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Friday Flash – 20th December 2024

Published 20 December 2024

Marokopa Falls wins at Trentham on debut – 7th Dec 2024 –
Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline NewsDavid Ellis to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame

Fortuna 2yo Filly Titahi Bay wins at the trials again – will now debut Listed Wellesly Stakes Trentham 11th January

Shares in Colour Sergeant moving quickly – just 30% left

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Fortuna has just  one runner this weekTrentham – Saturday

MAROKOPA FALLS contests the Group Two Wakefield Challenge Stakes – race 3 at 2.57pm with Craig Grylls taking the mount from barrier 2 in a six horse field. Powerful debut winning performance this track over 1000m two weeks ago – work has been strong since that run – has not missed a beat since her debut win and has taken significant improvement also  – is a worthy favourite here and can win – TAB says “winning chance in what appears a suitable race” – showing $2.40 /$1.18

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Thursday 19th December – Riccarton

Sailing Away (D Montes de Oca) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.26.7, last 600 in 38.1.
Porcia Catonis (D Montes de Oca) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.8, last 600 in 38.2.
Queen Consort (D Montes de Oca) and Star Shadow (H Durrant) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.2, home in 36.9.

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Other News

David Ellis to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame

Story by Dennis Ryan

More than four decades after his first experience as a winning owner, David Ellis has been recognised with induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Since that first success with the Sovereign Edition filly Magnum at Paeroa in 1978, Ellis has been involved at all levels of racing as an administrator, breeder, buyer and his major footprint, as the founder of New Zealand’s most successful racehorse syndication model, Te Akau.

“I was in my early twenties when I won that race at Paeroa all those years ago, and I thought it was the biggest thrill you could have in life,” Ellis said this week as he reflected on his life in racing. “My trainer Bill Ford came with me into the winner’s room, but he had another horse in the next race that he had to saddle up and I ended up celebrating my first ever win by myself. “That made me think there’s got to be a better way to do this, I realised that I’d rather celebrate together with other people, and that was the beginning of my idea to syndicate horses, bringing people together to enjoy the thrill of winning.”

Ellis was still racing horses in his singular name when he won his first Group One race, the 1986 Easter Handicap, with the Ford-trained Cosmetique, by when his colours were becoming increasingly familiar. “Early on Bill advised me that I should register colours that stood out, that everyone could see, so I thought a good strong colour would be tangerine. I couldn’t get the single colour so I added the blue stars for contrast. As the years have gone by, I think it would be fair to say the tangerine and blue have definitely become well recognised!”

Brand recognition for Ellis has come about by setting goals and surrounding himself with the right people – and horses – to achieve them. Mark Walker has been integral to that success, from the time he was employed by Ellis as an 18-year-old, to setting new benchmarks from his original platform at Te Akau’s Matamata training operation, adding further premierships in Singapore and having prepared an unprecedented 203 New Zealand winners in the 2022-23 season, now at the helm of a tri-stable operation that has expanded to Riccarton and a major Australian foothold at Cranbourne. Another vital team member is Ellis’s wife Karyn, whose key role is managing day-to-day business matters and in particular bringing together the many layers that make up Te Akau’s syndication model.

“There are so many people who without them, I couldn’t have achieved all this,” says the man in the middle. “Karyn runs the business now, which frees me up to run the farm and buy the horses. Mark and have worked together over a long period of time, it’s been a fantastic relationship and he now heads a massive team, from his training partner Sam Bergerson, our assistant trainers Ben Gleeson, Nicole Shailer and Hunter Durrant and our racing manager Reece Trumper, right through to all our staff, our vets and farriers, everybody who works so hard to achieve our goals. It’s quite incredible to think that when Captured By Love won the New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton last month, that was the 98th Group One winner by horses that I’ve either bought, bred or managed under the Te Akau umbrella.”

As well as enjoying such a raft of success, Ellis has also immersed himself in racing industry administration, beginning as a steward with the Waikato Racing Club and covering the full spectrum through to the national body.

“I started at the Waikato Racing as a steward when Ken Brown was chairman and I went up to the committee under Herbie Dyke, eventually becoming chairman myself. During that time I was also chairman of the Waikato District Committee and served on the board of the New Zealand Racing Conference, then NZ Thoroughbred Racing, and NZ Thoroughbred Marketing.”

Various accolades acknowledging his input include the 2017 NZTR Outstanding Contribution to Racing Excellence and he was awarded the CNZM (Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) on the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Royal Honours list for services to the thoroughbred industry.

Since being advised of his pending induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, which will become official at the induction dinner in May, Ellis has had cause to reflect on his latest accolade. “Any award, whether you’re recognised by your peers or by a higher body, is very humbling and this is certainly no different,” he said. “It’s an absolute honour to think that I’m being acknowledged alongside people who I have admired massively over the years – people like my great late friend Colin Jillings, other hugely successful trainers like Dave O’Sullivan and Jim Gibbs, and industry icons such as Sir Patrick Hogan and Sir Peter Vela. As I keep reminding myself, what I’ve achieved, the recognition I’ve been accorded, none of that would have been possible without those people I’ve already mentioned and so many others – they’ve all made their own contribution. I just want to say a massive thank you to them all, whether they’ve worked for Te Akau over the years, or owners who have invested in our horses, those breeders who have produced so many wonderful performers and everyone who has been part of our success.”

Sourcing his next crop of potential stars is never far from the Ellis mindset, and right now that means scanning catalogues and inspecting drafts for the upcoming summer sales round.

As some measure of that level of investment, in the past year Ellis has signed for 76 young horses at a total value in the region of $25 million.

“It takes a lot of courage to put your hand up and commit to that level, but it’s what we do, bring in long-standing owners as well as new ones and then set to work making their dreams come true. I’m so lucky to do for a living what is also my hobby and to have so many wonderful people supporting me. I’ve always set out to raise the bar and will continue to. By next year we’ll have 70 horses in training at our Cranbourne stable as well as maintaining our numbers in New Zealand.

“It’s incredible to think there are now 105 races worth $1 million or more in Australia – that’s an average of two per week – and it’s fantastic to see the advances we’ve made in New Zealand with the involvement of Entain. Stakes have virtually doubled in the past 18 months and with so many new races like the NZB Kiwi, Champions Day in March, major stakes increases across the board, right down to going to a midweek meeting and racing for $25,000 – all that was unheard of not that long ago.Now it’s important that NZTR, Entain and the TAB work together along with every member of the industry make the most of the opportunity that we now have. That’s what I’ll be doing and so will everyone else I’m associated with – it’s what I’ve always done and will continue to for the good of racing.”

John says “This is a richly deserved reward for David Ellis – unquestionably he has broken new ground with the strength and breadth of the Te Akau training/syndication operation, achieving a scale of success which is unprecedented in the history of New Zealand racing – and that coupled with David’s background as a Club Committeeman, Club Chairman and National Administrator, combines to make him as an individual, one of the truly greats of New Zealand thoroughbred history”

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Fortuna 2yo Filly Titahi Bay wins at the trials again – will now debut Listed Wellesly Stakes Trentham 11th January

Off the back of an impressive trial win at Pukekohe last Tuesday, her second trial win from two trial starts, Titahi Bay (Spirit of Boom – Aotearower), will make her race day debut at Trentham on the 11th of January. She breaks new ground here for a Fortuna two year-old as this is the first time we have sent a 2yo to the races on debut to contest a “black type” event.

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Shares in Colour Sergeant moving quickly – just 30% left

The newly acquired Colour Sergeant has quickly adapted to his new environment at Cranbourne and is coming to hand quickly in the hands of Mark Walker

Mark reports “John, you have done well acquiring this horse – he is really thriving in the Cranbourne environment – since arriving here, he has really picked up in the coat, loves his feed bin and he really enjoys working on the sand dune track we have here, these older horses just love getting their hooves down into the very forgiving surface that track provides – he has adapted here really well and will head to the jumpouts late January and then be off to the races after that.”

Read all about Colour Sergeant below

By the right, quick march – Colour Sergeant is on parade!!!

Lovely Staying Type – Potential Jumping prospect – great value here at just $450 per each 1% share

Well we have managed to have do it again – that is, buying a proven galloper with a top pedigree for not a lot of money – hot on the heels of us buying Dreamflight (by Frankel) in September for just A$30k, we have now acquired the Northern Hemisphere bred seven-year-old Colour Sergeant (by Kingman) for just A$15k off the Inglis Digital Sale

Born in March 2018, Colour Sergeant is still only six years old, turning seven in March 2025 – he had 10 starts in Ireland for a win and nine minor placings, before being brought down to Australia where he raced out of the stable of Matthew Smith in NSW for a further 27 starts winning 3 times (Canberra, Scone and Randwick) and running into the money on several occasions. In recent times, he has been out of form and clearly his Ownership Group ran out of patience and they offered him for sale.

Mark Walker and I always scour the offerings on Inglis Digital looking for types that we think are genuine stayers and also have the potential to be jumping prospects. We identified this horse as having a genuine staying pedigree, and who had got down to a very low rating in the handicaps. We also noted that, despite being Irish bred and having run over decent trips as a 2yo and 3yo (up to 2400m) in Ireland, he only had a handful of starts at 2000m in Australia, where he usually ran in the money and then they would revert him to shorter trips.

Our interest was piqued, so we had him vetted by one of our very good NSW Vets (Paddy Todhunter based in Scone) and he passed with Colours Flying. Paddy did comment on his feet, saying that he needed to be reshod and some adjustments made and that is exactly what happened with Dreamflight also – his feet and shoeing needed a lot of attention and we have been training him without shoes and within a few weeks, his hooves have grown back naturally, he is a lot better in the coat, his action is significantly improved and he now licks his feedbowl clean – and that is what we will be doing with Colour Sergeant also.

In addition to that, these former NSW based horses just thrive at Cranbourne – they love the big open spaces, the sand dune based gallops, the uphill galloping track and the nearby beach, which we use a lot.

Mark of course, loves his jumpers and he has already been schooling Dreamflight and Colour Sergeant will do the same also in due course.

