Fortuna has five runners in Singapore Sunday 27^h June

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

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

1st Pick: DIAMOND MINE (3)

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

2nd Pick: HOSAYLIAO (8)

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

3rd Pick: SAYONARA (7)

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

4th Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (6)

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

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

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

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

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

1st Pick: STENMARK (3)

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

2nd Pick: ELLIOT NESS (4)

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

3rd Pick: PRODIGAL (5)

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

4th Pick: KING ALBERT PARK (7)

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

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

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

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

1st Pick: LEGEND OF THE SUN (2)

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

2nd Pick: SONGGONG HERA (8)

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

3rd Pick: FEDERATION (11)

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

4th Pick: QUADCOPTER (3)

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

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 22nd June

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Thursday 24^th June]

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Fortuna has four runners in Singapore Saturday 19^th June

Singapore

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

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

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

1st Pick: REIGNITE (2)

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

2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)

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

3rd Pick: GOOD FIGHT (6)

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

4th Pick: SAND BOX (12)

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

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

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

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

1st Pick: WATCH OUT BOSS (1)

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

2nd Pick: RED ROVER (2)

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

3rd Pick: CHALAZA (6)

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

4th Pick: DR KARDO (7)

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

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 15^th June

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

Thursday 17^th June

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

MOHAWK BRAVE 

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

Click HERE to see the replay

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

ENTERTAINER

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

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

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

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

New Zealand

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

Singapore

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

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

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

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

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

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 8^th June

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

Thursday 10^th June

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

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

Other News

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

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

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

Singapore

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

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

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

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 25th May

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Thursday 27^th May

No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today

Other News

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

Fortuna has three runners Saturday 29^nd May – all in Singapore

Singapore

Sportscaster contests the Class five 1100 poly (race one at 4 pm New Zealand time) – this is a resuming run for him over a trip that is short of his best, however he does like to lead and will carry a very light weight courtesy of Dennis Tan’s 4 kg claim – hard to see him winning this but he will give a sight in the run and could be a sneaky place chance at odds

King Arthur contests the Open Maiden 1400 Turf (race four at 5:30 pm) – this horse has had two starts in Singapore for a third and a second in Restricted Maiden grade and has caught the eye of some good judges – looks very well-placed in this as it is a weaker grade than his first two starts –  has drawn nicely in barrier five with Singapore’s leading rider K Hakim aboard claiming 2 kg.
Looks to be very hard to beat in this race

Here is what the Singapore Turf club pundits have to say about this race:

1st Pick: KING ARTHUR (8)

Two placings in as many starts. Not without ability and will relish extra 200m. Leading chance.

2nd Pick: AL MEQDAM (9)

Overraced at third start but still plugged away well for second. No world beater but it won’t be long before he opens his account.

3rd Pick: RESURGENCE (4)

Showed some flashes of brilliance when known as Gnothi Seauton last prep. Plenty of trials under his belt. Tongue-tie on and has drawn nicely. Not without a say.

4th Pick: SUNDAY (12)

Finally showed some qualities at his last outing. Seven furlongs will suit even better. Lovely gate in two. Has to prove it was not a case of not every day is Sunday.

Red Rover is in the Class four 1200 Polytrack event (race eight at 7:30 pm) – has drawn nicely in barrier two with Singapore champion jockey Vlad Duric in the saddle. Red Rover set his Singapore career alight in 2019 with three wins in a row ,however lost his way in 2020 and has been very ordinary on his resumption in 2021 – a full vet emanation revealed nothing physically wrong with him and he bolted away in a trial on 18th of May winning by six lengths – notable that Mark Walker had taken all of his headgear off ahead of the trial and he will race without gear this Saturday –  talented at his best he should only be taken on trust in this race but if he can run up to his recent trial form then he can be competitive in this race from the nice barrier draw

Here is what the Singapore Turf club pundits have to say about this race:

1st Pick: LUCKY IMPERATOR (3)

Has genuine Class 4 form that looks good against this field. Not beaten far in previous starts and can figure.

2nd Pick: PINDUS (8)

Seems to be picking up again. Last-start third to Bionics over 1000m was full of merit. Extra 200m will work in his favour.

