitter after a couple of runs and the rise in distance is to his benefit. Don’t leave him out of your exotic bets.
3rd Pick: SUMMER WIND (7)
Loves to get out and get rolling early. No luck from the wide barrier last start and gets to a distance where he has one win and two minors from three appearances. One to watch.
4th Pick: LIM’S DREAMWALKER (9)
Lightweight chance who has been catching racegoers eyes in his last two starts. Can get himself stuck in traffic but with the long course in play he can be winding up late with no weight.

DECEPTION also races in the Class 4 1400 Turf event – Race 3 @ 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Harry Kasim from barrier 11. Also a 2 win galloper that rarely runs a bad race and has been luckless at times – has had two runs since resuming both with merit – has drawn out but gets back and will be running home very strongly in this event on the Long Course. Good each way chance and could well be at good odds.

OUR FINAL OFFER races in the Open Maiden 1200 Turf event – Race 5 @ 2pm Singapore time (7pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Appentice Jamil, claiming 4ks, from barrier 3 – ran a good 3^rd on a resuming run two weeks ago after a 15 month break from racing. Is a very fast galloper who has had barrier issues in the past, but if he gets away well, he is right in this.

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

1st Pick: TRIBUTO (2)
Massive run last start where he was wide the trip due to a poor draw and only just got beat. Horse to beat here.
2nd Pick: OUR FINAL OFFER (4)
Made up good ground last start and will appreciate the rise in distance to 1200m, each way.
3rd Pick: STAR GLORY (9)
Led them up last start to only be beaten just over a length. Was off the rail the entire way so the run deserves respect. Looks one of the likely leaders in the race again.
4th Pick: GEMILANG (6)
Dislodged the rider on the way to the gates and still ran a solid race. Should have taken plenty from the first race day experience and be an improver here.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed trackwork reported for Fortuna Runners this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Friday 10^th March

King Arthur(Yusoff)1000/600- 37.5; Our Fina Offer(Aslam)1000/600- 37.5; Trident(Simon)1000/600- 38; Deception(A’isisuhairi)1000/600- 38; Knippenberg(Aslam)800/600- 39; Rocky(Yusoff)1000/600- 38; Rhett Butler(Awah)600- 39;

Tuesday 14^th March

DECEPTION (Kasim )800/600- 39.5; 37.5; RHETT BUTLER(JAMIL)600- 38;

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Other News

Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore – read more below

About The Two Year Old Gelding GUN

The 2yo Gelding, GUN, is by Australia’s most expensive Stallion at Stud, Extreme Choice, out of the winning and Stakes placed Mare Murtle Turtle – he has been acquired by Fortuna Racing for A$45,000 from the March (early) Inglis Digital Sale and will be sent to Singapore to race. He will agist in New South Wales for eight to ten weeks before flying to Singapore where he will join the other Fortuna Racing runners at the Te Akau Racing training complex at Kranji Racecourse, headed up by our Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan.

As a non winner, GUN will be eligible to contest Restricted Maiden Grade events in Singapore, a Grade which carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$85,000). Once winning in that Grade, he will then be eligible to race in Novice Grade, a Grade which also carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$85,000). As a Three Year Old in the 2023/2024 Seasons, GUN will be eligible for the very lucrative Three Year Old Series run during May and June 2024

Pedigree
GUN has an exceptionally strong Pedigree page – bred and sold by James Ferguson of Bell River Thoroughbreds for A$775,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale, he is by Australia’s most expensive Stallion(Stud Fee A275k), EXTREME CHOICE, the Sire of over 41 winners from just 64 runners, including 9 Stakes winners, such as Stay Inside (winner of the Golden Slipper), She’s Extreme (Champagne Stakes – Group One) and Espiona (Coolmore Stud Stakes – Group One). His Dam Murtle Turtle was a winner as a 2yo, ran 2nd twice at Group 3 level, is the dam of four foals to race, with three of them being winners, including the Hong Kong winner, California Deeply

Click HERE to view his pedigree

Training & Race History
GUN was bought as yearling by James Harron Bloodstock, who put together a high profile ownership group to race him, clearly with “Stallion making” prospects in mind. He was prepared by Michael Freedman at Randwick – he had two trials in Sydney in the early Spring of 2022, but proved very Colty, so was gelded and freshened. He resumed with a trial 9th January 2023 finishing 2nd and followed that up with a winning trial performance 24th January and made his race day debut at Canberra 3rd February, where he ran very wide on the turn finishing in 6th place. He then raced at Newcastle 25th Feb, running more professionally, beaten just 2.3 lengths. Click HERE to see that race replay – he is in the dark green silks. His ownership group then made a decision to move him on because they were only interested in racing “Stallion Prospects”

Physical Type
Standing at 15.25 hands high and tipping the scales at 452kgs, GUN is a lovely physical type – he passed his vetting inspection (conducted by Dr Ramiro Pellegrini) with no issues– he scoped before and after exercise at Grade Two, had no vices and trotted up in very sound condition – Dr Ramiro has issued the Malaysian Racing Association Vet certificate as a “pass” and accordingly he can be admitted to Singapore as a racehorse.

GUN – Randwick 1st March 2023

Syndicator’s View

John Galvin comments on this latest acquisition

“Gun has a profile that is very typical of most of the horses we have bought off the Inglis Digital platform in the past five years or so. A very well bred 2yo that was owned by a high profile Ownership Group, clearly with a Stallion career in mind, he needed to be gelded after trialing twice – they then endeavoured improve his profile for sale by trying him as a gelded horse, but as often happens in this situation, they rushed him along and, with no win from two race day starts, they moved him on. Horses we have acquired in recent years of this profile are Federation (6 Singapore wins), Brutus (5 Singapore wins), Entertainer (7 Singapore wins), King Arthur (9 Singapore wins), Red Rover (3 Singapore wins), Ellis Ness and Deception (2 Singapore wins each) and our most recent winner (on debut) Knippenberg. GUN has had four trials and two race day starts and shown us enough from those to indicate he can be a successful racehorse in Singapore – particularly now that our acquisition of him will result in a decent break away from the track so that he can grow and develop”

Click HERE to see GUN parading 1st March

Trainers Views

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan comments about GUN
“This is a lovely horse that John has acquired – I have viewed his trials and races and can see he has a very nice action – we have also obtained rider reports from those who have ridden him and those reports are very positive – to my eye, he is a horse who has been rushed along in his 2yo preparation and who will benefit from getting more time to strengthen and mature – he will get that time as he agists in New South Wales before coming to Singapore – I am looking forward to having him in my barn and I think he is capable of being a very successful racehorse in Singapore”

Former Four Time Champion Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, now heading up the Te Akau New Zealand operation, assisted John Galvinin analysing GUN – he comments as follows;

“John and I (and now Donna Logan) have had much success in Singapore over the past few seasons buying horses out of the Australian On Line Sales with horses of just this type of profile – types that are by leading Sires, that are lightly raced and that have shown us enough from their Australian trials and races to suggest they can be very good race horses in Singapore. Obviously he caught the attention of the very best judges when he went through the ring as a yearling and sold for what was a record price for Extreme Choice at that time. His trials and races show that he was being pressured too early, but now that he is in our system, we know how to fix that with good feeding and time to mature and develop”

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for GUN

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $10,000 – 5% share $5,000 – 2.5% share $2,500 – 1% share $1,000 (all pricing in NZ$)
Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Transport to Singapore, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over$7,000 approx
Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st June 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are –10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 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

Shares in GUN can be ordered directly off the Fortuna Website at the link HERE or contact John directly by email or call/text 021 921 460 if you seek further information

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Here is Butch’s Saturday selection below

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. Attention turns to a massive day at Trentham tomorrow where the fillies take centre stage in the NZ Oaks. There are other quality black-type races across the card and it is to one of these we turn to find this weeks winner. Race 7 is the Lightning Stakes and high class galloper Shamus heads up a tidy field. Shamus has only tasted defeat twice in a 8 race career and has won 3 from 4 at Trentham. The rain about won’t worry him at all as he is 4 from 4 on Soft/Heavy footing. The slight concern is the 60kg impost but he is a big strong son of Shamexpress and over the 1200m the weight shouldn’t worry him. Expect him to be powering up late and I’m happy to take the $2.4 currently on offer. Best of luck, Butch”

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Friday Flash – 10th March 2023

Published 10 March 2023

Headline News

Fortuna has Two Runners in this weekend’s Auckland Cup, LEADERBOARD and SOPRANO SUPREME

Fortuna acquires Xtravagant Yearling Filly from Inglis Classic Sale – she is to be trained in Victoria by Anthony/Sam Freedman

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Fortuna has five runners on Saturday 11^th March, two in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

LEADERBOARD runs in the Group Two Auckland Cup over 3200m – Race 9 at 5.26pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from Barrier 9. He was victorious in his last race, the Wellington Cup, over the same distance. He is super fit, will run the trip as well as anything else in the race, but will need a Soft track to be at his best.

