Fortuna has seven runners Friday and Saturday– one in NZ and six in Singapore
New Zealand
Leaderboard races on Friday at Matamata in the rating 74 2000 (race 8 at 4:25 pm) – will be ridden by Troy Harris. He has had three trips over 1600m since resuming for three minor placings – he did strike an ultra heavy track at Awapuni at his most recent start which he did not appreciate – up in trip to 2000m will suit –Home track, top rider, good draw – he can feature in this race providing the track is not too heavy
Singapore
Hidden Promise races in the class five 1700 Polytrack (race 1 @ 4 pm NZT) on Sunday – to be ridden by CC Wong, “Bart” has won 6 times in Singapore at or around this trip – very rarely runs a bad race and presents as a very good each way chance here
Marcus Antonius contests the Open Maiden 1600 Polytrack (race 2@ 4.40pm) – a strong finishing run at as last start over 1200m sets him up nicely for this favoured 1600 meter trip – will be ridden by CC Wong from barrier 10 – does have a difficult drawered to continue with and will need to go back. If ihe gets luck in the running, he can certainly feature in the placings
Hadeer is in the 1200 Polytrack event (race three at 5 pm) will be wridden by CC Wong from barrier nine – he has been well prepared for this race with a winning trial last Tuesday – always goes well fresh and can really feature in this
Brutus runs in the Novice 1200m event on the Turf (race six at 6:30 pm) and will be ridden by K Hakim claiming 2 kg from barrier 10 – the ultra consistent Brutus has not had all favours in his last two races in this grade, running into traffic problems both times, but never runs a bad race – he will be ridden positively from his wide barrier draw and in doing s will give himself every opportunity to be right in it at the finish
Sportscaster runs in the class five 1700m Polytrack event ( race seven at 7 pm) and will be ridden by Hakim, claiming 2kg, from barrier six – this horse has been somewhat indifferent with his race day form of late, but did trial on Tuesday ahead of this race – he always gives a sight in his racing but will need to lift in order to feature in this event
Federation contest the class three 1200m on the Turf (race eight at 7:30pm) – will be ridden by Hakim claiming 2kg from barrier 13 – very unlucky this trip and grade at his last start – he will need luck again from his wide draw, however the race plan is to ride him positively from the draw and put himself into the race. A successful execution of this plan and he can certainly feature in the finish
Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata
Tuesday 13th April
Leaderboard (S Pillay galloped over 1200 metres in 1.19.7, final 200 in 11.9.
Thursday 15th April
No timed trackwork today due to heavy fog
Other News
Melody Belle is thriving in Sydney – she trials at Rosehill 27th April and then travels to the Gold Coast ahead of her two final career races in Queensland
Fortuna has five runners Friday and Saturday– one in NZ and four in Singapore although two of those are on the ballot
New Zealand
Khafeef contests the rating 65 2100 (race 7 at 3,32pm) at Awapuni Friday – backing up from a similar race same venue 3rd April where he placed a strong finishing 6th on a Heavy track which didn’t really suit him, this time he gets a Dead 4. Ryan Elliot to ride. Has been running well and presents as a good each way chance
Singapore
Ronaldo’s Dream resumes off a long break in contesting the Class 4 1200 Turf event (race 11 @ 9 pm New Zealand time) – a dominant debut winner in his only Singapore start to date, this 4yo son of Darci Brahma came up with a tendon injury after that win and has needed a long period of rehabilitation – a strong winning trial recently indicated that he is back to his best, Drawn nicely in this race, stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow to ride – with a 4 kg claim, bringing his carried weight down to 50kgs, he could be very hard to beat in this
Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;
“Ronaldo” – Wins on Singapore debut 11 July 2020
Red Rover is another resuming off a long break – he contests the class 4 1000m event on the Poly (race 9 @ 8 pm ) will be ridden by Hakim claiming 2kgs. A very fast galloper who won 3 races in a row earlier in his Singapore career, his form fell away during 2020, but is now back to Class 4 – has drawn the carpark though over this short trip and may find it hard to feature
Hadeer also is in the class 4 1000m event on the Poly (race 9 @ 8 pm) but needs two scratchings to get a start, so is unlikely to run. No rider fixed – drawn barrier 2, he will run a very bold race in a fresh state at this trip if he does fluke a start
Sportscaster is in the Class 5 1200m Poly (race 4 @ 5.30pm) – needs a scratching to get a start and if he does the trip will be too short
Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata
Tuesday 6th April
Soprano Supreme (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres, home in 45.