Mark says, “John, well done on securing Colour Sergeant for not a lot of money – I have been through all of his races and he ran some very encouraging minor placings in good company at the metropolitan tracks but I do feel when I look at his pedigree page that he just needs to get over more ground.  The beauty of this horse is with him now being at Cranbourne and down to a rating of 61, he will get plenty of opportunity to make his mark in relatively weak company over decent trips – we have bought three or four of this type of horse in recent times including Midnight Blue who won the Seymour Cup for us a few weeks ago and of course as you know we have made giant strides with Dreamflight whom you bought in September.  Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, one of the leading Sires in Great Britain and the female side of the family has produced a succession of really good stayers over several generations. So what we will do with this horse is train him without shoes for a while and let his feet grow naturally, get him working out in the sand dune tracks here at Cranbourne, get him working up the hill track also and get him out to the beach from time to time. I’m aiming to get him to a jumpout in late January and all going well we should then be off to the races. He will also get plenty of schooling as I think this horse could be one that is a great jumping prospect – physically he is a very attractive type of horse who moves well, he vetted well, and I think your owners are going to have a lot of fun with him, particularly given that you haven’t paid a lot of money for him”

Initially, our plan had been to spell him for three or four weeks after he had arrived at Cranbourne but Mark was actually there when he arrived and after having a good look at him and getting the farriers advice he’s decided to put him straight into light work and prepare him for a jump out towards the end of January

Click HERE to see his winning run over 1600m at Randwick

Click HERE to see him parading at Cranbourne with voiceover from Mark

Colour Sergeant

Pedigree

Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, the winner of eight races in Europe and a leading Stallion in Great Britain (currently 4th on the General Sires list as the 2024 season draws to a close). His Dam is the German bred Quilita, a winner at 1800m and Group 3 placed – she is also the dam of seven foals to the races, six of whom have been winners. This is a prolific German family of genuine staying types over several generations

See his pedigree below

All up he is to be syndicated for NZ$45,000 – this includes his sale price, Aus GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k Full details, including the syndicate disclosure statement and syndicate agreement can be seen on the Fortuna website at the link HERE and orders can be made directly off this link also

Terms

  • Shares available right down to 1%.
  • 10% share $4,500, 5% share $2,250, 2.5% share $1,125, 1% share $450 – with ongoing costs from 1 January 2025 @$60 per month per each 1% share
  • Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, Aus GST, Promoters fees, Vet fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, and working capital of just over $10k
  • Monthly ongoing costs from 1stJanuary 2025 – from that date ongoing costs are –10% share $600 per month – 5% share $300 per month – 2.5% share $150 per month – 1% share $60 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

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 

Greetings John and Fortuna followers,

Another very exciting week looms and I’ll be at Trentham on Saturday for the Manawatu Cup meeting

I’m expecting to see the very professional Marokopa Falls, with the winning experience down the TAB chute, to give John and Fortuna owners a big thrill again as she goes up against stablemate Cool Aza Rene and others in the Happy Hire $175,000 Wakefield Challenge Stakes.
It’s a prized trophy steeped in wonderful history with the likes of  Daryl’s Joy, Our Maizcay, Jimmy Choux, Happyanunoit and Wahid just a few of the memorable winners in the 64 year history.
Can the Fortuna filly do it? I reckon she will!

Last week the three horses we mentioned as big winners this summer are all on point; if I was forced to have a bet now on the Wellington Cup on January 18 I’d be sticking with Testify Me who came from almost last on the turn to grind away with the third quickest final sectionals in the Waikato Cup. Yaldi cost himself dearly when  he star gazed over the final furlong when looking all over the winner while Karman Line, who may have found the 1400m too sharp,  still ran the 4th fastest last 200 in running 8th. A race like the Rich Hill Mile may be a target. Keep her in mind.

This week my three to follow are:

Paravane, race 3 Te Rapa

She trialled well twice last autumn before being set aside but she’s been working well since from all reports; capped off by a comfortable trial win at Counties where she ran straight and true.
She’s on debut but I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t measure up.
The Te Akau team have some quality three year olds and to note that Paravane holds a spot in the Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic tells us plenty!

Kingfisher, race 4 Trentham

This horse always wins third up and while he’s second up this weekend he had two trials before resuming at Tauranga the other week and you can rest assured he will be nigh on perfect for Trentham.
The Wexford stables are in a purple patch of form lately and they’ve provided a fair bit of value for punters along the way and we’ve got some, too!
Around the $12 mark, Kingfisher is certainly worth an each way play.

My third horse to follow, Waiata, another from the Wexford barn, has accepted for three races; two at Matamata on Friday and one at Te Rapa.
Don’t let it slip under your guard.
It may well race in the opener at Matamata where the odds at time of writing are around the $8 mark. If it can get past Tardelli, it’ll go very close.
The trials have been superb.

Stop Press:

We’ve had a very good run this season; the odd skip up but overall our Best Bets in particular have kept us on the right side of the ledger.
Let’s do a Xmas gift for a close mate, if you are already a subscriber, or for your good self.
We have over 40 race days between now and January 31 with some excellent racing at big carnivals.
I’m offering the full email race by race tipping service with the Best Bets and Value Bets for just $100 gst inclusive starting on Boxing Day as my Xmas gift to Fortuna followers for this rich racing period.

If you’re keen drop me an email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz
It’s Xmas after all!

Can I wish you and family and close friends  a very merry time of it over the next few days ; stay safe and of course, good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Friday Flash – 13th December 2024

Published 13 December 2024

Marokopa Falls wins at Trentham on debut – 7th Dec 2024 –
Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

TAB NZ to be granted by Government legislation the exclusive rights for online wagering in New Zealand –  this will provide nd immediate $100m windfall to the racing industry from Entain once the legislation is passed

Fortuna acquires the proven Irish bred staying type COLOUR SERGEANT from NSW as a staying/jumping prospect – to be based at Cranbourne

Our debut 2yo winner Marokopa Falls in the news

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Fortuna has just  one runner this week

Tauranga – Friday

INCA BELLE contests the Rating 65 meter event – race 7 at 6.32pm with Opie Bosson taking the mount from an inside barrier draw. Has run 2nd this track last two starts – work has been really strong this week – is very fit and primed to take this out with good draw and top rioder major assists. TAB says “Dual winner here – win chance for sure” – showing $3.60 /$1.60

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 10th December – Matamata

Inca Belle (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.08.8, home in 39.32.

Cranbourne

Dreamflight (L Winks) worked over 800 metres in 57.8, home in 37.26.

Leaderboard (L Winks) worked over 1000 metres in 1.08.9, home in 38.22.

Thursday 12th December – Matamata

Hayate (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.09.6, home in 38.24.

Titahi Bay (O Bosson) worked over 800 metres in 56.7, home in 38.11.

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Other News

 

TAB NZ to be granted by Government legislation the exclusive rights for online wagering in New Zealand –  this will provide and immediate $100m windfall to the racing industry from Entain once the legislation is passed

NZTR welcomes government announcement on legislative net

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is thrilled by the government announcement to introduce a “legislative net” granting TAB NZ the exclusive rights for online wagering in New Zealand.

NZTR Chairman Russell Warwick applauded the Rt Hon Winston Peters for his continued support of the NZ racing industry. “This announcement is yet another significant milestone for New Zealand racing that has been facilitated by the Minister for Racing and is a major piece of the puzzle to ensure racing is sustainable long-term,” Warwick said. “The NZTR Board and management would like to thank the Rt Hon Winston Peters, his coalition government, and all parties involved for delivering a critical outcome that will have an immensely positive impact on racing.” The Minister for racing has been the architect and visionary behind the resurgence of racing in New Zealand and his relentless support is greatly appreciated by the entire industry.”

TAB NZ has estimated Kiwis lose $180 million annually to offshore operators. TAB NZ CEO Nick Roberts believes this decision will see those funds returned to the industry while also properly regulating wagering activity.

“This is a positive outcome which will have national impact. Retaining this money in New Zealand will not only maximise funding to our communities instead of providing profits to foreign companies but also ensure Kiwis can bet in a safe and regulated environment,” Roberts said.

In June 2023, TAB NZ commenced a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement with sports-betting and gaming group Entain for the delivery of TAB NZ’s betting operations.

TAB NZ will receive a one-off payment of $100m from Entain once the legislation is in effect, in addition to increased revenue share and other payments over the remainder of the 25-year strategic partnership.

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Fortuna acquires the proven Irish bred staying type COLOUR SERGEANT from NSW as a staying/jumping prospect – to be based at Cranbourne
 
By the right, quick march – Colour Sergeant is on parade!!!
 
Lovely Staying Type – Potential Jumping prospect – great value here at just $450 per each 1% share
 
Well we have managed to have do it again – that is, buying a proven galloper with a top pedigree for not a lot of money – hot on the heels of us buying Dreamflight (by Frankel) in September for just A$30k, we have now acquired the Northern Hemisphere bred seven-year-old Colour Sergeant (by Kingman) for just A$15k off the Inglis Digital Sale

Born in March 2018, Colour Sergeant is still only six years old, turning seven in March 2025 – he had 10 starts in Ireland for a win and nine minor placings, before being brought down to Australia where he raced out of the stable of Matthew Smith in NSW for a further 27 starts winning 3 times (Canberra, Scone and Randwick) and running into the money on several occasions. In recent times, he has been out of form and clearly his Ownership Group ran out of patience and they offered him for sale.

Mark Walker and I always scour the offerings on Inglis Digital looking for types that we think are genuine stayers and also have the potential to be jumping prospects. We identified this horse as having a genuine staying pedigree, and who had got down to a very low rating in the handicaps. We also noted that, despite being Irish bred and having run over decent trips as a 2yo and 3yo (up to 2400m) in Ireland, he only had a handful of starts at 2000m in Australia, where he usually ran in the money and then they would revert him to shorter trips.

Our interest was piqued, so we had him vetted by one of our very good NSW Vets (Paddy Todhunter based in Scone) and he passed with Colours Flying. Paddy did comment on his feet, saying that he needed to be reshod and some adjustments made and that is exactly what happened with Dreamflight also – his feet and shoeing needed a lot of attention and we have been training him without shoes and within a few weeks, his hooves have grown back naturally, he is a lot better in the coat, his action is significantly improved and he now licks his feedbowl clean – and that is what we will be doing with Colour Sergeant also.

In addition to that, these former NSW based horses just thrive at Cranbourne – they love the big open spaces, the sand dune based gallops, the uphill galloping track and the nearby beach, which we use a lot.

Mark of course, loves his jumpers and he has already been schooling Dreamflight and Colour Sergeant will do the same also in due course.