SOPRANO SUPREME also runs in the Auckland Cup over 3200m – Race 9 at 5.26pm and will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn from Barrier 8. Prepared for this race, she is a natural staying type, but has struck two very firm tracks in her last two starts – she is another who will need some rain to soften the track – if the rain comes, she will be right in this

Singapore

ELLIOT NESS contests the Class 4 1100m Polytrack event – Race 3 at 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from an outside barrier in a nine horse field. Off the scene since August, due to surgery, he has trialed well recently – a talented galloper, he holds the course record this trip and surface. Meets an even field here, but can feature first four with some luck from the draw

BRIGGS resumes in the Class 4 1000 Poly event – Race 6 @ 2.30pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Matthew Kellady from the Ace draw. Bled at his last start in September, but has staged a nice recovery – has been well prepared for this resumption, but is very much a starting point for him as he will be looking for more ground

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 1 1100 Poly event – Race 11 @ 5pm Singapore time (10pm NZT) with Stable Apprentice Jamil to ride – an eight time winner in Singapore and over S$300k in Stakes to his name – seven of his eight wins have come at this trip, but has not greeted the judge since Sept 2022 – has a featherweight to carry(48kgs) and a great draw (2) – if he can bring his best form to this event, he can feature

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 7^th March

Soprano Supreme (J Bayliss) worked together over 1400 metres 1.02.75, home in 36.5.

Leaderboard (O Bosson) worked with a companion over 1600 metres in 1.21.2, home in 38.2.

Thursday 9^th March

Leaderboard (M Roustoby) galloped over an easy 1600 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.10.4, final 600 in 38.2.
Soprano Supreme (S Weatherley) galloped over 1600 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.09.4, home in 38.1.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 4^th March

ELLIOT NESS(AWAH)1000/600- 38; KING ARTHER(ASLAM)1000/600- 39.5; RHETT BUTLER(JAMIL)400- 43;

Tuesday 7th March

Rocky(Awah)1000/600- 39.5; King Arthur(Yusoff)1000/600- 37; Briggs(Kellady)800/600- 39; Entertainer(Yusoff)800/600- 39; Trident(Simon)1000/600- 40; Rhett Butler(Awah)600/400- 38;

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Other News

Fortuna has Two Runners in this weekend’s Auckland Cup, LEADERBOARD and SOPRANO SUPREME

Incredibly, given that we have never had a runner in an Auckland Cup before, we have two runners in the 2023 rendition, this year being run at Pukekohe – I have always loved the Staying events and the tough, big hearted types who contest them and so, in recent years in particular, we have been active in trying to buy Staying types, either as tried horses (such as Leaderboard) or as yearlings (such as Soprano Supreme).

Leaderboard has run the 3200m trip three times, for a 3rd in the NZ Cup (2021), a 5th in the same event (2022) on a firm track and a super win in the Wellington Cup on a heavy track – his work during the week has been very, very strong and if he can get his toe in the ground as a result of any rain, will get an opportunity to feature again in one of the great races on the NZ Racing Calendar.

Soprano Supreme has yet to run the 3200m trip, but the way she won over 2400m at Te Rapa in November, suggest the distance will not be a problem – has had two recent runs at Pukekohe in the Karaka Cup (2200m) and the Avondale Cup (2400m) but struck a Good 4 track each time – like Leaderboard, she would appreciate some softening of the track.

Both horses have big ownership groups, Leaderboard with 70 syndicate Members and Soprano with 58 and around 24 of these Members have shares in both horses, so, win lose or draw, it is going to be a great Ownership experience on the day for our clients and we wish them all the very best of luck.

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Fortuna acquires Xtravagant Yearling Filly from Inglis Classic Sale – she is to be trained in Victoria by Anthony/Sam Freedman

Want to be involved in a Filly who will be trained and raced in Australia out of the Anthony/Sam Freedman barn in Victoria??? – here is your chance – prizemoney in Australia is booming

The Freedmans have trained one other horse for us, the UK import, NO ENVY, who won a race for them and us in pretty quick time, but then had to be retired due to a tendon injury. Since then I had been keen to acquire a yearling to race in Australia from the get go and this lovely Xtravagant Filly gave us a great opportunity to do just that. Note that she is registered for the Inglis Race Series, which in 2024/25 will carry A$12.55m in bonus prizemonies for Inglis Graduates, including A$5m to be spread over 50 selected Maiden races at A$100k per race – read more details on the Inglis Race Series below

About The Yearling Filly by Xtravagant out of Secret Spice – “Spicy”

Sprinter/Miler type of Filly – will be trained in Victoria by Anthony/Sam Freedman – note she is registered for the Inglis Race series with total Bonuses on offer of A$12.55m in the 2024/25 season

Lot 43 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Stallion XTRAVAGANT out of SECRET SPICE (By Sakhees Secret) has been acquired by Fortuna Racing from the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale – this after Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, assisted by Bloodstock Agent, Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Melbourne Trainer, Anthony Freedman, who along with his son, Sam Freedman, will train this filly commented after doing pre sale Video inspections “Athletic type of good size, lovely walk, physically correct, will need a bit of time to fully mature but will make a lovely Spring 3yo”

“Spicy” – the Xtravagant – Secret Spice Yearling Filly

Pedigree

Spicy has a very strong pedigree. Her Sire, Xtravagant was a top class Sprinter/Miler, winning six times from 12 starts – A Champion New Zealand 3YO and dual Group One winner, Xtravagant was a breathtaking racehorse with phenomenal speed. His eight-length win on debut as a two-year-old was incredible, then his record breaking victories in the Guineas and the Waikato Sprint against older horses (beating five individual Group One winners) were of the highest class. Xtravagant has made a heady start to his Stud career, with 36 individual winners, including the Stakeswinners Lavish Girl, Xtravagant Star and He’s Exceptional.

Her dam, Secret Spice won seven times in Singapore and Malaysia and her dam, Caparison, won 5 times and was Stakes placed.

Click HERE to view Spicy’s pedigree

Physical type

A leggy, athletic Filly of good size, “Spicy” is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a lithe, athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“Having raced the dam, Secret Spice, we were keen to have a close look at this Filly, she had very clean x rays, flew through her Vet inspection without issue – she will need a bit of time to grow into herself and presents more of a 3yo type, but that suits our philosophy and style – we had a budget of A$60k to buy her and she was knocked down to us for A$40k, so represents great value”

Trainer’s view (Anthony Freedman)

“Asked by John Galvin to inspect this Xtravagant Filly at the Inglis Classic Sale, my assessment of her was that she is a tall leggy type who will need a bit of time, may run as an Autumn 2yo, but should develop into a lovely 3yo. She has a graceful walk and a great temperament. I am looking forward to having her in our stable”

Selectors view (Marcus Corban)

“This Filly is a lovely first foal out of a very good racemare – she has a smooth, fluid action at the walk, won’t be an early type but will develop into a nice athletic 3yo – this Filly represents great value at her purchase price”

Ongoing Preparation

Spicy is now spelling at the Freedman spelling farm on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement early April) and will then be prepared for racing at the Stables of Anthony/Sam Freedman. Her first stable preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and Anthony and Sam will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her. She may well have a start or two as a 2yo in the Autumn of 2024, but the lucrative 3yo Fillies races in Melbourne in the Spring of 2024 will be her prime objective. Note that prizemoney in Australia is going from strength to strength, particularly in NSW and Victoria, hence our decision to have this Filly trained in Australia

View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Read the Declaration.