Thursday 8st April
Soprano Supreme (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres, running the last 600 in 43.
Other News
Easter Special offer still in place – 7.5% off our Extreme Choice two year old gelding MOHAWK – Extreme Choice of course is the current “boom” Stallion in Australia, being the Sire of Stay Inside, a dominant winner of the Golden Slipper last weekend – Click HERE to read more
Charmaine‘s Dream demonstrated a strong front running display in winning the Maiden 1200m event at Tauranga on Easter Monday at just her fourth race day start. Jumping from barrier seven in the hands of Sam Collett, she went to the lead and look to be very comfortable in the run – turning for home she showed a nice kick and went to the line with a three-quarter length margin.
Click HERE to see the race result and replay
On dismounting, rider Sam Collett, who is currently in 2nd place on the Jockey’s Premiership, expressed a lot of confidence in her charge saying “she’s a really nice type of Filly who showed me a lot in the run – still a bit to learn as she ran around a bit up the straight but I think you can have a lot of confidence that she can step to the next level”
Patiently prepared by trainer Jamie Richards, (who bought up his 139th NZ win for the current season) and having just her fourth start, Charmaine’s Dream (Charm Spirit -Scattercat) had held her spot for third when resuming in the Maiden 3YO 1050 metres on 17 March at Matamata, and brought the form and credentials to rate a top three chance in the race sponsored by The Chantelle Showstopper 50th Celebration.
“It was a good ride by Sam (Collett) to take the bull by the horns,” Richards said. “She was able to get a soft sectional across the top and she found a good kick at the top of the straight. She had a look at the winning post but did the job nicely to win. She can be a bit hot and temperamental, but feel we are getting there with her now and I think the key to her today was getting back right-handed. She cornered well, up to 1200 metres suited, and she’s a filly that can go on with it now. It was good to get another nice winner for John (Galvin) and his Fortuna owners.”
Fortuna director John Galvin was on course with a big group of syndicate members and he was also a happy man, “David Ellis picked this filly out of the 2019 Ready To Run Sale for us and we have always had a bit of time for her – she hasn’t had all favours in her previous runs with difficult barrier draws and also needed to mature a bit, but today’s result is very solid and we can look forward to further successes I think. Jamie has taken her along nice and quietly and his patient approach seems to be paying off
“The win meant successive victories for Fortuna Syndications, following Entertainer (Zoustar), who delivered on Sunday night for Te Akau trainer Mark Walker in Singapore – several of the Owners in Charmaine’s Dream also share in the ownership of Entertainer, so its been a great Easter all round for many of our Owners.
“And a special note to the Singapore based Ben Kwok, the Vendor of this filly at the sales – Ben has extensive thoroughbred interests but has retained a 10% share in her
Charmaine’s Dream was acquired by Te Akau’s David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock ready to run sale for $87,500
Charmaine’s Dream was strapped by Trevor Stewart
Entertainer makes it 3 consecutive wins in Singapore – 4th April 2021
Trainer Mark Walker was a satisfied man post race “Gee, I think we have underestimated this horse, he is shaping up into a really speedy galloper – he was inclined to race very fiercely in his first few races in Singapore, we managed to get that out of his system, but clearly he just loves to lead and that’s how we will ride him – he does appear to be an out and out sprinter who likes his races spaced. Hakim caused me to have my heart in my mouth for a few strides there, but Entertainer was just too strong. Good on John Galvin and his big group of Owners for the Fortuna NZ Stable – they are major supporters of us here in Singapore. And a big thanks to retired jockey Jumaat Saimee, who rides this horse in his work and his trials – he has given me a lot of valuable feedback on how this horse needs to be handled in his races”
Fortuna NZ Stable Principal, John Galvin, watched the race from his home in New Zealand said “Well, Joker had me really up and off the couch – he certainly gives everyone a great sight with his racing style – we didn’t pay a lot for this horse and he is giving his ownership group a lot of thrills – well done to Mark Walker and his team for doing such an outstanding job with this horse”
Entertainer was acquired by Mark Walker on behalf of Fortuna in December 2019 for A$20,000 from the Inglis Digital online sale. He had been acquired originally as a yearling for A$150,000 by a high profile ownership group who had stallion making prospects in mind. Trained by Chris Waller, he showed some ability, but having needed to geld him and then after four non winning races in Australia, they offered him for sale on the Inglis platform.