3rd Pick: GRAND FIGHTER (6)

Found Novice race tougher after brilliant debut win. To be fair, he was caught wide and caused a bit of fracas before the start. Can atone.

4th Pick: RED ROVER (1)

Latest form has been nothing to write home about but his sensational six-length barrier trial win last week may suggest a return to form. Take on trust.

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 25th May

Rhapsody In Blue (H Durrant) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.29.6, home in 44.4.

Soprano Supreme (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.30.4, home in 46.

Thursday 27^th May

Soprano Supreme (T Harris) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.23.9, last 600 in 39.7.

Rhapsody In Blue (H Durrant) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.26.6, home in 40.9.

Champion New Zealand mare Melody Belle has gone through the ring at the Magic Millions broodmare sale for A$2.6million.

Melody Belle – Gold Coast 13th May 2021

The much-anticipated appearance of Melody Belle in the Magic Millions sales ring on Tuesday morning certainly lived up to the hype as the exceptionally well-performed mare achieved a price of $2.6 million

Melody Belle became the most successful Group 1 racehorse in New Zealand racing history with her win in the Bonecrusher in March when she took her Group 1 total to 14, surpassing the record previously held by the great Sunline.

As a two-year-old, the daughter of Commands won the Karaka Millions, the Group 1 Sires Produce (at Awapuni) and the Group 2 Sires Produce (at Eagle Farm).

As a three-year-old she won the Group 3 Mongolian Khan.

As a four-year-old Melody Belle won the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate, the Group 1 Tazrino Trophy and the Group 1 Windsor Park in a magnificent three race, one month blitz from August 18. 2018 to September 22, 2018.

Five months later, amazingly, Melody Belle exceeded that previous effort, again winning three races in a month (this time from February 9 to March 9), but this time they were ALL Group 1 victories in the BDC Sprint, the Haunui Stakes and the NZ Stakes.

You would have thought that sort of achievement would be hard to surpass, but Melody Belle did just that.

As a five-year-old, Melody Belle won four Group 1’s in a row!

She got her second Tarzino Trophy and her second Windsor Park and added a Livamol and an Empire Rose to her honour roll, in the process becoming the first, and still only horse to win the New Zealand Triple Crown.

And she wasn’t finished yet!

As a six-year-old she again made it back-to-back Group 1 when taking out her third Windsor Park and her second Livamol before winning the Group 1 Thorndon Mile in January 2021 … a result which took her alongside Sunline’s total of 13 Group 1 wins.

On March 13, 2021 she marked the defining achievement of her career when she won the Group 1 Bonecrusher to become New Zealand’s greatest Group 1 winning performer.

This was an exceptional career by any standards – credit: justhorseracing.com.au

NZ Racing News reports:

Tuesday morning began a series of lasts for 14-time Group One winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands).

The six-year-old mare had her final gallop at the Gold Coast with regular rider Opie Bosson aboard ahead of her final raceday start in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on Saturday.

“She worked well and in her customary style,” trainer Jamie Richards told SENTrack. “She worked on the course proper over 1200m and did some nice work on her own, and I was really happy with her.”

Richards said she also got the tick of approval from Bosson, who arrived in the Gold Coast on Monday evening.

“Not only does he know her well on raceday, but he has ridden her in the majority of her decent gallops throughout her career as well,” Richards said.

“When he came back in he gave a big thumbs up and a smile, that was good to see.”

The daughter of Commands finished 10^th in the Gr.2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) earlier this month and Richards said he is expecting to see plenty of improvement from his mare following that run.

“We just didn’t have the rub of the green heading into the Hollindale, she had a few niggly things going on,” he said.

“I think we have got past all of that now and she goes into the race in good shape, she should be competitive.”

Richards said she didn’t get all favours in the Hollindale and believes she has improved several lengths since that run, although he admitted race winner Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) will be hard to vanquish this weekend.

“She got interfered with quite badly halfway down (the straight) and there was nothing in the Stewards Report,” he said.

“She was probably going to run fifth or sixth and got checked out of it and finished 10^th.

“She needs to improve a fair way, but she is open to more improvement, but the winner Zaaki does look very hard to beat.