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, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over $8,000

Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $500 per month – 5% share $250 per month – 2.5% share $125 per month – 1% share $50 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 Spicy today off the Fortuna website HERE or call/text John 021 921 460 for more information

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Connections of a winner of a designated Maiden will receive the $100,000 bonus if the horse is an Inglis graduate and paid up for the Inglis Race Series.

The new concept will see the Inglis Race Series jump to $12.55m in the 2024/25 Australian racing season as all existing races – Inglis Millennium, Inglis Sprint, Inglis Banner, Inglis Nursery, Inglis Bracelet and Inglis Challenge – as well as the Inglis Pink Bonuses will remain.

As part of the Inglis Xtra Bonus Series, 50 Maidens will be selected to carry the bonus with a focus on NSW and Victoria, while bonuses are also planned for Queensland.

The Maidens will range from 900m to 2000m and be for eligible 3YO and up horses.

Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch believed the new Maiden Series would incentivise every buyer, starting at the Classic Sale this coming weekend.

“As we mentioned with the introduction of the Pink Bonus 12 months ago, we are always looking at ways to develop our Race Series,” Hutch said.

“This initiative gives investors through our sales the opportunity to win more prizemoney, more often.

“The respective racing authorities have done an incredible job driving increases in prizemoney, particularly at the top end – there will be 89 races for $1m or more in Australia in 2023 – and we wanted to enhance our Race Series with a concept that complemented those top-level increases.

“The hardest race for a horse to win is their Maiden and not all horses get to the top level so we believe this new concept will give every buyer and owner an opportunity to win extraordinary prizemoney at the entry level of racing.

“Effectively, owners will have the opportunity to win ‘Inglis’ prizemoney every week of the year and the plan is for these races to be everywhere, from major country carnivals to midweek metro to provincial and everything in between.

“$100,000 is going to be an enormous carrot for owners of eligible horses and we are expecting the designated Maidens to be targeted and bonuses to be won regularly through the 2024/25 season and beyond.’’

The Inglis Xtra Bonus Series will be for horses born in 2021 and beyond that are paid up for the Inglis Race Series.

The specific races themselves will be confirmed once the 2024/25 Australian racing season schedule is released next year.

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ANTHONY AND SAM FREEDMAN RACING STABLES – VICTORIA/AUSTRALIA

The Sam and Anthony Freedman operation does not train a large number of horse, by comparison with other leading Victorian Stables – currently they have 75 horses in work over their two Stable operations, Flemington and Pinecliff.

In the current season to date they have trained 36 winners at a strike rate of around 15% (6.6)

In 2021, we sent our UK import, the Stayer NO ENVY, whom we had acquired at the Tattersalls Horse In Training Sale, to the Freedmans to be trained and he won a race very quickly for them, however subsequently damaged a tendon and had to be retired. Our experience with them was very positive with high quality horsemanship and regular communications and updates.

See the links below about their people and their facilities

https://www.freedman.com.au/anthony-freedman

https://www.freedman.com.au/sam-freedman

https://www.freedman.com.au/the-team

https://www.freedman.com.au/facilities

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Other Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 2yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 7% left

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video. An August foal she looks like she will run as a 2yo, but has the size and scope to develop into a strong, powerful 3yo. Lots of residual value with this pedigree

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 19% available

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – she should be up and running as a 2yo before Christmas and as such, represents a genuine chance to qualify for the 2024 Karaka Million

The Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 17% available

I really love this one – a genuine staying type by physique and pedigree page Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – she will be given plenty of time to mature and develop, but may well debut as an Autumn 2yo and will certainly develop into a strong 3yo type who will run a trip

The Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly “Raquel”

$800 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 23% available

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – type and pedigree suggest she will be a middle distance 3yo type – but she is very forward, is already being broken in and so may well run as an Autumn 2yo in 2024

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Dynastic let the team down by failing to finish 2^nd or 3^rd in Butch’s Power Play last week, however Sharp N Smart did win and Mark Twain ran out of his skin to finish 4^{th – so close but no cigar in the end}

Hi John and Fortuna Team – A great days racing in store at Pukekohe Saturday with a couple of Group One’s and the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup. With rain tipped for Pukekohe today the track will likely be rain affected to some extent which makes trying to find a winner at this early stage tricky! I could just suggest you back Tokyo Tycoon again but that’s not very brave. I was taken with the win of Insatiable when clearing maidens at Taupo in what has turned out to be a strong form race. He didn’t have much luck on debut but proved far to strong over the 1200m of Saturday’s contest at the second time of asking. The well named son of All Too Hard looks to have plenty of upside and I am happy to have something on him in race 2 at $3. Best of luck – Butch”

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Friday Flash – 24th February 2023

Published 24 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna launches a new syndicate – a yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of a Redoute’s Choice Mare

Flood Relief Donations

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Fortuna has six runners on Saturday, four in NZ and two in Singapore

New Zealand

Otaki

MALBOROUGH BAY races in the R65 1600m – Race 6 @ 3.38 pm and will be ridden by Jason Laking from Barrier 6. A winner on debut at Matamata in May of his 2yo year, since performing well during a South Island campaign including a 3^rd in the Listed War Decree Stakes at Riccarton and then getting no luck in the running in the 2000 Guineas, he has fallen into a hole with his form, producing two rather average results since resuming, although was good closing stages of his last start at New Plymouth. He finds an even field here and the prospect of an easing in track conditions at Otaki will assist his prospects – can feature here

Matamata

Madame Moet contests the R65 1200 – Race 3 @ 1.35pm – Sam Weatherly to ride from an outside draw – has been a difficult customer at times, but both her career wins have come at this venue – this trip may be too short for her and her draw makes it difficult – any easing of the ground will suit her – has a chance of running a place if things go right on the day

NAVALHA runs in the R75 1400 – Race 5 @2.43pm with Craig Zackey aboard. Impressing with a strong finishing run on resuming at New Plymouth Friday 17^th at this trip and grade, he looks to improve on that effort here. Has a mid field draw and can be tardy away, but does look to be a good each way chance in this

RUBICON CROSSING takes her place in the feature race of the day the Group Two Matamata Breeders Stakes and will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn. A winner on debut in the Spring, she is well performed at Stakes level running placings three times, but was slightly disappointing with her last start 4^th in the Taranaki Classic – wide draw (again!!) but blinkers go on and tactics will be to be bold from the jump. Meets a very good field here and would need take a big step and be right on top of her game – can run into the money if things go right.

Singapore

TRIDENT contests the Class 4 1200 Turf event – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT and will be ridden by Simon Kok claiming 1kg, from a mid field barrier. Seven Singapore starts for two wins, three seconds and a fourth says it all about this 4yo son of Deep Field. Is resuming but trialed very nicely 10 days ago. Can give this a shake and is a good each way chance.

Here is what the STC tipsters say about this race

1st Pick: BUURAQ SIXTY-ONE (5)
Has a fantastic track and distance record having only run out of the top three once (6:2-2-1). Nunes booked to ride and draws a fabulous gate, looks the pick of the lot on paper.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (2)
Returns here for first up run. Has been a model of consistency so far in his career with five top two finishes in seven starts. Don’t underestimate him.
3rd Pick: BE YOU (3)
Raced wide after being ridden cold. Despite being caught in a sticky spot, he still rattled home to only be beaten 3.1 lengths. Should be better here with a race under his belt.
4th Pick: FROM THE NAVY (1)
Definitely a horse has proven in class 4 carrying weight, the question is simply whether he’ll need a run or not. Top four hope first up.