Fortuna has ten runners in three jurisdictions over the Easter weekend – five in NZ, one in Aus and four in Singapore
New Zealand
Leaderboard contests the rating 74 1600 (race 2 at 12:52) at Awapuni – has had two nice resuming runs at this trip – was set to run over 2000 at Tauherenikau last Sunday but with that meeting being abandoned, he now comes back to the 1600m again this week – Opie Bosson will ride from a handy barrier draw – he was definitely looking for 2000, but we have not done a lot with him this week and is sure to be competitive in this race Presents as a good each way chance
Navalha contests the 3yo set weight and penalty event over 1200 (race 3 at 1:27_ this capable gelding by Sebring has taken all before him since arriving from Australia, with two starts/ two wins here in NZ – has been freshened since his last win at the end of January – does meet a competitive field here of 3yo’s. many of whom have good recent form however is right in it and presents as a good top three chance – Opie Bosson to ride
Khafeef, our European import 5-year-old trained by the Myers stable, contests the rating 64 2200 event (race 5 at 2:37) third up from a long break, he was very strong at Trentham 13th of March putting in a strong Stayers run from the back of the field to finish second beaten less than a length – will love this trip and the track and will be ridden by up-and-coming apprentice Temyia Taiaroa, with a 3 kg allowance – strong performance expected here
Rhapsody In Blue races at Ellerslie in the rating 70 for 1200 event (race 5 at 3:02) – she went well this trip resuming at Matamata and looks to be a good chance to run in the money in this race – will be ridden from barrier 7 by stable apprentice Joe Kamaruddin claiming 3 kgs – Good each way chance
Charmaine’s Dream races at Tauranga on Easter Monday in the Maiden 3yo 1200 (race 3 at 1.05), although she is dual nominated for the Open Maiden 1200 (race 4) – ran a nice resuming run for third at Matamata on 17th of March after a tough 3 wide trip – Certainly has ability, will be ridden by Sam Collett (Race 3) and can feature in this race
Australia
Melody Belle seeks further Group One glory in the Tancred Stakes over 2400 at Rosehill (race 7 at 6:35 pm NZT) – will be ridden by James McDonald from barrier 12 a field of 14 runners on what should be a good surface. Drawn out a bit, however she will get a lovely rum from there in the hands of super jock James McDonald – will be very competitive in this field – punters should note that she worked very well Wednesday morning but did tie up somewhat after her gallop – (tie up is a form of muscle contraction) – she has experienced this before and it is very manageable and has been passes fit to race by the Head Racing NSW Vet – strong each way chance in this if she runs the trip which she is attempting for the first time.