Mark says, “John, well done on securing Colour Sergeant for not a lot of money – I have been through all of his races and he ran some very encouraging minor placings in good company at the metropolitan tracks but I do feel when I look at his pedigree page that he just needs to get over more ground.  The beauty of this horse is with him now being at Cranbourne and down to a rating of 61, he will get plenty of opportunity to make his mark in relatively weak company over decent trips – we have bought three or four of this type of horse in recent times including Midnight Blue who won the Seymour Cup for us a few weeks ago and of course as you know we have made giant strides with Dreamflight whom you bought in September.  Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, one of the leading Sires in Great Britain and the female side of the family has produced a succession of really good stayers over several generations. So what we will do with this horse is train him without shoes for a while and let his feet grow naturally, get him working out in the sand dune tracks here at Cranbourne, get him working up the hill track also and get him out to the beach from time to time. I’m aiming to get him to a jumpout in late January and all going well we should then be off to the races. He will also get plenty of schooling as I think this horse could be one that is a great jumping prospect – physically he is a very attractive type of horse who moves well, he vetted well, and I think your owners are going to have a lot of fun with him, particularly given that you haven’t paid a lot of money for him”

Initially, our plan had been to spell him for three or four weeks after he had arrived at Cranbourne but Mark was actually there when he arrived and after having a good look at him and getting the farriers advice he’s decided to put him straight into light work and prepare him for a jump out towards the end of January

Click HERE to see his winning run over 1600m at Randwick

Click HERE to see him parading at Cranbourne with voiceover from Mark

Colour Sergeant

Pedigree

Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, the winner of eight races in Europe and a leading Stallion in Great Britain (currently 4th on the General Sires list as the 2024 season draws to a close. His Dam is the German bred Quilita, a winner at 1800m and Group 3 placed – she is also the dam of seven foals to the races, six of whom have been winners. This is a prolific German family of genuine staying types over several generations

See his pedigree below

All up he is to be syndicated for NZ$45,000 – this includes his sale price, Aus GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k Full details, including the syndicate disclosure statement and syndicate agreement can be seen on the Fortuna website at the link HERE and orders can be made directly off this link also – we have not paid a lot of money for this horse and so I’m sure he will be very popular with clients so if you have interest, please do not procrastinate

Terms

  • Shares available right down to 1%.
  • 10% share $4,500, 5% share $2,250, 2.5% share $1,125, 1% share $450 – with ongoing costs from 1 January 2025 @$60 per month per each 1% share
  • Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, Aus GST, Promoters fees, Vet fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, and working capital of just over $10k
  • Monthly ongoing costs from 1stJanuary 2025 – from that date ongoing costs are –10% share $600 per month – 5% share $300 per month – 2.5% share $150 per month – 1% share $60 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

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Our debut 2yo winner Marokopa Falls in the news
 

LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

8 December 2024

Marokopa Falls shines on debut

Te Akau Racing and Fortuna Racing have a remarkable association with two-year-old fillies and they unveiled another exciting prospect at Trentham on Saturday in the form of Marokopa Falls.

The daughter of Hellbent was not fully tested in her sole trial appearance at Taupo on November 26, and in a compact four-horse juvenile field on debut, she closed a $3.50 second-favourite behind race-winner Too Sweet ($1.80).

Each of the quartet jumped positively and with plenty of early speed, Too Sweet found the rail and the lead as they descended down the TAB chute. Marokopa Falls shadowed the filly throughout and got on even terms as they straightened, and after breaking away from Abbakiss and Ferrari, the pair set to fight out the finish with Marokopa Falls finding an extra kick under Craig Grylls to score by a half-length at the post.

Grylls, who currently leads the national jockey’s premiership narrowly over Sam Spratt, was complimentary of the filly’s first-up effort.

“She was well prepared for today,” he said. “She hopped away nice to sit outside the leader, was little bit green coming across the junction, as they quite often can be, but once balanced she let down really nicely.

“She was very professional, a nice mover, and for her first go after only one trial it was pretty impressive.”

Mark Walker, who prepares the Te Akau contingent alongside Sam Bergerson, indicated Marokopa Falls would return to Trentham at short notice, with the Gr.2 Happy Hire Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) her next assignment.

“She has a lot of natural ability and will take further improvement from the trip away and the win,” Walker said.

“Her next start will be in the Group Two Wakefield Stakes and it would be great to get some black type at just her second start.”

The stable won last year’s edition of the Wakefield with subsequent Group One-winning filly Captured By Love, who like Marokopa Falls, was purchased out of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The latter was secured by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin for $57,500, the exact figure the pair outlaid to buy their 14-time Group One winner Melody Belle.

In the early stages of her illustrious career, Melody Belle won the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), a race Marokopa Falls is ineligible for as an Australian-bought filly.

Galvin was on course to witness the victory, alongside several members of the Fortuna Marokopa Falls Syndicate.

“It was a lovely win from a lovely filly that the team obviously have a lot of time for,” Galvin said.

“It’s not usual for us to send a two-year-old to the races off the back of one trial, so going there today gave us an indication of what the trainers think of her. She was very professional and relaxed in the birdcage and she showed those same attributes during the race.

“She was bought for the same price as Melody Belle, so if she could be half as good as her then we’d have to be very happy, wouldn’t we?.”

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Gee Dez is having a great run with his full service best bet selections – every race day he selects one “best bet” and remarkably 12 of the last 16 have come in – we have a number of Fortuna clients who are subscribers to Des full service and I know they are filling their boots at the present time

Greetings John and Fortuna Team

Wasn’t your two year old Marokopa Falls impressive on Saturday?
She may have only beaten three others but there were two last start winners in the field including  an odds on favourite but her professionalism was the key to her performance.
She strode out like one that was having her 4th or 5th start, not just her first!
There should be a lot more to come on that display!

Our three horses from last week, Arby ( unlucky again!); Beast of Burden ( powered into 3rd with the quickest sectionals) and Gee Cee ( the jury’s out!).

We’ve had some great collects for the subscribers to the email service including 19 to one Dua Dance on Sunday as the Value Bet of the day as one of the highlights matched only by the Best Bets  with 12 wins from the last 16 meetings!

It’s never too late to join.

Drop me an email: dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and at $200 ( gst inclusive)which takes you right up until the last race day in February and   who knows, it may turn out to be the  Xmas present you’ve always wanted????

The great racing continues this weekend including Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa.

Here are my three to follow not only on Saturday but throughout the summer.

Karman Line, race 6

She’s a class act who ran a pearler first up at Pukekohe three weeks ago.
The wet ground didn’t suit so early in her preparation and in 6th place she finished just over one length from second after copping a slight check inside the last 200.
It was the run of a definite improver.
Let’s not forget she beat La Crique in stakes company last season and she has performed well at Te Rapa in the past.
She should go close.

Yaldi, race 5

It’s great to see this three year old back and he’s not far off from the very best!
He rates highly in this race after a comfortable trial win at Pukekohe two weeks ago.
For the record, he’s unbeaten in NZ and his two other starts were in Melbourne, running third in stakes company at Flemington in April and missing out completely in a group three in Caulfield. The latter effort was no disgrace when you consider the winner, Growing Empire subsequently ran third to Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick in The Everest.

Testify Me, Waikato Cup, r8

You’ll know now that I’m a big fan of this horse. I’ve already singled him out as a leading Cups contender in this column and after his strong run into third in the Wanganui Cup a couple of weeks ago there’ll be a number of punters keen to follow the lead.
He likes Te Rapa.
He paid a visit here 13 months to win over 1600m.

My confidence levels are high for all three runners mentioned this week.

Ps the multi – it might be asking too much – at time of writing sits at 90 to one!
Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Fortuna 2yo Filly, MAROKOPA FALLS, wins at her raceday debut Trentham 7th December 2024

Published 8 December 2024

With an air of professionalism beyond her experience, Marokopa Falls (2yo Filly by Hellbent – Beside You, by Ready’s Image) recorded an excellent debut victory in the $65,000 Devon Plastics 2YO 1000 metres on Saturday at Trentham.

Although closing strongly before being held up over the concluding stages in a trial on 26 November at Taupo, Marokopa Falls was away smartly on this occasion to situate outside the leader and race favourite Too Sweet (Satono Aladdin) and while both sprinted hard when asked for their best inside the 200m it was Marokopa Falls that proved strongest over the final 100m.

The was plenty of encouragement coming from the way Marokopa Falls performed in her sole trial, and while expectations could have arisen about being ridden conservatively, she certainly lacked nothing in gate speed to race on terms in front.

“She was well prepared for today,” said jockey Craig Grylls. “She hopped away nice to sit outside the leader, was little bit green coming across the junction, as they quite often can be, but once balanced she let down really nicely. She was very professional, a nice mover, and for her first go after only one trial it was pretty impressive.”

Click HERE to see the race replay

On footing upgraded immediately after race one to Good4, Marokopa Falls ran 1000 metres in 55.6 (approx.) and paid $3.50 (win dividend only in field of four) on the NZ TAB tote, and became the fifth individual two-year-old winner from 10 runners this season for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson.

“It was a really good win and she’s a filly that Dave (Ellis) bought cheaply out of the Gold Coast winter sale, and it’s always great to have another win for John & Jessica Galvin and their owners,” Walker said. “She has a lot of natural ability and will take further improvement from the trip away and the win. Her next start will be in the Group Two Wakefield Stakes and it would be great to get some black type at just her second start.”

Owned by Fortuna Marokopa Falls Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), she was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for A$57,500 at the 2024 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, from the draft of Lincoln Farm.

Coincidentally, it was the same price Ellis paid for Melody Belle (Commands) as a yearling at the Karaka 2016 Sale, who also carried the Fortuna colours to a NZ record 14 Group One wins and was twice New Zealand Horse of the Year.

In more recent times the same Ellis/Fortuna partnership clicked with the purchase of Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) for $80,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, and the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner has gone on to make a splash from the Te Akau stables at Cranbourne (Victoria), winning the Cap D’Antibes Stakes (Listed, 1100m), Scarborough Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m), and notching a hat-trick this season in the Scarborough Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m).


2yo Filly – Marokopa Falls – wins on debut Trentham 7th December 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

“She (Marokopa Falls) was a cheap purchase and John (Galvin), Mark (Walker) and Dave (Ellis) seem to have a knack of finding these fillies for a really good price,” Sam Bergerson, who was present on track at Trentham, said. “She’s a lovely filly, has been very straightforward, fantastic constitution, and she travelled down and hasn’t missed a beat. She was very laidback in the parade and that will hold her in fantastic stead going forward.”

By young sire Hellbent (I Am Invincible), winner of the William Reid Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) among seven victories to 1200 metres, and already the sire of two Group One winners, Marokopa Falls is out of Beside You, by Ready’s Image, a sire son of More Than Ready (Southern Halo).