ENTERTAINER races in the Class 3 1000 Poly – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs from an outside barrier – an eight time winner in Singapore with over S$300k in earnings, “Joker” is back to a winnable grade, although did disappoint at his last start (but did have excuses) – will find it difficult from this draw at this trip, but if he flies the gates, watch out

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday February

Rubicon Crossing (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.6, home in 36.8.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 18^th February
Elliot Ness(Yusoff)1000/600- 39.5;

Tuesday 21st February
Our Final Offer(AWAH)1000/600- 38; King Arthur(Yusoff)10000/600- 39.5Briggs(Louis)1000/600- 37; Trident(Simon)800/600- 39;

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Other News

Fortuna launches a new syndicate – a yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen (by Redoute’s Choice)

About The Yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen – “Raquel”

Definite Middle Distance/Staying type of Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Stallion RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoute’s Choice) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Mark Walker, when doing his usual pre sale Video clip inspections, had identified this Filly as a “genuine middle distance/staying type”

“Raquel” – the Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly

Pedigree

Raquel is the beneficiary of a stout pedigree. Her Sire, Reliable Man was a top class Stayer, winning five times from 14 starts at trips from 2000 to 2400m – he won twice at Group One level, firstly at Chantilly in France and then at Royal Randwick in Sydney, where he won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, defeating Dundeel. He is the Sire of over 370 winners, including 20 Stakes winners. These include the Victorian Oaks winner, Miami Bound, the NZ Oaks winner, Miss Sentimental and the Western Austrian glamour Mare, Inspirational Girl.

Raquel’s Dam is Scene Queen, a daughter of the renowned Champion Stallion and Broodmare Sire, Redoute’s Choice. She raced 3 times without winning and is the dam of five foals to race, four of whom have won, including the very smart Steven Autridge trained 3yo, Helly Belly, a winner at Matamata in December.

Click HERE to view her pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, “Raquel” is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a strong athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“At the 2022 Sale we had acquired a lovely Reliable Man Filly – given the race name , Matariki, unfortunately she suffered a severe paddock accident and had to be put down – determined to find a suitable replacement, our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban identified Lot 979, also by Reliable Man and out of a Redoutes Choice Mare, as one of the nicest staying type Grey Fillies out of both Book 1 and Book 2 and, remarkably, we secured her for the same price as Matariki”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)
“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type Grey Filly, there was nothing in Book 1 that appealed, however Lot 979 in Book 2 really caught my eye – an athletic Filly of good size and with plenty of scope, her walk was very fluent and she really appealed to me. She will certainly benefit with a patient approach but I could see her as an Autumn 2yo who will develop and strengthen nicely into her 3yo year and beyond .”

Selectors view (Marcus Corban)
“This Filly is a typical strong Reliable Man type – she has a great athletic walk and plenty of size and scope – Reliable Man is a renowned Sire of stayers and this cross with a Redoute’s Choice mare injects class and speed into her pedigree page – this Filly represents great value at her acquisition price”

Ongoing Preparation
Raquel is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mid March) and will then be prepared for racing at Matamata by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables – her first preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and David and Mark will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her.
Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000 – 2.5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800 (all pricing in NZ$)
Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over $9,500
Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 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

Shares can be ordered online from the Fortuna website HERE or contact John directly by email response to this newsletter or call/text 021 921 460

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Other Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 3yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 8% left

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 27% available

The Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 34% available

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

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Flood Relief Donations

Several of our clients, hearing of different initiatives that have been instigated by the Thoroughbred industry, have asked how they may assist with Flood relief – obviously there are lots of ways that can be done, however there are three clear pathways via Thoroughbred industry initiatives and I have included details of those below

For horse welfare (all breeds): Donations for NZTR/Dunstan Horsefeeds/NZTBA appeal horse feed and medical supplies:
NZTR account: 01-0517-0063944-07
Reference: Cyclone Appeal

Kingsclere Stables/Thoroughbred Industry: Hawke’s Bay Relief Fund (this is the Roger James/Robert Wellwood initiative)
BNZ Matamata – 02-0360-0059698-25

Te Akau Racing Donations to NZ Red Cross
Email: Karyn@teakauracing.com

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

No luck with Butch’s selection last week – Here is what he selects for us this week

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. Hard work this week with the unknown around track conditions, particularly at Matamata with rain forecast. I could have gone with the easy option and tipped Tokyo Tycoon to remain unbeaten by winning the Fairview Matamata Slipper but at $1.7 that doesn’t do much for the bank balance. After saying all of that I am going to step outside the square this week and tip a Quinella!! Race 2 at Matamata sees a couple of promising horses engaged and both of them cop a wet track. No 1 Freeze Frame and No 5 Ask Mum both look like they will progress through the grades. While they both relish rain affected tracks some of the hardest to beat in the race don’t and if the track got out to a Slow7 or Slow8 would likely be scratched. With that in mind if you are going to bet I would suggest locking in the $8.90 currently on offer with the TAB!. Butch”

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Wellington Cup Magic Moments

Rick and Anne Middleton (Warkworth) with “The Cup”

Sandy and Jan Kelman (Temuka) waving the flag for the “Mainland”

Friday Flash – 17th February 2023

Published 17 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna Yearling Shares available

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Fortuna has five runners Friday and Saturday, two in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

New Plymouth – Friday 17th

NAVALHA contests the R75 1200m – Race 3 @ 1.37 pm and will be ridden by Craig Zackey from Barrier 4. Freshened since a Riccarton campaign where he won down the chute, he has trialed nicely and is primed for this race. Meets a good field here but can be competitive in this – good each way chance

Pukekohe Park – Saturday 18th

SOPRANO SUPREME runs in the Group 2 Avondale Cup over 2400m – Race 7 @ 3.54pm – she will be ridden by Jake Bayliss from an inside barrier and carries the minimum of 53kgs. An out and out staying type, she won at 2400 Te Rapa 26^th Nov on a Soft 6 surface, ran 3^rd 2300m Trentham early December and 5^th this track 2200m on a Good 4. Will love the trip, drawn to get a Soft run, appreciates sting out of the track. Market has her at $14 and $4.20 – is a good place chance in this at odds and a winning performance would not surprise

Singapore

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1200 Poly – Race 3 @ 1pm Sing time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice S Shafrizal from barrier 5 – breaking Maidens last August, this 4yo son of El Roca has had four starts since including two fourths and a 3^rd at his last start in January – gets a good draw here and has an absolute featherweight to carry – can feature here and is a good each way chance at odds

KNIPPENBERG races in the Novice 1200 Poly – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Sing time (8.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Ronnie Stewart from barrier 3 – a dominant winner on debut in Restricted Maiden grade on the Turf in a time just outside standard on a wet track, he gets the Poly here. Has a lot of natural ability and has taken good improvement from his debut run. Looks a very strong candidate on paper to run in the top 3 and can win

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race:

1st Pick: KNIPPENBERG (6)

Won his Restricted Maiden just outside of standard time and drew away from that field. Draws well for Stewart and will take natural improvement second up. Looks handy from the barrier.

2nd Pick: HOLE IN ONE (5)

Was runner up to stablemate Bestseller last start and trainer indicated he is still improving, and the finished product is yet to come. Has shown ability winning last year and could be the surprise runner in the field.

3rd Pick: TALING PLING (3)

Has had a name change since winning when named Mykyta in a Restricted Maiden. Came from well back and clocked very fast final sectionals. He looks to be a nice three-year-old.

4th Pick: BESTSELLER (4)

Scored a nice win in this level when carrying no weight under stable apprentice Rozlan. He finds a Novice again being only a one-time-winner and will probably press forward again from the wide draw

DECEPTION contests the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Simon Kok from barrier 9 – this 4yo son of I Am Invincible has won twice from 17 starts but is always there or thereabouts in his races – gets back in the run, but has a powerful finish and has only 53 kgs to carry. Good each way chance here

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 15^th February

Soprano Supreme (J Bayliss) worked together over an easy 1400 metres, home in 40.67.