“She was always going to improve out of the Hollindale and we think that she has done that.”

Melody Belle has taken Richards on a great ride over the last few years and has been an integral piece in helping launch his training career.

“She is the ultimate professional racehorse,” he said. “A Group One winner as a two-year-old right through to a six-year-old. She very rarely put in a bad performance and has been a really sound and tough mare that loves her job.

“She is just a lovely mare to have around and she will make a great broodmare.”

Fortuna has three runners Saturday 22^nd May – one in Aus and two in Singapore

New Zealand

Melody Belle races in the Doomben Cup (Group 1  – 2000m – $700,000) – race seven at 5:18 pm New Zealand time – she will be ridden from barrier 8 by Opie Bosson in a field of 12 runners – she meets an incredibly strong field here with the Cox Plate winner, the Australian Cup winner, the All Star Mile winner and the Hollindale Stakes winner, however she is all class as we know – she has had a very good lead into this race – was strong in her work during the week, is eating well and has no issues – this won’t be easy as it is a very strong field but she can run into the money at big odds if she gets luck in the running from a slightly tricky draw 

Melody Belle – Gold Coast 13th May 2021

Singapore

Hidden Promise races in the Class five 1200 on the Polytrack – race one  4 pm New Zealand time- A six time winner in Singapore he has never won at this trip but has gone very close, has a lovely draw here from barrier three and with stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow in the saddle claiming 4kgs, will only carry a featherweight  – can feature in this race particularly if there is a hot speed upfront which there seems to be

Elliot Ness races in the Novice grade 1200 Turf – race five at 6 pm New Zealand time.  This last start winner sensation, breaking the track record as a maiden, faces a difficult task here from barrier 11, but has good gate speed and with Vlad Duric in the saddle, has the right man on board to sum things up nicely  – won’t be easy in this grade to win from the draw but he is all class and can certainly run into the money and can win if things go right 

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

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 18^th May

No timed Fortuna runners trackwork today

Thursday 20^th May

No timed Fortuna runners trackwork today

Other News

The stellar career of Melody Belle draws to a close this Saturday 22nd of May at Doomben racecourse where she runs in the Doomben Cup – on Tuesday the 25th she enters the sale ring at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast and will be sold that day – this event is live streamed on the Magic Millions website and the time she goes through the ring will be from 10.20am Aus time (12.20pm NZT) – she is Lot No 510 – https://www.magicmillions.com.au/youtube-live-broadcast/ is the link

Fortuna three year old Marcus Antonius(Sepoy-Panda’s Turn) broke through for his Maiden win in Singapore over 1700m today in dramatic fashion – drawn nicely in barrier 2, this horse, who has tended to get back in the running and then run on strongly, was able to utilise the good barrier draw to possy up on the rail just behind the speed, in the hands of leading Singapore apprentice K Hakim, claiming 2kilograms. On turning for home, Marcus was well positioned to challenge, however one of the race leaders, Fountain Of Fame, wasn’t going to give in easy and kicked again with a hundred metres to go –  although it looked as if the fast finishing Marcus Antonius would not be able to make up the ground, one final effort by both horse and rider saw him prevail in the last stride winning  by a nose.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer Mark Walker was a very satisfied man after the race  “this horse does have ability but needs distance and is also tended to get back in the running and leave himself a difficult task to win, so today with the good draw, I decided to put the blinkers on and it all worked out perfectly although it was a nailbiting finish.”

Marcus Antonius – Maiden Win – Singapore 15th May 2021

Fortuna Director John Galvin, currently in Queensland, overseeing stable star Melody Belle‘s final career race and sale at the upcoming Magic Millions broodmare sale, also expressed satisfaction “we have needed to be very patient with his horse – he’s definitely a staying type and gets back in his races, but today with a nice draw he was able to race handier to the speed and although he did need every ounce of Hakim’s 2 kg claim he managed to nail it in the last stride”

Marcus Antonius was acquired by John Galvin on Mark Walker‘s recommendation at the 2019 Magic Millions 2yos In Training sale for the sum of A$60,000

He is raced by the Fortuna Marcus Antonius Syndicate – an ownership group consisting of 33 individuals