Singapore
Hidden Promise races in the class f5 1600 meter event on the polytrack (race 1 at 4 pm New Zealand time0 – this six time winner in Singapore gets up to his favourite trip and will be ridden by stable apprentice K Hakim who leads the overall jockeys table – certainly very capable of taking us out and presents as a strong each way chance
Showbound races in the Open Maiden 1200 on the poly track (race 4 – 5.30pm NZT) – this horse has been racing well without winning, but gets his chance here in a moderate field – champion jockey Vlad Duric is in the saddle – certainly presents as a top four chance and can win if things go right for him
Marcus Antonius is in the same race and is another with good recent form although over 1600and on the Turf – this race will probably be too short for him however is an ideal lead in for him to back up over 1600 m the following week
Entertainer contests the class 4 1100 event on the poly (race 12 at 9:30pm New Zealand time) – a strong winner of each of his last two starts, he is a very fast race horse who likes to race on the speed – has drawn one of the outside barriers which won’t make it easy for him, however race plan is to be positive and he gets the services of Hakim and his 3 kg claim – presents as a strong each way chance in this but does need luck from the draw
Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata
Tuesday 30th March
Rhapsody In Blue (D Johnson) and Navalha (O Bosson) looked good galloping over 1000 metres, home in 36.7
Charmaine’s Dream (T Harris) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.11.5, last 600 in 41.5
Thursday 1st April
No recorded Fortuna trackwork today
Other News
Easter Special on offer – 7.5% off our Extreme Choice two year old gelding MOHAWK – Extreme Choice of course is the current “boom” Stallion in Australia, being the Sire of Stay Inside, a dominant winner of the Golden Slipper last weekend – Click HERE to read more
Boy oh boy, were we excited when Stay Inside won the Golden Slipper at Rosehill last weekend – why so!!! because Stay Inside is by the current boom stallion in Australia Extreme Choice and back in January we bought MOHAWK, a two-year-old son of Extreme Choice!!!! Click HERE to see the replay of Stay Inside’s Golden Slipper win – look for white silks – blue cap
Mohawk is now in New Zealand being prepared for racing by Jamie Richards – he is currently having a paddock break, but will be returning to work mid May to be prepared for the first of the new season trials ahead of his three year old season – click HERE to see Mohawk parading in early March with voice over from Jamie.
Just 25% of the shares left – given that it’s Easter time, the Easter bunny has said we can offer a 7.5% discount – this means that a 5% share which is normally $6200 comes down to $5735 and we do shares right down to 1% if you want a smaller percentage – discount applies across all percentages
Click HERE to read all about Mohawk on our website page and you can also order shares in Mohawk off this page – when doing so enter the words “please apply Easter discount” into the box at the top right hand corner of the order page and we will then apply the discount – note that if you are paying by credit card you will need to pay the full amount, but we will provide an immediate discount to you of the 7.5% figure once we see your payment
If you have further queries or need assistance with ordering drop me an email HERE or call John 021 921 460
Ongoing costs commence from 1 April at $40 per month for each 1% share
Melody Belle departed New Zealand on the evening of Monday, the 29th of March – she has some races in front of her before her racing career ends in a few weeks and she is booked to go through the ring at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on Tuesday 25th of May – unless a New Zealand Stud were to buy her, this means she may never return to New Zealand – click HERE to see her farewell video as the curtain starts to come down on her very illustrious racing career
Melody Belle – 14th G1 win – Bonecrusher NZ Stakes 2021 – 13th March 2021
Fortuna has one runner in Singapore this Saturday March 27th and one runner in New Zealand Sunday 28th
New Zealand
Leaderboard will race at Tauherenikau in the Masterton Cup (race 7 at 3:45), a rating 74 event over 2050m and will be ridden by the very much inform Jonathan Parkes from barrier 5. Has had two lead up runs over a mile since resuming to prepare for this – has to lug 59.5kgs – certainly capable of performing well in this race and rates a strong top three chance
“Leaderboard” – Goes Back to Back Riccarton November 2019
Singapore
Federation has been freshened since his last start win in Singapore – he tackles the Class 3 1200 (race 9 – 9.30pm NZT) Saturday 27th of March – a talented type who has won five times in Singapore has trialed since his freshen up and will be ridden by Vlad Duric from barrier 3 – last start win was in class 4 and meets a strong class 3 field here, so it won’t be easy. but gets a nice draw and a top rider aboard – can feature at odds
Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata
Tuesday 23rd March
Leaderboard (T Harris) galloped over 1200 metres, running the last 600 in 1.03.8, home in 37.2.
Melody Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1400 metres, running the last 1200 in 1.30, final 600 in 45.
Thursday 25th March
Leaderboard (S Parmar) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.31, last 600 in 45.2.
Melody Belle (T Harris) looked great galloping over an easy 1200 metres in 1.22, final 600 in 39.1.