Navalha (T Harris) worked over an easy 1000 metres, home in 38.7.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 11^th February

Our Final Offer(Aslam) 1000/600- 37.5; Deception(Simon)1000/600- 37.5; Trident(Simon) 1000/600- 40;

Tuesday 14^h February

Deception(Saimon)800/600- 42; Entertainer (Yusoff)1000/600- 39.5; Elliot Ness(Yusoff)1000/600- 38; Rocky(Yusoff)1000/600- 39;

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Other News

Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 3yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 8% left

From Karaka Sale

Star Witness – Alana’s Party Filly

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 27% available

Eminent – Queen Boudicca Filly

The Eminent- Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 34% available

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

No luck with Butch’s selection last week Here is what he selects for us this week

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. We are heading to the deep South this Saturday in search of a winner. Ascot Park Invercargill hosts their flagship meeting of the year and I think there is a very smart horse engaged in race 8. No 1 Sokanon is $3.5 into $2.7 with the TAB Bookies on the back of smart wins in both race day appearances this prep. An easy winner in similar R75 company over this trip on Boxing day there is no reason why he can’t make it 3 in a row. Having won 3 from 5 starts this 5yo son of Darci Brahma looks to have more in store and I think he will be too classy for this lot Saturday. Butch”

Friday Flash – 10th February 2023

Published 10 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna Karaka Yearlings

Te Akau Stud Visits to view Yearlings

Fortuna Client Gary Williams (and now a winner of the Wellington Cup) reminisces

Mark Walker records his 1000th NZ training success at Taupo during the week – for the record, Mark’s total Singapore wins were 685, so he is closing in on 2000 total career training wins very quickly

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Fortuna has just one runner this weekend at Hastings today

MOHAWK BRAVE contests the R75 1400 – Race 2 @ 1.01pm – Parmar Singh to ride claiming 2kgs from barrier 7. He has yet to produce his very strong 3yo form as a 4yo, but is running honest races. Parmar is reunited with him after the two of them combined to win 3 races last season. Good each way chance and can greet the judge here with the right run

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 8th February

Soprano Supreme (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1400 metres, home in 37.07.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 4^th February

Briggs(Aslam)-1000/600 39; Rocky(Yusoff) 1000/600 37.5 ; Trident(Yusoff)1000/600 38 ; Our Final Offer(Aslam)1000/600 39.5 ;

Tuesday 7^th February

Briggs(Aslam) 1000/600- 39; Elliot Ness(Yusoff) 800/600-40 ; Makkem Lad(Awah) 800/600-39 ; Knippenberg (Aslam) 1000/600- 40; Our Final Offer (Aslam) 1000/600- 40; Trident (Yusoff) 1000/600-40 ;

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Other News

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales last week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type (Star Witness) – the other a Staying Type (Eminent)

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

The Eminent- Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

Yearling Inspections – Te Akau Stud

Finally after 3 long years of disruption, lock downs, travel bans etc, etc and a return to normality we are able to reintroduce our very popular yearling inspections at Te Akau Stud

These run weekly for as many weeks as we have people wanting to visit – the upcoming schedule is as follows

Dates

Thursday 16th Feb

Thursday 23rd Feb

Thursday 2nd March

Meeting Place

Te Akau Stud is a magnificent 4000 acre+ sheep/cattle and thoroughbred property situated at Te Akau in the western Waikato – it is around a 35 minute drive from Ngaruawahia and our normal practice is to meet at the BP Station, situated on State Highway 1 at the southern end of Ngaruawahia at around 10.15 am – we meet inside for a coffee and then travel in convey out to the farm – we usually double people up in just a few vehicles – the road to the farm is quite winding and has dodgy GPS coverage. We aim to arrive at the farm around 11.15, inspect the yearlings in the paddock and then return to Ngaruawahia with an ETA of around 1pm.

All of our recent yearling purchases from both the Gold Coast and Karaka Sales are on the farm spelling ahead of their breaking in

To register all you need to do is respond to this email giving me your preferred date and providing your cell phone number.

I look forward to hearing from you if you wish to attend one of these days

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Fortuna Client Gary Williams (a lifetime racing enthusiast and now a winner of the Wellington Cup) shares some great racing memories with us

John, I felt moved to write this note to you after that Wellington Cup win, clearly you have a touch of genius about you, firstly you dialed up the rain and secondly, you have turned a potential Steeplechaser into a Wellington Cup Winner!!!

I have won over 25 Group ONE races …20 in Harness and 5 in Gallops plus several Group 2 and 3 races in Gallops ….I have worked out I won 10 Cups in NZ and Queensland plus a 3rd in Melbourne Cup. List includes Avondale Cup, Counties Cup, City of Auckland Cup, Te Aroha, Rotorua and Taupo Cups….and now a Wellington Cup. I was thrilled, just sad my Dad wasn’t here to see it.

Here’s why the Wellington Cup means so much to me since I was a foetus!!

Being raised in Mosgiel/Wingatui in a horse community it seemed to be the BIGGEST race in NZ. Wingatui/Otago horses had a good record in it. In 1959 local businessman George Barton won it with Ark Royal. Earlier in 50’s Owner/trainer Joe Brown had won it with Reformed…..Joe’s son was my good friend for a few years as kids, we played rugby together and I hung out at their house and stables. Then another primary school class mates Dad, Mick Brown, won the Cup in 1961 with 8 yr old Great Sensation, then repeated it in 1962, became high profile and won it as a 10 yr old for 3rd time!! We listened to that 3rd win beside a river in Oxford, Canterbury while on our annual holiday for family.

This inspired my Dad to decide to go to the Wellington Cup the next year and he took me too. Probably the only time my Dad ever flew in plane, that annual visit to the Cup. First year he took me, 1964, our neighbour and Dad’s customer Gordon Thomson won a minor race with Minglow [ the dam of Champion mare Showgate ]. The next year 1965 Eifell Tower won ridden by EJ Didham who lived over our back fence. Eiffel Tower then became a champion steeple chaser !!!

Another jockey RJ (Bob) Skelton lived near…he won the Wellington Cup 5 times from memory. Dad took me a few more times in late 60’s, then became sick, but still loved the horses and Cup and Christchurch during NZ Cup week was his other ‘happy place ‘.

In about 1977 our neighbour put Showgate in the Cup and got second to Good Lord. I was playing in Plunket Shield cricket for Otago and got to field on boundary to listen to race. Once I started working I often flew across to the Cup from Nelson. One year my runner, Tinseltown won the Summer Cup there on Cup day when it rained on the day. I think Tinseltown had 2 x shots at the Wellington Cup, possibly favourite too, but the hard ground and top weight not to his liking as a small horse. Another runner of mine, Pasta Post, was also favourite but they overwatered the track that year and it was a mess…distance a query too…he won the Group 1 Easter Mile at his next start then broke down !

Trentham has given some sad moments too……my neighbour and friends champion Mare, Showgate, broke down winning Trentham Stakes as did our Xcellent…same race 25 years or so later. Last race for both. !

So the 2023 win was a huge thrill for me……Leaderboard needs at least 3200m and soft ground…..he still has some miles/wins in those legs. Steeplechasing time of year ticks those two boxes. Please order the rain in summer again for 3200m races too…..maybe his feet now feeling the best ever ????

Thrilling stuff John …….I am over the moon

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Talking of success for our clients, I had a lovely phone call during the week from Des Gillian. Des and Lorraine now live in a retirement village in Auckland and are long standing Fortuna clients, taking small shares in several horses. Des told me that they have had 23 Fortuna winners over the past 23 months!!! Mainly involved in Singapore horses, Entertainer, King Arthur, Trident and now, Knippenberg have all delivered in spades for them with the very good Singapore prizemoney providing a nice supplement to the pension, Des tells me.

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

2^nd last week was Butch’s lot with Freeze Frame – notable that the winner paid $53 which led to a $1500 Trifecta and a $16k First 4!!!!