Beside You recorded a hat-trick of wins to 1100 metres in Australia, including two as a two-year-old, and the speedy family has left a naturally precocious type in Marokopa Falls.

“It was a lovely win from a lovely filly that the team obviously have a lot of time for,” said John Galvin, from the course. “It’s not usual for us to send a two-year-old to the races off the back of one trial, so going there today gave us an indication of what the trainers think of her. She was very professional and relaxed in the birdcage and she showed those same attributes during the race. She was bought for the same price as Melody Belle, so if she could be half as good as her then we’d have to be very happy, wouldn’t we? Like Melody Belle she has won on debut, but won’t be able to win a Karaka Million, of course, having been bought in Australia.I do think she’s a really nice filly that is going places, and interestingly her breeder and sales vendor, Nick Posa of Lincoln Farms, retained a 10 percent share, so he’ll be very happy with the first-up win. It’s quite a big ownership group and we had about 15-20 of them here today.”

Galvin indicated that Marokopa Falls would remain in the Central Districts, in the stables of Roydon Bergerson at Awapuni, and prepare for the $175,000 Happy Hire Wakefield Challenge Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) on Saturday 21 December at Trentham.

Marakopa Falls is raced by the Fortuna Marokopa Falls Syndicate, an Ownership group comprising 57 individuals, all from New Zealand, bar one who is Australian based

Marokopa Falls was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

ZEDWILLDO wins in Maiden company – Mornington 6th December 2024

Published 8 December 2024

ZEDWILLDO, the 6yo Gelding by Zed out of Katie Spice proved that distance was his friend when winning the Maiden 2460 meter event at Mornington on Friday, the 6th of June December in the hands of Will Gordon. Trained by Brett Scott at Mornington “Des” had indicated with close-up second and third placings in recent starts that he was knocking on the door of win, but then unfortunately was ridden upside down at Geelong 27th November when stepping up to the 2400 meter trip for the first time and weakened into 6th placing closing stages. This time however, new rider Will Gordon executed pre race instructions perfecly, settling “Des” at the back of the field and riding him cold in a race which was run at quick tempo. At the 900m mark, sensing that the pace had slackened, Will urged ZEDWILLDO forward and eliciting a good response from the horse, he soon had him eyeballing the race favourite, Najle and the two of them knuckled down to a 2 horse war down the length of the straight, with ZEDWILLDO going to the line the stronger in a time 0f 2.36.26 and a half head margin.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer Brett Scott was on course and was a happy trainer after the race – “That was good strong staying perfomance – this horse will stay all day but needs to be switched off early and ridden cold and that is what Will delivered today. Congrats to all of his Ownership Team, particularly John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing ownership group – this is the first horse we have trained for them and its great to get the win after running some nice placings recently”

ZEDWILLDO –  Maiden Victory – Mornington 6th December 2024 – Will Gordon aboard
Fortuna Director John Galvin had watched the race from his Hamilton home and expressed delight after the event “Zedwilldo is a very dour, one paced staying type who has taken time to find his feet due to his tendency to go a bit keen in his earlier races, however he has been beautifully handled by Brett Scott, who has really taught him to relax and today he was given the perfect ride by Will Gordon allowing him to settle early and run home strong and, as a result, duly delivered”
ZEDWILLDO was acquired by John Galvins Fortuna Racing from his owner/trainer Diane Kennedy in 2023 after trialing well in New Zealand and was subsequently shipped to Victoria as a future jumping prospect – he has now had 8 raceday starts for a win and two minor placings

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Friday Flash – 6th December 2024

Published 6 December 2024

RAGAMUFFIN –  4th Raceday win – Woodville 17th November 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

Fortuna Owners Day has been postponed and will now be held Sunday ninth of February 2025

TE AKAU APPOINTS NEW ASSISTANT TRAINER

Shares in our recent RTR Sale acquisition, the 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace, are disappearing quickly – just 11% left
 

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Fortuna has five runners this week (with two on debut), one in Victoria Friday, two at Riccarton Friday and two at Trentham SaturdayMornington – Friday

ZEDWILLDO contests the Maiden 2460 meter event – race 1 at 12:50pm Aus time  (2:50 pm NZ time) – notable rider change with Will Gordon taking the mount. Had bought good form into his last start at Geelong on the 27th of Nov, with a 3rd and a 2nd placing at his two previous runs, but was poorly ridden at Geelong with his rider just giving him no chance – an out and out stayer he needs to be ridden cold and if that can be pulled off today, he is a solid each way chance in this – TAB says “rockhard fit and looks well placed, so expected to get chance this time” – showing $4.80/$1.60

Riccarton Synthetic – Friday

PORTIA CATONIS races in the maiden 1200 meter event – race 4 at 4:39pm with Harry Grace aboard. This is her second race day start and on debut at Timaru 21st of November she was very disappointing, beaten 18 lengths – her work since has been good. She gets the synthetic this time, blinkers go on and we are certainly looking for her to show significant improvement this time. Has a wide draw to contend with – TAB says “Wide draw again – give another chance” showing $13/$3.60

QUEEEN CONSORT makes her debut in the Maiden 1200 meter event – race 4 at 4:39pm with Wiremu Pinn aboard. This lovely three year old daughter of Eminent has taken time to mature, but trialed nicely at Te Awamutu on the 18th of November – has settled in nicely to the Riccarton base and is poised to give a good showing here on debut – TAB says “stable has good strike rate with first starters” – showing $4.50/$1.80

Trentham – Saturday

MAROKOPA FALLS makes her debut in the 2yo 1000 meter event – race 1 at 12 Noon with Craig Grylls aboard. She presents as an interesting runner in this event – only purchased in June at the Gold Coast National Yearling sale she has come to hand very quickly – has only had one trial at Taupo where she finished full of running but with no luck in the run home – has impressed the training team significantly enough that they are content to have her make her debut off the back of that one trial – TAB says “shapes as a prospect” – showing $4.20/$1.28

STAR SHADOW resumes in the 3yo 1400 metre event – Race 3 at 1.10pm with Michael McNab to ride – a winner on debut at Otaki over 1300m in April, she has had three trials to prepare for this race – set to give a bold showing. TAB says “multiple class dropper resuming – triple trial winner – win chance for sure” – showing $5.50/$1.80

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 3rd December – Matamata

Star Shadow (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.5, home in 37.0.

Marokopa Falls (O Bosson) worked in company over 800 metres in 52.2, home in 36.6.

Inca Belle (H Hassman) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.5, home in 37.0.

Wednesday 4th December – Cranbourne

Dreamflight (C Wilson) worked over 800 metres in 54.8, home in 37.92

Leaderboard (L Winks) worked over 1000 metres in 1.13.4, home in 41.92.

Riccarton

Sailing Away (H Durrant) worked over 1200 metres in 1.28.7, home in 37.98.

Thursday 5th December – Matamata

Star Shadow (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.11.2, home in 40.6.

 

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Other News

Fortuna Owners Day has been postponed and will now be held Sunday 9th of February 2025
 

Sadly we have been forced to postpone this event – this due to the fact that Jessica has had a period of illness and underwent surgery in Waikato Hospital 13th of November and although subsequently discharged, further complications developed and she has been readmitted to hospital where she is undergoing further treatment – all of this means it is logistically impossible for us to proceed with the Owners Day on Sunday, the 15th of December as planned, hence the deferral to Sunday 9th of February.

I know that will be disappointing to our big group of owners who had planned to attend this day, but I’m sure you appreciate the circumstances make it impossible to proceed. We can look forward to hosting you all on Sunday, the 9th of February.

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TE AKAU APPOINTS NEW ASSISTANT TRAINER

Te Akau Racing is delighted to announce the appointment of Hunter Durrant to the role of Assistant Trainer, acknowledging his important role in the stable’s continued success.

“We recognise Hunter’s dedication and expertise, especially in managing our Riccarton operation under the guidance of our trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson,” said Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM.

“Hunter has been exceptional since we established our permanent base at Riccarton,” Ellis said.

“He’s a skilled horseman with a calm demeanor, sharp instincts, and the ability to connect with our owners and team. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and leadership.”

Durrant joins a distinguished lineup of assistant trainers, including Nicole Shailer at Matamata in the North Island and Ben Gleeson at Cranbourne in Victoria, who play crucial roles in ensuring seamless operations across Te Akau’s stables.

Last season Te Akau’s southern operation delivered exceptional results – earning three prestigious titles at the South Island Racing Awards, including Champion Two-Year-Old for Nucleozor and Champion Miler for Perfect Scenario.

This season the seamless success continues, fresh off a NZ Cup carnival week that included Captured By Love winning the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas and Mehzebeen the Group 3 NZ Cup and Listed Metropolitan Stakes.

The wins this season have included a landmark moment on 28 September 28 when Age of Discovery delivered Mark Walker’s 2000th career training victory.

Hunter’s promotion solidifies Te Akau’s commitment to excellence in racing.

David added:

“We love supporting South Island racing and first had stables in 2002 at Rangiora. It was timely to set up permanently again in the South last season, with the stables at Riccarton, and Hunter has been instrumental in that success.

“Hunter’s promotion is not only about rewarding hard work but also about setting the stage for even greater success.”

John says “We have got to know Hunter well over the years in his time at Te Akau, firstly with him being based at Matamata and then as a travelling foreman with runners going to Australia and more recently, heading up the highly successful Te Akau Riccarton operation from which several of the Fortuna runners have had success. He is certainly a very talented horseman and this promotion to assistant trainer is well deserved”

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Shares in our recent RTR Sale acquisition, the 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace, are disappearing quickly – just 11% left – see more below

FORTUNA secures a lovely Swiss Ace Filly at the 2024 Ready To Run Sale

The 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace out of Sigiriya

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We had a highly successful day 20th November at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. The sale itself was very successful with many high priced lots and this was no surprise, given the buoyancy in the Global Racing market at the present time, particularly in Australia and with a strong buying bench from Hong Kong

As always we like to buy to budget and with a very high focus on “physical type” and so we needed to be thinking very much outside the square in terms of the lots we identified – one of the things about the Ready to Run sale is that it is very popular with the Asian market, in particular Hong Kong and also with the closure of Singapore, the Malaysian trainers were very active as well – however these markets tend not to buy Fillies and focus on Colts in the main and so our focus was to be on the Fillly options – in the end we identified four Fillies from day one of the sale – two of these failed their Vet inspections and one we had identified in particular, that we thought would meet our budget, was the Swiss Ace Filly out of an El Rocamare and with a great Vet report and a budget of $80,000 to buy her, we managed to secure her for $70,000 and so “mission accomplished”

Interesting to note that Mark Walker and I have been going through the catalogue for at least the past four weeks and time and time again as we would review and consider the options, Mark would keep coming back to this Filly, saying to me how well she had breezed up and how he thought she would be the one to make our budget. I joined Mark at the sales grounds yesterday morning where we inspected all of the horses on his and David’s list and as the Swiss Ace Filly paraded for us Mark kept commenting to me“this is a lovely Filly”

Mark has sent through the following comments. “John, as you know, you and I have been talking about this Filly for a few  weeks now, as I had identified her earlier in the piece as having the right physical characteristics to make a lovely racehorse – her breeze up at Te Rapa four weeks ago was first class and when we inspected her at the sales grounds this morning, I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what I saw. She is a lovely physical type with a great walk, is of  good medium size and demonstrated a very pleasant temperament. I think she will be the sort of Filly that could come into work at the stables very soon, trial late summer and have a race day start or two as a two year-old, but she’s got all the scope in the world to develop into a lovely three-year-old type”

David Ellis also comments as follows “John, congratulations on securing this lovely Swiss Ace Filly today within your budget – Mark and I were very impressed with her breeze up and how she paraded for us today at inspections. I think she will definitely run as an autumn two year old and has plenty of scope to be a successful three year old as well.”