Here is what Butch says this week

“Dear John and Team – A fantastic card assembled at Te Rapa Saturday with the Herbie Dyke Stakes and BCD Group Sprint both providing as good a Group One fields as we can get in NZ. Early in the day I have found one that in my opinion should be winning. Master Brutus (race 2 no 1) was beaten the barest of margins over this 1200m trip on Karaka Million night. The winner on that occasion was Maven Belle – rated a genuine winning chance in the BCD Group Sprint! Ideally placed in a MAAT 1200m race Master Brutus will go forward from a wide gate and likely sit outside the speed. I expect him to be too classy in what is a tidy enough field. He is $2.20 with the TAB and with the form around Maven Belle I think that’s worth taking. Best of luck. Butch”

Fortuna Racing acquires a lovely Grey Filly by Reliable Man from Karaka Sale Book 2

Published 3 February 2023

Genuine Staying Type Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the Sire RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoutes Choice ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 3 of the Karaka Book Two Sale

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

John Galvin says “At the 2022 Sale we had acquired a lovely Reliable Man Filly – given the race name , Matariki, unfortuately she suffered a severe paddock accident and had to be put down – determined to find a suitable replacement, our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban identified Lot 979, also by Reliable Man and out of a Redoutes Choice Mare, as one of the nicest staying type Grey Fillies out of both Book 1 and Book 2 and, remarkably, we secured her for the same price as Matariki”

Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type Grey Filly, there was nothing in Book 1 that appealed, however Lot 979 in Book 2 really caught my eye – an athletic Filly of good size and with plenty of scope, her walk was very fluent and she really appealed to me. She will certainly benefit with a patient approach but I could see her as an Autumn 2yo who will develop and strengthen nicely into her 3yo year and beyond. ”

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, Promoter Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of over $10,000

Ongoing costs start 1 April 2023 at $44 per month per each 1% share

Click to HERE to see her sales page on the NZB website – you can see her pedigree and parade video at this link

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest

Friday Flash – 3rd February 2023

Published 3 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales this week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type – the other a Staying Type

Knippenberg caps a wonderful day of racing 28^th Jan for the Fortuna Team with a debut win in Singapore

Cups News

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Fortuna has five runners over the weekend, two in New Zealand, three in Singapore – two of our runners are contesting Group 3 events

MALBOROUGH BAY runs in the R65 event at New Plymouth on Saturday 4^th – Race 4 @ 2.28pm and gets the services of Opie Bosson. Got no luck in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November and then disappointed when resuming at Te Rapa on New Year’s Day. Talented at best, he can bounce back here to feature in the finish and any easing of the track will assist

RUBICON CROSSING runs in the Group 3 Taranaki 2yo Classic over 1200m – Race 5 @3.06, with Michael McNab to ride – a winner on debut in September, she has featured in the finish of all of her four race day starts and can do so here again. Very good top 3 chance

Singapore

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 3 1100 Polytrack event – Race 10 @4.30 pm Sing time 9.30pm NZT) – will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 4kgs, from Barrier 7. Incredibly, “Joker” has won 7 his 8 Singapore victories at this trip and surface. Has battled in higher grades since his last win, but now back to a much more suitable Class 3 – with 4kgs off his back as well. Represents a genuine winning chance here

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Drops back in class where he last scored over 1000m by a nose in September of last year. Holds one of the best course and distance records here with seven wins from thirteen starts. The claim for Jamil a big plus.
2nd Pick: LORD JUSTICE (4)
Draws nicely in barrier two for Kasim who steers for the first time. He has rocketed his way up the grades and keeps raising the bar. Has trialled nicely in good time for this assault.
3rd Pick: GOLD TEN SIXTY-ONE (6)
In-form rider CC Wong jumps aboard this consistent gelding who races well on this surface. Finished second to boom galloper Street Of Dreams and was catching the eye late.
4th Pick: CASH COVE (8)
Did hold a nomination for our Group Three feature but has elected to tackle an easier race. Nunes sticks in the saddle on one of our leading three-year-olds. This is tougher than recent runs.

KING ARTHUR contests the Group 3 Merlion Trophy over 1200m on the Poly event – Race 11 @5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) – a nine time winner in Singapore, including 4 at this trip and distance – meets the very best horse in Singapore LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO at level weights, so it won’t be easy, but also gets the best jockey in Singapore, Manoel Nunes as pilot – definite top 3 chance and can win if things so right

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO (1)
No contest that he is Singapore’s premier galloper who competed on the world stage in Hong Kong last start. Wasn’t the fairy tale finish but the multiple group one winner has trialled in strong order for his first test on this surface.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (2)
Continues to run well in our premier sprint races over the last six months. He gets to a surface where he has a very strong record and could give the favourite a few scary moments.
3rd Pick: ROCKET STAR (3)
Draws the ace for Lerner who will drift back and find his feet early. If the speed is hot and the leaders are stopping, he could be the one finishing over the lot of them. Each way claims.
4th Pick: SURPASS NATURAL (4)
Duric jumps on this lightly raced galloper who has shown plenty of ability in his short career and will just need some luck from a wide draw. Continues to improve this gelding.

BRUTUS contests the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs from a good barrier – has won five times in Singapore and S$250k in prizemoney, but not since March 2022 – meets a good even field here, is down in the weights and has a 2kg claim with a very good rider aboard. Can feature in the finish here and a win would not surprise.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna Trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 31st January

King Arthur (Nunes) – 800/600 40

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Other News

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales this week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type – the other a Staying Type

My brief to David, Mark and Marcus pre sale was that I wanted to buy a Colt or a Filly that would be a definite Karaka Million contender and a Staying type Filly and that we had a budget of up to $120k for each

We struck early on the first day with the Smart Missile Filly (Lot 20) who is our 2yo type (for $80k) and then needed to be a bit patient waiting until day 3 before securing the Eminent Filly (Lot 446) – our Staying type for $75k). Pleasing results over all and our clients have two quite different types to choose from

Read all about Lot 20 below

About The Yearling Filly by Star Witness out of Alana’s Party – “Ali”

Definite Karaka Million Two Year Old type

Lot 20 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Sire STAR WITNESS out of ALANA’S PARTY (By Exceed and Excel) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Mark Walker, when doing his usual pre sale Video clip inspections, had identified this Filly as an “early runner”

“Ali” – the Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly

Pedigree
ALI has a very strong pedigree. Her Sire, STAR WITNESS, a son of the mighty Starcraft, was a Group One winner in Australia (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and has been a prolific stallion to date producing 467 winners, including 22 Stakes winners. The dam ALANA’S PARTY (by Exceed and Excel) is out of the highly successful NZ racemare, The Party Stand, the winner of 6 races from 1200m to 2000m, including the Group One Bonecrusher NZ Stakes at Ellerslie – this is also the family of Callsign Mav, a dual Group One winner in both NZ and Australia

Click HERE to view Ali’s pedigree

Physical type
A strong, athletic Filly of good size, ALI is physically correct, has a good temperament, has a lovely loose, flowing walk and passed her Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select either a Colt or a Filly that was a strong chance on type and pedigree to be a genuine contender for the Karaka Million 2yo race January 2024 and that would fit within our budget of $120k. As things turned out we were able to strike early in the Sale with this lovely Star Witness Filly – she is a mid September foal, very athletic and looks like a real runner as a 2yo.”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“John Galvin had asked me to find a potential Karaka Million 2yo runner for Fortuna Racing – Lot 20 is a lovely Filly by Star Witness, a proven quality Australian Stallion – I love the fact that she is out of an Exceed and Excel Mare, he is a great broodmare Sire – this girl looks a real early runner who I think can be racing before Christmas and therefore is a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. The 2nd Dam, The Party Stand, was a very good racemare, with a very stout NZ pedigree, who won up to 2000m – this is the family of Callsign Mav, so there is good depth in the pedigree page. I thought she was great value at just $80,000 and I am looking forward to getting her into work .”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“I really loved this Filly when I first inspected her – she is very athletic, has a lovely walk, certainly looks to have the strength and physical development to run as Two Year Old, but also has the scope to train on as a Three Year Old – there is plenty of speed at the top of her pedigree page, but underlying that is a lot of traditional NZ influence in her bloodlines which is very appealing to me. We have had a lot of success in selecting Karaka Million winners over the past few years and to my eye, this Filly represents an ideal chance of making that race in January 2024”

Ongoing Preparation

Ali is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mis March) and will then be prepared for racing at Matamata by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables – her first preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity, but given that has the appearance of an “early runner” – she will be aimed at one of the early season (August/September 2yo trials.

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Read the Declaration.

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $13,600– 5% share $6,800 – 2.5% share $3,400 – 1% share 1,360 (all pricing in NZ$)
Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over $11,000
Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 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

Shares can be purchased Ali today from the ‘Add To Cart’ button on the Fortuna website page HERE

And here below is Lot 446

About The Yearling Filly by Eminent out of Queen Boudicca – “Queenie”

Definite Staying/Oaks type of Filly

Lot 446 – the Yearling Filly by the Stallion EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA (By Perfectly Ready) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Mark Walker, when doing his usual pre sale Video clip inspections, had identified this Filly as a “genuine staying type”

“Queenie” – the Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly

Pedigree

QUEENIE has an excellent pedigree. Her Sire, EMINENT, a son of the mighty Frankel, won twice at Group Level in the UK, ran 4 th in The Derby at Epsom, was placed twice at Group One Level, in the Irish Championship Stakes and the Ranvet Stakes at Royal Randwick. His oldest progeny are now aged Two. He dam, QUEEN BOUDICCA, won as a 2yo and ran 3 rd in the Group 3 Matamata Breeders Stakes and is the dam of three foals to race, including ALOISIA, who won the Group One 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield and the Group Two Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) – notable that she also ran 2 nd in the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) as a 2yo at Eagle Farm

Click HERE to view Queenie’s pedigree

Physical type
A robust, athletic Filly of good size, QUEENIE is physically correct, has a good temperament, has a strong powerful walk and passed her Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“Given the success we have been having with staying types, I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select a Filly with a nice pedigree page and with the physical characteristics to develop into a nice stayer. When they bought Lot 446 to my attention and I saw that she was a half sister to the Group One Caulfield Guineas winner, ALOISIA, I thought we were no show to secure her within our budget of $120k, but remarkably, she was knocked down to our bid of just $75k – sometimes we get lucky.”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Lot 446 really caught my eye when I was doing Video inspections – she is a good sized filly with a lovely athletic walk – her Sire Eminent is a well performed son of Frankel and while he has yet to make his mark as a Sire (his oldest progeny are just 2yo’s) he is throwing a lovely type of horse. This Filly’s half sister, ALOISIA (by Azamour) was good enough to win the Group One Caulfield 1000 Guineas over 1600 metres and the Group two Moonee Valley Vase over 2040m, so clearly could get over ground and notable, that as a 2yo she ran 2nd in the Group One JJAtkins Stakes over 1600m, so was very versatile. I expect that this Filly could well race in the Autumn as 2yo, but she will develop into a lovely NZ 1000 Guineas type as a 3yo and I would also expect her to be a genuine Oaks type of Filly in the Autumn of her 3yo year – she represents great value at $75k, I thought she would make double that.”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“Re Lot 446, firstly I have a lot of respect for Eminent as a Stallion – his progeny are yet to make a mark but that is because he is never going to throw 2yo types – they simply need more time. As a racehorse he was very competitive among the best of his age group in both the UK and Australia – we have two Eminent 2yo’s in the Stable right now and Mark Walker thinks a lot of them both. His Sire line of Frankel, Galileo and Sadlers Wells is one of the greatest lines of all time and this Filly has a double cross of Danehill as well for good measure. This Filly’s pedigree page on the dam side is also outstanding – Queen Boudicca is the dam of ALOISIA, the winner of the 1000 Guineas (Group One) at Caulfield, an incredibly hard race to win, she also won the Moonee Valley Vase (Group 2) over 2040m and was placed in other Group races as well. The 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th dams all threw Group winners. The Filly herself presents as a strong, well developed type who is a great mover – she clearly is going to get over ground as an older horse and I thought she was exceptional buying for just $75,000.”

Ongoing Preparation
Queenie is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mis March) and will then be prepared for racing at Matamata by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables – her first preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and David and Mark will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her.

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Read the Declaration.

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $13,000– 5% share $6,500 – 2.5% share $3,250 – 1% share 1,300 (all pricing in NZ$)
Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over $11,000
Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 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

Shares can be purchased Queenie today from the ‘Add To Cart’ button on the Fortuna website page HERE

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Knippenberg caps a wonderful day of racing 28^th Jan with a debut win in Singapore

KNIPPENBERG wins on debut in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

Two hours after the Fortuna Racing galloper, LEADERBOARD, had taken out the 150th running of the iconic Wellington Cup, their 3yo Gelding KNIPPENBERG (I Am Invincible – Red Fez) scored on his debut run in Singapore in the Restricted Maiden 1200 Turf event for prizemoney of S$75,000. Ridden by the evergreen veteran Ronnie Stewart, KNIPPENBERG jumped away well from a good barrier, settled into a nice rhythm one out and one back on a track that was rain affected. Traveling well in the run, Knippenberg was cruising as they turned for home, Stewart asked him for an effort from about the 300m mark and he went to the line a clear winner with a margin of 1.8 lengths in a time of 1.10.32 on a track that was quite rain affected.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, was over the moon with the result. “Make no bones about it” she said post race, “this horse is a serious galloper – he has shown us a lot from day one, we have asked him for a bit during his first preparation and he has responded in serious fashion every step of the way – he has a bright future here in Singapore. Huge congrats to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing, once again he has picked out a nice tried horse from the Inglis Digital platform – he has made a habit of that over the years and so well done to him and his team of owners,”

Knippenberg – Wins on debut – Kranji 28th January 2023

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watched the race on his cellphone while traveling on the train from Trentham Racecourse in New Zealand back to Wellington – just two hours previously his Irish bred stayer, Leaderboard had won the 32oom Wellington Cup. John reports as follows “Jessica (my wife) and I were on the train heading back to Wellington – we had the Wellington Cup trophy with us – the train was very crowded with race goers who were in a very happy mood after a big day at Trentham – everybody wanted to come and get selfies with the Cup and I announced that we had a runner in Singapore making his debut shortly and that I thought he was a pretty good chance – many jumped on their phones to have a bet and as Knippenberg strode to the lead with 200m to go, the whole carriage descended into absolute chaos with people yelling and screaming – it was a surreal experience. But Knippenberg was very, very good on debut – he has shown Donna and her team a lot since arriving in Singapore and we were quietly confident that he was going to run very boldly on debut – well done to Donna for handling this horse so well and he was given a great ride by Ronnie Stewart”

Ronnie Stewart, returns to scale after piloting Knippenberg to his debut win

KNIPPENBERG had originally raced in Australia for his breeders Phoenix Thoroughbreds and been trained for them by the Ciaren Maher/David Eustace team. Showing just moderate form from two race day starts, his owners decided to offer him for sale at the Inglis Digital Sale (June 2022) – he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500 and sent to Singapore to race. John was assisted in his selection process by Mark Walker, the former Singapore based Trainer for Te Akau Racing and now leading Trainer for them in NZKnippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 indivuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider Ronnie Stewart after the race

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Cups NewsWellington Cup victor Leaderboard will contest the Auckland Cup 3200m Pukekohe Park 11th March. John Galvin reports “Mark Walker and I have decided that “Tiger” will press onto the Auckland Cup, for which he was nominated some months ago. In the past he has not always gone that well right handed, but to be fair, he hasn’t been tried that way for a long time. Now an eight year old and with the 2 mile trip clearly his best distance, he deserves a shot and we don’t want to die wondering. He will go straight into the Cup without a lead up run – he is super fit and Mark will keep him up to the mark with dressage, trackwork, put him over a few jumps and probably an exhibition gallop on a raceday somewhere – Joe Doyle will retain the ride”

Leaderboard will be joined in the Auckland cup by his Fortuna stablemate, the 5yo Racemare, Soprano Supreme – she will contest the Avondale Cup along the way February 18th also at Pukekohe Park – Craig Zackey has been engaged to ride

Wellington Cup media coverage

The 150th running of the iconic Wellington Cup completely escaped the attention of the NZ Herald!!! however the Singapore Straits Times, from 8500 kms away, did not – See their story below from Racing journalist, Michael Lee

The Fortuna NZ Racing Stable had a good Saturday, not at one office, but two – and located 8,500km apart.

The all-conquering Kiwi outfit toasted to Group success in its own backyard first, when veteran stayer Leaderboard took out the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3,200m).Two hours later, while the champagne was still flowing at the Trentham racecourse, John Galvin’s merry bunch were cheering home their first 2023 Kranji winner. The stable’s debutant Knippenberg snared the top prize in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race (1,200m) with Ronnie Stewart astride.

No doubt, the New Zealand victory would garner more headlines, but neither the difference in class and prize money – the Wellington Cup carries a purse of NZ$300,000 (S$255,000) – nor the geographical distance mattered all that much to connections.Even if they had to watch the race “live” on television, the thrill of seeing the tangerine silks flying high at any winner’s circle in the world is priceless.Besides, racing has become such a global game.