On the pedigree front, Swiss Ace, in my view, is an underrated Sire, but with 366 winners (including 19 Stakes winners) from just over 500 runners, he can certainly leave a quality race horse. The dam is by El Roca and is a a half sister to the Stakes winner, Ichiban. Swiss Ace is the Sire of Niance, who won the Group 3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday and who has now fashioned a record of 6 wins from 10 starts

Click HERE to see the link to her breeze up clip – she breezed up in 10.74 secs and as you will see, she has a beautiful galloping action

Here below is her pedigree

All up she is to be syndicated for NZ$120,000 – this includes her sale price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k

As always, we do shares down to 1% – see schedule below

Share 10% $12000
Share 5% $6000
Share 2.5% $3000
Share 1% $1200

Ongoing costs commence 1 Jan 2025 @ $50 per month per each 1% share – full syndication paperwork can now be viewed on the Fortuna website HERE and orders can be placed directly from this link also  – feel free to contact John directly by replying to this update or call/text 021 921 460============================================================

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Greetings John and Fortuna followers

From last week Testify Me took a giant leap into Wellington Cup calculations with its dashing run for third in the Wanganui Cup and The Underbelly lost no admirers after being just pipped by Testify Me. Interesting to look at their respective odds 6 weeks out from Trentham; Testify Me is at $14 while The Underbelly is currently showing $8.
If the race was tomorrow they’d both be around the $5 to $7 mark. My friendly advice when it comes to backing either or both – simply wait! It’s too far out and so much can happen in 6 weekss

Sadly the other horse I mentioned in this column last week Non de Plume suffered cardiac arrhythmia.

Let’s have a look at two follow at Trentham and one for Ellerslie this weekend.

Gee Cee – race 5, Trentham 

With three encouraging runs under his belt I think he’s ready to recapture his best form. At his last start he was held up for almost the entire length of the straight behind Sumi and company at Tauranga. The wide draw at Ellerslie, prior to Tauranga, was a hindrance and the first up run at Taupo  to  finish just 4.5 lengths from subsequent TAB Mile winner at Riccarton,  Kopua, was a true indicator that he’s returned for another season in good order.
He’s 4th up and he won 4th up last year at Pukekohe over 1600m after running second in the famous Douro Cup at Trentham. He’s had two starts at Trentham for 2 placings including a strong third behind 2024 Telegraph winner and stablemate Mercurial over 1400m in January last year.

Beast of Burden, race two

It was a determined win at Te Aroha last start and I’d be surprised if he didn’t carry on with it over 1000m at Trentham. He’s always shown promise and the stable thought a lot of him as three year old and lined him up in the group 2 at Te Rapa, the Sarten Memorial. He didn’t show up after a tardy start behind Crocetti and company but his form since has been sound and he deserved the win last time.

Here’s an interesting form comparison against rival and favourite Moet Down. The last time they met at Te Rapa in January Moet Down led all the way over 1300m and Beast of Burden rushed into third. Moet Down carried 2kgs less that day and on Saturday Beast of Burden, with a one kg allowance, will meet her 6kgs better off!

Ellerslie race one, Arby

He had rotten luck last time. He dislodged rider Matt Cartwright when he attempted to jump the crossing. We were on board then and we will be on board again. Good to see the stable retaining the rider.

Good punting!

It should be a great weekend of racing and especially looking forward to Trentham.
Best of luck to the Fortuna team with their two runners, Marokopa Falls and Star Shadow.

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Friday Flash – 29th November 2024

Published 29 November 2024

RAGAMUFFIN –  4th Raceday win – Woodville 17th November 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

NZTR Board Support Continuation of Jumps Racing

Fortuna 2yo Filly TITAHI BAY wins her debut trial at Taupo stylishly

Shares in our recent RTR Sale acquisition, the 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace, moving steadily – 28% still available

Entain continue to deliver strong wagering growth with strong increases in total turnover and active customers

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Fortuna has no runners this week

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 26th November
Cranbourne

Dreamflight (L Winks) worked over 800 metres in 57.2, home in 37.92.

Matamata

Star Shadow (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.5, home in 37.2.

Thursday 28th November – Matamata

Inca Belle (A Azrul) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.13.9, last 600 in 42.7.

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Other News
 

NZTR Board Support Continuation of Jumps Racing

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today confirmed their support for the continuation of Jumps racing as part of the racing programme. This decision follows a process announced in September that included the appointment of a Jumps Racing Review Panel.

The panel resolved to recommend that Jumps racing in New Zealand should continue, but that continuation will need to be supported by several initiatives to ensure the success of the industry, both in the short and long term.

“The panel have taken a comprehensive review of Jumps racing in NZ and whilst the recommendation is for the continuation it is not for jumps racing to continue in its current state, changes do need to be made to give it the best chance to thrive,” said Darin Balcombe, NZTR COO and Jumps Racing Review Panel Chair.

The panel provided 19 individual recommendations with priorities that include:

  • Supporting, mentoring and attracting Jumps jockeys
  • Reviewing and optimising the Jumps racing calendar
  • Enhancing race programming for consistency and competition
  • Ensuring fit-for-purpose infrastructure and rules

The panel has also recommended NZTR develop key performance indicators to evaluate Jumps racing’s performance annually and a comprehensive strategic review every three years to ensure objectives and performance are aligned.

NZTR Chairman Russell Warwick applauded the panel for their hard work and collaboration throughout the review process.

“I would like to thank the panel and Alan Galbraith KC for their support throughout this process. Many factors were taken into consideration, and we believe implementing the panel’s recommendations will give Jumps racing the best opportunity to perform at a high-level long term,” he said

“This decision gives the industry the opportunity to reenergize Jumps racing and will make winter racing an exciting prospect into the future.”

The full Jumps Racing Review Panel Recommendations Report can be found using the link below.

NZTR’s implementation process will include creating a framework and outlining KPIs to measure Jumps racing’s performance annually, to be delivered prior to 31 March 2025.

Click HERE to read full report – Fortuna Racing and Te Akau Racing are big supporters of jumps racing in NZ (not to mention Victoria as well) – the recommendations in this report are very positive – the panel have done a good job here and we believe the implementation of these recommendations can only enhance the jumping scene here in NZ

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Fortuna 2yo Filly TITAHI BAY wins her debut trial at Taupo stylishly

Titahi Bay (Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower)  delighted her small army of owners when winning her first trial at Taupo over 900 metres in the hands of Wiremu Pinn – the drums have been beating for a while about “Boomer” and she seems to have a lot of quality about her. A graduate of the January 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, she was acquired by David Ellis/Fortuna Racing for A$100k from the draft of Cambridge Stud after being passed in at A$140k – so once again we have managed to buy very well – she is set to trial again at Pukekohe Dec 17th and all going well she may make her race day debut after that. Trial replay can be seen HERE

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Shares in our recent RTR Sale acquisition, the 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace, moving steadily – 28% still available – see more below
 

FORTUNA secures a lovely Swiss Ace Filly at the 2024 Ready To Run Sale

The 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace out of Sigiriya

======================================================

We had a highly successful day 20th November at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. The sale itself was very successful with many high priced lots and this was no surprise, given the buoyancy in the Global Racing market at the present time, particularly in Australia and with a strong buying bench from Hong Kong

As always we like to buy to budget and with a very high focus on “physical type” and so we needed to be thinking very much outside the square in terms of the lots we identified – one of the things about the Ready to Run sale is that it is very popular with the Asian market, in particular Hong Kong and also with the closure of Singapore, the Malaysian trainers were very active as well – however these markets tend not to buy Fillies and focus on Colts in the main and so our focus was to be on the Fillly options – in the end we identified four Fillies from day one of the sale – two of these failed their Vet inspections and one we had identified in particular, that we thought would meet our budget, was the Swiss Ace Filly out of an El Rocamare and with a great Vet report and a budget of $80,000 to buy her, we managed to secure her for $70,000 and so “mission accomplished”

Interesting to note that Mark Walker and I have been going through the catalogue for at least the past four weeks and time and time again as we would review and consider the options, Mark would keep coming back to this Filly, saying to me how well she had breezed up and how he thought she would be the one to make our budget. I joined Mark at the sales grounds yesterday morning where we inspected all of the horses on his and David’s list and as the Swiss Ace Filly paraded for us Mark kept commenting to me“this is a lovely Filly”

Mark has sent through the following comments. “John, as you know, you and I have been talking about this Filly for a few  weeks now, as I had identified her earlier in the piece as having the right physical characteristics to make a lovely racehorse – her breeze up at Te Rapa four weeks ago was first class and when we inspected her at the sales grounds this morning, I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what I saw. She is a lovely physical type with a great walk, is of  good medium size and demonstrated a very pleasant temperament. I think she will be the sort of Filly that could come into work at the stables very soon, trial late summer and have a race day start or two as a two year-old, but she’s got all the scope in the world to develop into a lovely three-year-old type”

David Ellis also comments as follows “John, congratulations on securing this lovely Swiss Ace Filly today within your budget – Mark and I were very impressed with her breeze up and how she paraded for us today at inspections. I think she will definitely run as an autumn two year old and has plenty of scope to be a successful three year old as well.”