Leaderboard’s trainer is none other than former four-time Singapore champion Mark Walker, who also looked after Fortuna’s horses in Kranji before he returned in 2022.
“John Galvin just won the Wellington Cup. I think they’ll be celebrating a fair bit in New Zealand,” said fellow New Zealander Logan, who took over Fortuna’s and Te Akau Stable’s horses from Walker.

Logan credited Galvin for his talent-scouting acumen. Knippenberg’s record of one third from two starts in the countryside in New South Wales, Australia, would have been missed by many. “Once again, John is the best at picking these horses at the Inglis Digital sale,” said Logan. “This horse ticked all the boxes for him, and he was quite certain he would make it in Singapore. But it’s still early days, so we’ll take it one race at a time.”

The I Am Invincible three-year-old did not give much away at his one barrier trial on Jan 19 either, when a rather plain third to Watery. But Knippenberg ($30) was a lot more dynamic on Saturday, sitting right on the hammer of leader and the better-fancied ($16) fellow debutant Star North (Louis-Philippe Beuzelin). He waited for the home straight to turn the tables. Star North did not shirk the fight, but Knippenberg finally wore him down and skipped away. The long stalemate between the duelling pair proved costly for the $12 favourite, Popeyethesailorman. Hopelessly snookered in behind, the Manoel Nunes-ridden, Tim Fitzsimmons-trained galloper needed fresh air more badly than a can of spinach. He had to switch across two pairs of heels to bust out. But Knippenberg was already safely home by 1 3/4 lengths. Star North was third, another length away.

The winning time was 1min 10.32sec for the 1,200m on the long course.

“He could have led but the long course was a concern. We then decided to put him behind the speed and Ronnie rode him a treat,” said Logan. “I wasn’t worried about the wet as he’s raced over such tracks in Australia.” Then prepared by Australia’s leading trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Knippenberg ran seventh on debut on a soft track at Goulburn. He then improved with a third placing over a similar surface at his next start in Bathurst – but subsequently his Owners decided to put him up for sale.

Logan was more worried about the quality of opposition her newcomer was testing his mettle against. “He had a nice draw (barrier No. 3), but there were some nice horses from Tim Fitzsimmons and Mike Clements (Mewar, 7th) in it,” she said. “I would have been satisfied if he finished in the first five, but he’s won, which is great. There’s still improvement to come out of him, though.”

While the runner-up to reigning champion Fitzsimmons was at her second 2023 winner, after Aftermath saluted earlier, Stewart was also bringing a slugglish start to an end.
“He was well prepared and he handled the surface very well,” said the Australian of his account opener. “He looks a nice horse who can go through his grades. It was a quality race and the form will hold up.”

Dennis Ryan, Editor of Race Form also provided coverage of both of the Group races at Trentham on Cup day – se that story below;

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Guest Selector – Andrew CastlesButch is on fire with his selection– he still sits on four wins from five selections with his selection last week getting scratched
Here is what Butch selects for us this week“Dear John and Team – They say nothing clouds your judgment of a race like having a share in a runner! I’ve found that to be true over the years but this week I’m happy to tip one I have a small interest in. Vadamos 3yo Freeze Frame was very impressive winning over 1200m on a rain affected track last time and the step up to 1400m Saturday at New Plymouth should be ideal. He has the services of Opie and is drawn to get a soft run just behind the speed. I expect him to be very hard to beat in race 3 where the TAB have put up $2.7 about his chances. New Plymouth Race 3 No 1 Freeze Frame – Best of luck. Butch”

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In closing, if like me you enjoy a great cup of coffee then look out – the Greenies have you in their sights – see story below – you couldn’t make this stuff up!!!

The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi study, published in the publication The Conversation,called for limiting consumption through an “adapted diet” in order to combat the effects of coffee preparation. “Limiting your contribution to climate change requires an adapted diet, and coffee is no exception. Choosing a mode of coffee preparation that emits less GHGs (greenhouse gases) and moderating your consumption are part of the solution,” the four researchers wrote.

The study noted that coffee users should avoid using hot water when rinsing their coffee cups to reduce “carbon-intensive electricity production.”

Fortuna acquires an Eminent Filly from the NZ Bloodstock 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale

Published 31 January 2023

Genuine Staying Filly with a Group One winning Pedigree page

Lot 446 – the Yearling Filly by the Sire EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA (By Perfectly Ready) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 3 of the Karaka Book One Sale

John Galvin says “Given the success we have been having with staying types I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select Filly with the physical characteristics to develop into a nice stayer and with a nice pedigree page. When they bought Lot 446 to my attention and I saw that she was a half sister to the Group One Caulfield Guineas winner, ALOISIA, I thought we were no show to secure her within our budget of $120k, but remarkably, she was knocked down to our bid of just $75k – sometimes we get lucky ”

Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “Lot 446 really caught my eye when I was doing Video inpections – she is a good sized filly with a lovely athletic walk – her Sire Eminent is a well performed son of Frankel and while he has yet to make his mark as a Sire (his oldest progeny are just 2yo’s) he is throwing a lovely type of horse. This Filly’s half sister, ALOISIA (by Azamour) was good enough to with the Group One Caulfield 1000 Guineas over 1600 metres and the Group two Moonee Valley Vase over 2040m, so clearly could get over ground and notable, that as 2yo she ran 2nd in the Group One JJAtkins Stakes over 1600m, so was very versatile. I expect that this Filly could well race in the Autumn as 2yo, but she will develop into a lovely NZ 1000 Guineas type as a 3yo and I would also expect her to be a genuine Oaks type of Filly in the Autumn of her 3yo year – she represents great value at $75k, I thought she would make double that .”

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 – $13,000 per 10% share, $6,500 per 5% share, $3,250 per 2.5 share, $1,300 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Promoter Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of over $11,000

Ongoing costs start 1 April 2023 at $44 per month per each 1% share

Click to HERE to see her sales page on the NZB website – you can see her pedigree and parade video at this link

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest

KNIPPENBERG wins on debut in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

Published 31 January 2023

Click HERE to see the race replay

Knippenberg – Wins on debut – Kranji 28th January 2023

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watched the race on his cellphone while traveling on the train from Trentham Racecourse in New Zealand back to Wellington – just two hours previously his Irish bred stayer, Leaderboard had won the 32oom Wellington Cup. John reports as follows “Jessica (my wife) and I were on the train heading back to Wellington – we had the Wellington Cup trophy with us – the train was very crowded with race goers who were in a very happy mood after a big day at Trentham – everybody wanted to come and get selfies with the Cup and I announced that we had a runner in Singapore making his debut shortly and that I thought he was a pretty good chance – many jumped on their phones to have a bet and as Knippenberg strode to the lead with 200m to go, the whole carriage descended into absolute chaos with people yelling and screaming – it was a surreal experience. But Knippenberg was very, very good on debut – he has shown Donna and her team a lot since arrving in Singapore and we were quietly confident that he was going to run very boldly on debut – well done to Donna for handling this horse so well and he was given a great ride by Ronnie Stewart”

Ronnie Stewart, returns to scale after piloting Knippenberg to his debut win

Knippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 indivuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider Ronnie Stewart after the race

fortunanz

INCA BELLE – makes it three starts – three wins Tauranga 28th March 2023

Headline News Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore

Fortuna Track work – Matamata No timed trackwork reported for Fortuna Runners this week Fortuna Track work – Singapore Friday 10th March

About The Two Year Old Gelding GUN

About The Yearling Filly by Xtravagant out of Secret Spice – “Spicy”

Yearling Inspections – Te Akau Stud

Genuine Staying Type Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the Sire RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoutes Choice ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 3 of the Karaka Book Two Sale

About The Yearling Filly by Star Witness out of Alana’s Party – “Ali”

About The Yearling Filly by Eminent out of Queen Boudicca – “Queenie”

Genuine Staying Filly with a Group One winning Pedigree page

Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly

Knippenberg – Wins on debut – Kranji 28th January 2023

Headline News

Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed trackwork reported for Fortuna Runners this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Friday 10^th March