On the pedigree front, Swiss Ace, in my view, is an underrated Sire, but with 366 winners (including 19 Stakes winners) from just over 500 runners, he can certainly leave a quality race horse. The dam is by El Roca and is a a half sister to the Stakes winner, Ichiban. Swiss Ace is the Sire of Niance, who won the Group 3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday and who has now fashioned a record of 6 wins from 10 starts

Click HERE to see the link to her breeze up clip – she breezed up in 10.74 secs and as you will see, she has a beautiful galloping action

Here below is her pedigree

All up she is to be syndicated for NZ$120,000 – this includes her sale price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k

As always, we do shares down to 1% – see schedule below

Share 10% $12000
Share 5% $6000
Share 2.5% $3000
Share 1% $1200

Ongoing costs commence 1 Jan 2025 @ $50 per month per each 1% share – full syndication paperwork can now be viewed on the Fortuna website HERE and orders can be placed directly from this link also  – feel free to contact John directly by replying to this update or call/text 021 921 460============================================================

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Entain continue to deliver strong wagering growth with strong increases in total turnover and active customers

– solid increases in year on year turnover across all three codes
– 16% increase in customers year on year

Here below are excerpts from the latest Entain Edition

Welcome to another Entain Edition – the final edition for 2024. 

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, an event that reached dazzling new heights. The success of this sale is a testament to the dedication and talent across the thoroughbred racing industry in New Zealand. From the exceptional NZB team to everyone within the wider racing ecosystem, this meteoric rise reflects the strength of our industry.

A great deal of credit should also go to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Racing, Rt Hon Winston Peters, who continued his incredible form of delivering significant and tangible results for the racing industry – form that now spans multiple decades.

Those paying close attention will know that in June of this year, the Deputy Prime Minister led a trade mission to Malaysia, where a key objective was to capitalise on the burgeoning thoroughbred racing industry there, encouraging Malaysian owners and trainers to invest in New Zealand-bred horses and to attend NZB sales.

The result of his efforts? Malaysian buyers, led by the Selangor Turf Club, purchased 40 horses for nearly NZ$3 million — a record for the event. Their investments also extended to securing an NZB Kiwi slot for the first running of the race in 2025, further solidifying ties to racing here in New Zealand. This is, no doubt, just the starting point of closer relations that will drive value for the New Zealand racing industry for many, many years to come.

Most don’t need reminding of it but the New Zealand industry is incredibly fortunate to have a Minister at the helm who not only understands the value and contribution of the industry, but who consistently champions it on the global stage.

Entain Edition will be back in late January with a bumper wrap of a very busy December and January racing period including the TAB Karaka Millions.

Please share or forward this newsletter to anyone in the industry who you think might like to read this. They can sign up to receive the Entain Edition directly by contacting communications@entaingroup.co.nz. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please contact the same address.
Thanks for reading.Cameron Rodger,
Managing Director – New Zealand
Entain Australia and New Zealand		 Image
Making News
World Pool coming to New Zealand

The spring of 2024 has already been massive, but it was a genuine highlight for us to be able to confirm the arrival of World Pool in New Zealand for two meetings at Ellerslie in 2025.

World Pool is an exciting version of international commingling created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), who have a vision to bring the world’s finest racing to its customers all year round, and to host internationally unified pools on these races. World Pool accepts bets from the HKJC’s overseas partners, which creates the deepest and most liquid pari-mutuel (tote) pools for international top races.

We look forward to showcasing the best of New Zealand racing alongside Auckland Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing at the TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on 25 January and the newly-created Champions Day at Ellerslie on 8 March. Find out more at: entaingroup.co.nz/news.
TRC at NZ Cup Week
Cup Week hits new heights

Christchurch put on a fantastic show again earlier this month, with the annual New Zealand Cup Week turnover pushing past $27.4 million for the six meetings (three thoroughbred, two harness and one greyhound) – a 5% increase on last year.

Four of the six meetings recorded year-on-year turnover increases, with fewer starters the sole cause of a drop in turnover at the other two meetings.

The most significant financial increase was at the Show Day twilight harness meeting at Addington on Friday, 15 November. Turnover of $4.4m for this meeting was $1m up on the corresponding meeting last year (+29%) with similar starter numbers. This meeting had been significantly rejigged this year with the later twilight start and the introduction of two new slot races, ‘The Velocity’ and ‘The Ascent’ for 3-year-old pacers and trotters respectively.

This continues the strong growth in harness racing that I highlighted in last month’s Entain Edition, and there has been further benefits for the harness racing industry with the champion Victorian trotter Just Believe, trained by Jess Tubbs, staying on for feature racing in New Zealand through to the end of the year, along with fellow trotter One Over All and pacing stablemates Better Eclipse and He’s From Heaven.
TAB Mile
Laura McGoldrick (third from right) and Entain’s General Manager, Content & Entertainment, Andy Hoad (second from right), present the TAB Mile trophy to the connections of the winner, Kopua.Credit: Race Images Christchurch
Brittany Graham top acquisition for Trackside 

Our Trackside team shared huge news last week with top trans-Tasman harness racing broadcasting talent Brittany Graham joining Trackside from early next year.

She’s widely regarded as one of the best and most respected harness racing presenters in the world and will further enhance the strong team of presenters and experts we have at Trackside.

Brittany will cover harness racing through vehicles like the “The Box Seat” and “Friday Night Lights”, but her role will also see her involved in thoroughbred presenting. Find out more at trackside.co.nz.
Brittany Graham
BY THE NUMBERS: Oct 2024
Entain

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day 2024 

Date – Sunday 15th December
Venue – “The Gazebo” – Matamata Racecourse
Time – 1pm – 4pm

Our very popular annual event where we celebrate the year’s successes, enjoy the conviviality of each others company and we parade all of the Fortuna horses based at the Matamata Stables

It is important that you register for this event if attending – you can do this by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 

Five “Best Bets” in a row greeting the judge has been Des’ performance for his subscribers over the past week

Greetings John and Friday Flash readers,

Hopefully your week has gone well. The racing was great at Pukekohe last week and I’d suggest it was a solid platform for some wonderful racing this summer. One of our three tips for Friday Flash readers, Arby,  lost his rider in the Counties Cup at the winning post on the first round when seemingly trying to jump the crossing. Stay with him.

The other two Waitak, in the open sprint, charged into second and he’s another on the verge of a big sprint win while Petrucci, who also ran second for us at Wanganui, will get us again for sure. She’s overdue.

Thanks to the Fortuna readers who signed up last weekend for the email tipping service. I’d  say they’d be thrilled to land 5 unbeaten best bets this week with 5 race days ( Sicilian, Golden, The Grey Goose, Tycoon Prince and Ballon D’Or). 

The offer to join for the next 3 months at $240 remains. That’s 80 meetings ($3 per meeting). Simply email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz for relevant details. 

After last Saturday’s Cup, we are closing in on a Cup bonanza.
I’ve sorted out three horses who I think are genuine Cup horses at the higher end in NZ this summer and all three will contest the Wanganui Cup on Saturday.
They’re all well placed at the weights and here’s how I rate them.

Testify Me:
He was last years St Leger winner and he’s close to peak fitness despite his second last possie at Ellerslie last time. I thought the run prior at Ellerslie was huge over 1600m.
Not only did he win the St Leger but he also won the Hawkes Bay cup. The track may well have been too firm last time at Ellerslie and there’ll be juice in the track at Wanganui. Look for a bold showing.

The Underbelly:
He was narrowly beaten by Testify Me in the St Leger and he’s won 7 of his 16 starts and is one of the rising stars on the stayers circuit.
He beat an early Melbourne Cup contender Mark Twain last summer and he looks ready to show up on Saturday.

Nom de Plume:
She will start a relative outsider on Saturday but again I’m looking for an eye catching run as a stepping stone to the summer staying races. She will take quick improvement from her first up midfield run behind stablemate The Hottie. She ran 6th behind Testify Me and The Underbelly in the St Leger at the end of a busy campaign after  running a game 5th in the Avondale Cup just 2 lengths from the winner.
Good punting folks!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Friday Flash – 22nd November 2024

Published 22 November 2024

RAGAMUFFIN –  4th Raceday win – Woodville 17th November 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

RAGAMUFFIN wins at Woodville

FORTUNA secures a lovely Swiss Ace Filly at the 2024 Ready To Run Sale

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Fortuna has two runners Friday and Saturday, both in NZ

New Plymouth – Friday

MALBOROUGH BAY contests the R75 1400m event – race 6 at 5.46pm – Apprentice Sima Mxothwa to ride from barrier 5. Beaten narrowly this track 6th November and is running in great form – drawn perfectly, claim is very helpful and is a good winning chance here  – TAB says “missed by a narrow margin last time here and displaying improvement over the last few runs – large claim helps – strong each way bet” – showing odds of $3.80/$1.50

Wanganui – Saturday

COURT OF APPEAL races in the R65 2040m event – race 8 at 4.50 pm – Ashvin Goindasamy to ride from  barrier 4. Good 4th placing at New Plymouth 1800m last time on a track that was a bit too wet for her –  crying out for more distance and gets it here with a good draw to assist – TAB says “Underrated – Win chance here” – showing odds of $8.50/$2.70
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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 19th November

Malborough Bay (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.07.17, home in 37.34.

Court Of Appeal (J Allen) worked over 1200 metres in 1.21.69, home in 38.41.

Thursday 21st November

Court Of Appeal (J Allen) worked over 1200 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.27.0, home in 41.0.

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Other News

RAGAMUFFIN wins at Woodville – 17th November 2024 – his 4th career win

RAGAMUFFIN  delivered a strong winning performance in the Centralines Rating 65 1600m event at Woodville Sunday 17th November. Not having been in the winners circle since April 2024, but having run consistently since, he shrugged off the 8 day back up after running at Te Rapa on the 9th November and a wide barrier draw, with a resolute winning run. Down in grade to Rating 65 and with Craig Grylls back aboard, Ragamuffin stepped a bit slowly away, but Grylls soon had him over to the rail and traveling nicely in behind the speed. Presented at the top of the straight, Ragamuffin put in what looked like a winning break and although challenged strongly over the last 100m or so, he went to the line with a short head margin in a time of 1.41.59 on a Heavy 8 surface and returned $2.90 and $1.30 on the New Zealand TAB

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer Robbie Patterson was a happy man post race. “Whew, we did it – we have had a bit of a frustrating run with this horse, with him not getting all favours at times, so its great to nail this one with a strong performance, aided by a typical Craig Grylls quality ride –  Congratulations to John Galvin and his Fortuna team of owners”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Ragamuffin” – Woodville – 17th November 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching the race from his Hamilton home, expressed a high degree of satisfaction after the race “That was a satisfying result for Ragamuffin today – he has not had his share of luck in recent times, striking unsuitable track conditions or wide barrier draws – last week at Te Rapa, he was not ridden to suit, but with a lovely ride by Craig Gryll today, he delivered a nice result  for his ownership group”

Owned by the Fortuna Ragamuffin Syndicate – an Ownership group of 37 individuals, Ragamuffin was purchased by David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $80,000, from the draft of Lilywhites Lodge, at the NZ Bloodstock 2020 Ready To Run Sale

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FORTUNA secures a lovely Swiss Ace Filly at the 2024 Ready To Run Sale
 

The 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace out of Sigiriya

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We had a highly successful day Wednesday at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. The sale itself was very successful with many high priced lots and this was no surprise, given the buoyancy in the Global Racing market at the present time, particularly in Australia and with a strong buying bench from Hong Kong  – the sale average of NZ$175k was up 11% on the 2023 figure

As always we like to buy to budget and with a very high focus on “physical type” and so we needed to be thinking very much outside the square in terms of the lots we identified – one of the things about the Ready to Run sale is that it is very popular with the Asian market, in particular Hong Kong and also with the closure of Singapore, the Malaysian trainers were very active as well – however these markets tend not to buy Fillies and focus on Colts in the main and so our focus was to be on the Fillly options – in the end we identified four Fillies from day one of the sale – two of these failed their Vet inspections and one we had identified in particular, that we thought would meet our budget, was the Swiss Ace Filly out of an El Rocamare and with a great Vet report and a budget of $80,000 to buy her, we managed to secure her for $70,000 and so “mission accomplished”

Interesting to note that Mark Walker and I have been going through the catalogue for at least the past four weeks and time and time again as we would review and consider the options, Mark would keep coming back to this Filly, saying to me how well she had breezed up and how he thought she would be the one to make our budget. I joined Mark at the sales grounds yesterday morning where we inspected all of the horses on his and David’s list and as the Swiss Ace Filly paraded for us Mark kept commenting to me“this is a lovely Filly”

Mark has sent through the following comments. “John, as you know, you and I have been talking about this Filly for a few  weeks now, as I had identified her earlier in the piece as having the right physical characteristics to make a lovely racehorse – her breeze up at Te Rapa four weeks ago was first class and when we inspected her at the sales grounds this morning, I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what I saw. She is a lovely physical type with a great walk, is of  good medium size and demonstrated a very pleasant temperament. I think she will be the sort of Filly that could come into work at the stables very soon, trial late summer and have a race day start or two as a two year-old, but she’s got all the scope in the world to develop into a lovely three-year-old type”

David Ellis also comments as follows “John, congratulations on securing this lovely Swiss Ace Filly today within your budget – Mark and I were very impressed with her breeze up and how she paraded for us today at inspections. I think she will definitely run as an autumn two year old and has plenty of scope to be a successful three year old as well.”

On the pedigree front, Swiss Ace, in my view, is an underrated Sire, but with 366 winners (including 19 Stakes winners) from just over 500 runners, he can certainly leave a quality race horse. The dam is by El Roca and is a a half sister to the Stakes winner, Ichiban. Swiss Ace is the Sire of Niance, who won the Group 3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday and who has now fashioned a record of 6 wins from 10 starts

Click HERE to see the link to the Sales page – here you will be able to see her breeze up clip – she breezed up in 10.74 secs and as you will see, she has a beautiful galloping action

Here below is her pedigree

All up she is to be syndicated for NZ$120,000 – this includes her sale price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k

As always, we do shares down to 1% – see schedule below

Share 10% $12000
Share 5% $6000
Share 2.5% $3000
Share 1% $1200

Ongoing costs commence 1 Jan 2025 @ $50 per month per each 1% share – we are still finalising syndication paperwork, but all you need to do now to secure your share, conditional upon you perusing the final paperwork, is to email us with an indication as to the percentage you are seeking to take up in this syndicate and you will be guaranteed that percentage – we look forward to hearing from you============================================================

Fortuna Annual Owners Day 2024 

Date – Sunday 15th December
Venue – “The Gazebo” – Matamata Racecourse
Time – 1pm – 4pm

Our very popular annual event where we celebrate the year’s successes, enjoy the conviviality of each others company and we parade all of the Fortuna horses based at the Matamata Stables

It is important that you register for this event if attending – you can do this by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com

============================================================

Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 

Amazing results for Des’ subscribers to his full service at Riccarton last Saturday, with winners in the first eight races from his selections – here is what he selects for the Fortuna Team this week

Greetings John and Team Fortuna

The racing excitement in NZ doesn’t let up.
Hard on the heels of some superb thoroughbreds going around last weekend  ( with the two horses we highlighted Beavertown Boy at Riccarton and Saint Bathans at Tauranga, both running second ) our attention is drawn to to an exciting card at Pukekohe on Saturday.
If the weather is kind, this should be a cracking day as the entire programme is stacked full of talent. I think whoever starts favourite in the Counties Cup deserves to paying at least $6, maybe more such is the strength of the field. We still have some decent middle distance horses in the country if we can use this race as a guide.

Arby, Counties Cup:

I’m picking Arby to give some cheek in the Cup.

He’s been a victim of bad luck in some decent races throughout his career. He has taken on group ones both here and in Oz and over his races have been in the black type arena.
He likes Pukekohe.  He won his first race here; ran an unlucky 4th in the Rich Mile on the track and was a good thing beaten about this time last year behind Flame Bird over 1400m when fresh. At his last start he didn’t get much of a go at Ellerslie but charged into second behind The Odyssey. He’s ready to give top Aussie jockey Matt Cartwright another big win in NZ and break his duck from limited opportunities at Pukekohe.

Waitak in the Counties Bowl.

He’s been freshened – it’s been 5 weeks since his last race – but he will strip ready to go.
The 1100m will be run at lightning speed. There are three or 4 genuine on pace runners in the field and it would come as no surprise if Waitak, on the big track, swarms home and gets the job done.  Of course he won the Railway here last summer. Any juice in the track will be to his advantage.

Wanganui 

Petrucci, race 5

We have to keep the faith with her despite at least two mentions in the Friday Flash in the past.
Clearly she finds trouble more than she should but her final sectionals are always solid and as soon as she gets an uninterrupted passage from go to whoa I believe she can get the job done.
The inform top CD apprentice Lily Sutherland is on board and she has an almost a 50 percent in the money strike rate with the Te Akau team!
Breaking that statistic down she’s had 22 rides for the tangerine for 4 wins and 6 placings.
There’s an important gear change; the addition of visor blinkers.
For the record she won with them on last Boxing Day at Pukekohe.

Footnote:
Thanks to the few Fortuna readers who joined up last week and they had a great kick start with the first 8 winners labelled on Cup Day at Riccarton. For good measure they had a $21 winner to enjoy at Woodville on Sunday.

Here’s the offer going forward.
3 months starting NOW and including December, January and February racing for $240
( gst included).

If you are keen simply email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and all details will be revealed.
Good punting folks!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Fortuna Breaking News – 21 November 2024

Published 21 November 2024

 

The 2yo Filly by Swiss Ace out of Sigiriya

==========================================

FORTUNA secures a lovely Swiss Ace Filly at the 2024 Ready To Run Sale

We had a highly successful day Wednesday 20th November  at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. The sale itself was very successful with many high priced lots and this was no surprise, given the buoyancy in the Global Racing market at the present time, particularly in Australia and with a strong buying bench from Hong Kong  – the sale average of NZ$175k was up 11% on the 2023 figureAs always we like to buy to budget and with a very high focus on “physical type” and so we needed to be thinking very much outside the square in terms of the lots we identified – one of the things about the Ready to Run sale is that it is very popular with the Asian market, in particular Hong Kong and also with the closure of Singapore, the Malaysian trainers were very active as well – however these markets tend not to buy Fillies and focus on Colts in the main and so our focus was to be on the Fillly options – in the end we identified four Fillies from day one of the sale – two of these failed their Vet inspections and one we had identified in particular, that we thought would meet our budget, was the Swiss Ace Filly out of an El Roca mare and with a great Vet report and a budget of $80,000 to buy her, we managed to secure her for $70,000 and so “mission accomplished”

Interesting to note that Mark Walker and I have been going through the catalogue for at least the past four weeks and time and time again as we would review and consider the options, Mark would keep coming back to this Filly, saying to me how well she had breezed up and how he thought she would be the one to make our budget. I joined Mark at the sales grounds yesterday morning where we inspected all of the horses on his and David’s list and as the Swiss Ace Filly paraded for us Mark kept commenting to me “this is a lovely Filly”

Mark has sent through the following comments. “John, as you know, you and I have been talking about this Filly for a few  weeks now, as I had identified her earlier in the piece as having the right physical characteristics to make a lovely racehorse – her breeze up at Te Rapa four weeks ago was first class and when we inspected her at the sales grounds this morning, I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what I saw. She is a lovely physical type with a great walk, is of  good medium size and demonstrated a very pleasant temperament. I think she will be the sort of Filly that could come into work at the stables very soon, trial late summer and have a race day start or two as a two year-old, but she’s got all the scope in the world to develop into a lovely three-year-old type”

David Ellis also comments as follows “John, congratulations on securing this lovely Swiss Ace Filly today within your budget – Mark and I were very impressed with her breeze up and how she paraded for us today at inspections. I think she will definitely run as an autumn two year old and has plenty of scope to be a successful three year old as well.”

On the pedigree front, Swiss Ace, in my view, is an underrated Sire, but with 366 winners (including 19 Stakes winners) from just over 500 runners, he can certainly leave a quality race horse. The dam is by El Roca and is a a half sister to the Stakes winner, Ichiban. Swiss Ace is the Sire of Niance, who won the Group 3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday and who has now fashioned a record of 6 wins from 10 starts

Click HERE to see the link to the Sales page – here you will be able to see her breeze up clip – she breezed up in 10.74 secs and as you will see, she has a beautiful galloping action

Here below is her pedigree

All up she is to be syndicated for NZ$120,000 – this includes her sale price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k

As always, we do shares down to 1% – see schedule below

Share 10% $12000
Share 5% $6000
Share 2.5% $3000
Share 1% $1200
Ongoing costs commence 1 Jan 2025 @ $50 per month per each 1% share – we are still finalising syndication paperwork, but all you need to do now to secure your share, conditional upon you perusing the final paperwork, is to email john@fortuna-nz.com  with an indication as to the percentage you are seeking to take up in this syndicate and you will be guaranteed that percentage – I look forward to hearing from you
John

RAGAMUFFIN wins at Woodville – 17th November 2024 – his 4th career win

Published 19 November 2024

RAGAMUFFIN  delivered a strong winning performance in the Centralines Rating 65 1600m event at Woodville Sunday 17th November. Not having been in the winners circle since April 2024, but having run consistently since, he shrugged off the 8 day back up after running at Te Rapa on the 9th November and a wide barrier draw, with a resolute winning run. Down in grade to Rating 65 and with Craig Grylls back aboard, Ragamuffin stepped a bit slowly away, but Grylls soon had him over to the rail and traveling nicely in behind the speed. Presented at the top of the straight, Ragamuffin put in what looked like a winning break and although challenged strongly over the last 100m or so, he went to the line with a short head margin in a time of 1.41.59 on a Heavy 8 surface and returned $2.90 and $1.30 on the New Zealand TAB

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer Robbie Patterson was a happy man post race. “Whew, we did it – we have had a bit of a frustrating run with this horse, with him not getting all favours at times, so its great to nail this one with a strong performance, aided by a typical Craig Grylls quality ride –  Congratulations to John Galvin and his Fortuna team of owners”

“Ragamuffin” – Woodville – 17th November 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching the race from his Hamilton home, expressed a high degree of satisfaction after the race “That was a satisfying result for Ragamuffin today – he has not had his share of luck in recent times, striking unsuitable track conditions or wide barrier draws – last week at Te Rapa, he was not ridden to suit, but with a lovely ride by Craig Gryll today, he delivered a nice result  for his ownership group”

Owned by the Fortuna Ragamuffin Syndicate – an Ownership group of 37 individuals, Ragamuffin was purchased by David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $80,000, from the draft of Lilywhites Lodge, at the NZ Bloodstock 2020 Ready To Run Sale

 

Friday Flash – 15th November 2024

Published 15 November 2024

 

BELLATRIX STAR –  5th Raceday win – Caulfield 12th October 2024 – Craig Williams aboard

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Headline News

BELLATRIX STAR to spell – will resume in Autumn with ambitious targets

Secondary Market Offerings

Fortuna Annual Owners Day 2024

NZ Bloodstock READY TO RUN SALE just around the corner
 

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Fortuna has two runners this weekend, both in NZ

Tauranga – Saturday

INCA BELLE contests the R65 1200m event – race 6 at 2.10pm – Vinnie Colgan to ride from barrier 3. Beaten in a head bobber this track two weeks ago at her resuming run – represents a very strong each way chance here  – TAB says “Beaten a nostril fresh up – three runs here for two wins and a placing – top tier must” – showing odds of $6.50/$2.20

Woodville Sunday

RAGAMUFFIN races in the R65 1600m event – race 8 at 4.37 pm – Craig Grylls reunites from  barrier 11. Given no chance by his rider at Te Rapa last Saturday rushing forward from a wide barrier draw and four wide the trip – drops in Grade here in what is an easier race, but has an awkward drew again –  has plenty of ability, but just needs some luck to go his way  – No odds yet
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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 12th November

Inca Belle (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.6, home in 38.5.

Sailing Away (W Pinn) worked over 1200 metres in 1.20.1, home in 37.0.

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Other News

BELLATRIX STAR  to spell – will resume in Autumn with ambitious targets
 

Six starts in Melbourne during the spring, all at Black Type level, producing three wins and a Group One second and over A$700,000 in prize money, was the outcome for this wonderful sprinting daughter of Star Witness. A sub par performance in the Group One Champions Sprint last Saturday, where, unfortunately, she was not ridden to suit her racing style, did little to tarnish her record, where she won in emphatic fashion on all three of the Melbourne Metro tracks, with two clear highlights being her defeat of the older horses at WFA level at Caulfield in the  Schillaci Stakes, running the fastest sectionals of any runner on the day and her scintillating 2nd to Switzerland in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby Day, where she ran 4 lengths better than benchmark down the Flemington chute. Thoroughbred Racing Review, reflecting on that event, commented as follows

There were only two horses that finished above benchmark for the final 200 metres in the Coolmore and that was Switzerland and Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) – both high-class sprinters.

“ALI” as she is known to her 70 strong ownership Group, has now gone to the paddock for a short, but well deserved break – she will be back in the Autumn for an ambitious, four race programme, all at Group One level – see her proposed campaign below.

  • 20th of January Cranbourne jump outs
  • 3rd of February, Cranbourne jump outs
  • 15th of February – Lightning Stakes Flemington Group One weight for age 1000m – $1 million
  • 8th of March – Newmarket Handicap Flemington Group One handicap 1200m – $1.5 million
  • 22nd of March William Reid Stakes Moonee Valley Group One weight for age 1200m – $1 million
  • 5th of April TJ Smith Stakes Randwick Group One weight for age 1200m – $3 million.

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Secondary Market Offerings

HAYATE

Still a few shares in the Fortuna six year old racemare Hayate (by Maurice out of half sister to a Caulfield Cup winner) on very favourable terms – she has a very strong pedigree – her race day form has been moderate but she has collected four wins and nine places from 28 race day starts and her last two wins have been at 1550m and 2000m  with the win at 2000m being particularly strong. Click HERE to view that race replay. She campaigned at Riccarton during her last preparation but in her only race beyond 1600m she had to carry a big weight in an amateur riders race and simply got too far back to be able to feature

She has enjoyed a recent long spell at  Te Akau Stud,  but is now back in training at Matamata and set to go to the trials in early December –  our plan is to get her up in trip as soon as we can because we  believe that she is a genuine staying type who will appreciate getting over more ground. Interestingly enough, when she was at Riccarton, Mark and Sam introduced quite a bit of schooling over the good sized hurdles at Riccarton into her routine and she proved to be quite adept at that,  so while she will continue to pursue flat racing options during her next campaign, we plan to give her a hurdles trial in the autumn and maybe a race or two over the jumps during the jumping season just to see how she takes to it. –  she is Pearl Series registered and thus eligible for the Pearl Series Bonuses (20k to the winner, $4k for 2nd and $2k for 3rd for any Pearl Series race

Click HERE to see her at trot ups earlier this week

So if you have interest in being involved in this lovely racemare on very good incoming terms, the opportunity exists to take up shares at a zero purchase price and $50 per month ongoing for each one percent share from the 1st of December – all you need to do participate in this is email me or alternatively call/text me on 021 921460

Image

HAYATE

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day 2024 

Date – Sunday 15th December
Venue – “The Gazebo” – Matamata Racecourse
Time – 1pm – 4pm

Our very popular annual event where we celebrate the year’s successes, enjoy the conviviality of each others company and we parade all of the Fortuna horses based at the Matamata Stables

It is important that you register for this event if attending – you can do this by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com

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READY TO RUN SALE just around the corner
 

Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st November sees the very popular New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run sale held at Karaka – Fortuna has had great success at this sale in recent times, with each of our purchases in the last four years being Ragamuffin, Inca Belle, Vivacious and Our Paramour having greeted the judge on several occasions – David Ellis, Mark Walker and I have been working together to draw up a shortlist for this year’s sale  and we have some really nice types on our list – as always we will be buying to budget, but seeking a quality thoroughbred or even two this year.

I have around 40 names on our “expression of interest” list and if you are keen to be added to that list, just let me know – what this means is that all parties on that list will have the opportunity to see our purchases before we advertise them publicly, but with no obligation to proceed –  so just drop me a note if you are keen to be on the list and I will add you to it

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Incredibly from the last five meetings, Des has delivered 23 winners from 45 races (2 selections per race) with his full subscription service – Wednesday at Riccarton he delivered 6 winners from 10 races, including one at $26 and another at $13 – I have been a regular user of his full service and as an extremely busy person who struggles to find the time to do the form properly, I rely on Des to research the form and obtain stable information from his extensive suite of contacts and I can tell you my own TAB account has swelled significantly over the last six months as a result of using the service – I can certainly recommend you get involved at what is not a significant outlay – Des can be emailed dcoppins@xtra.co.nz or called directly 021 448 052 – see below for details on costings

Here is what Des has to say this week for our readers

Hi John and the Fortuna Team

No sooner than seeing the curtain fall on 4 great days at Flemington we are wasting no time in swinging into action at Riccarton with Cup week in Christchurch ending on Saturday. Some fantastic racing lies ahead.

My NZ Cup pick is Beavertown Boy:

I liked the way he attacked the line in the traditional lead up and he appears to have peaked for the two mile test at the right time.
Winning the NZ Cup is nothing new to jockey Kelly Myers. She won it in 2016 ( Pump Up The Volume); 2008 ( Hoorang) and of course 2014 with Mungo Jerry, who, like Beavertown Boy, is trained by the Bull family.
And hasn’t Adrian Bull been so patient with the 8-y-o who amazingly will having just his 15th start tomorrow?
The son of the Melbourne Cup winner, Shocking, has never been further back than 4th in all 5 middle distance starts.
He has to be one of the hardest to beat.

Saint Bathans,
Race 6 Tauranga

This big fellow hasn’t had much luck this season and we are heading back to the well after tipping him in this column in the past.
This looks his easiest task of the season and I think the way the track will play in he should be perfectly suited.
Saint Bathans wasn’t happy with  on again off again pace at Ellerslie last time but he  battled bravely to finish around three lengths from the winner. What’s worth noting is that he’s never been out of the money in 3 starts at Tauranga.

Our Jumala, race 7 Trentham (Friday)

This handy galloper from Robbie Patterson’s yard had no luck the other day at Trentham and found more blockages than inner city Wellington.
She’s fit with just that one run under her belt this season and she is certainly not only up to winning this race on Saturday but is worth following while tracks are on the easy to heavy side throughout the season.
She ran second on a soft track at Trentham in May at group 3 level and while she will be best suited over a little more ground she also has a placing over 1600m on a heavy track about this time last year at Trentham and while she’s reasonably fresh this is a perfect distance for her.

Stop Press:
As John mentioned the runs have been coming thick and fast and some decent value to boot. If you’d like to subscribe for this Saturday and up to and including all the great racing between now and through to the end of December ( 45 race days) the cost to Fortuna followers is a generous $150 gst inclusive. Simply email me
dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and all will be revealed. Selections arrive to individual emails no later than 8.30am.
Good punting folks!

Des Coppins

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