Rhapsody In Blue (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.15.9, home in 45.4.
Other News
Melody Belle will be offered for sale at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in late May – Read MORE HERE
Confirmation that the ownership group would sell Melody Belle at the conclusion of her racing career had been made some time ago, but the exact location and format of her sale had yet to be announced.
Magic Millions has now confirmed she will be the star of its National Broodmare Sale and will sell on Day 1, Tuesday, May 25, in a huge boost for the profile of the Sale.
“The decision was made some time ago that 2021 would be her last racing season and our immediate focus has been on her racing campaign,” Fortuna Director, John Galvin, said. “Recently, the decision had to be made on how and where we would sell her and we have decided the Gold Coast was the best option.
“Melody Belle has been an absolute life changer for her connections. My wife, Jessica, has a share and is one of 34 individual owners who are spread right across New Zealand as well as one in Melbourne and two expat Kiwis who live in Laos.”
Purchased for NZ$57,500 by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis out of the Haunui Farm draft at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka, the daughter of Commands and Meleka Belle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) took little time establishing herself as a star, winning on debut in October of her 2-year-old season and then going on to claim the R. Listed Karaka Million at her fourth start for Jamie Richards and Stephen Autridge.
She then secured her first elite success in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S. She would win her first race in Australia in the G2 QTC Sires’ Produce S., while it wouldn’t be until her 4-year-old season that she would further add to her Group 1 tally.
Melody Belle claimed the G1 Tarzino Trophy and G1 Windsor Park S. in the spring of 2018, and then would add a hat-trick of New Zealand Group 1 wins in early 2019 in the BCD Sprint, the Haunui Classic and the New Zealand S.
She would return to create history as a 5-year-old as the first winner of the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown, claiming the G1 Tarzino Trophy and the G1 Windsor Park for a second time, and then win the G1 Livamol Classic.
Melody Belle then won her first Australian Group 1 race, defeating a quality collection of mares in the G1 Empire Rose S. at Flemington, while she was only narrowly beaten in the G1 Mackinnon S. a week later.
She campaigned in Australia through the autumn and early spring of 2020 before returning home to win the Windsor Park Plate for the third time and then winning the Livamol Classic for the second straight year.
Her G1 Thorndon Mile victory in January drew her level with the legendary Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}) on 13 Group 1 wins, the most by a New Zealand-trained runner and she then broke new ground with her win in the G1 Bonecrusher S. at Ellerslie earlier this month.
She is not finished with her racing career and will contest the G1 Tancred S. on April 3, while she holds entries for both the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. and the G1 Coolmore Legacy S.
Galvin indicated that she is also likely to be set for a final campaign in Queensland, including the G1 Doomben Cup, which would be held three days before she is set to go to auction.
“One of the real keys to her success is her soundness,” Galvin said. “She’s never had an issue physically and that has seen her continue racing at the highest level as a two, three, four, five and now 6-year-old.
“She has won from 900 metres to 2000 metres and on Saturday week she will get a chance to add 2400 metres as well. She’s won over every trip and on every type of track.”
Galvin praised trainer Jamie Richards and the Te Akau Racing team, headed by her buyer David Ellis, for managing her throughout what has been a remarkable career.
“Melody Belle’s first season in training came just as Jamie had been appointed co-trainer at Te Akau and he’s been there the whole way through. While there’s been many more since, I know she holds a special place with Jamie as she was his first top-line horse,” he said.
“For her ownership group and for Fortuna it’s been an incredible ride. We have just syndicated our 111th yearling and she was number 62.
“Many of Melody Belle’s New Zealand owners are based in smaller towns and hamlets and all of the owners have become well known in the community and she has really become the people’s horse. She has such a huge following with so many people knowing and supporting those who have a share in New Zealand’s champion.”
Her presence in the National Broodmare Sale catalogue is a huge filip for Magic Millions, which is finalising entries for the four-day Sale from May 25-28 as well as for the National Weanling Sale on May 20 and 21, and National Yearling Sale from June 2 – June 4.
“We are incredibly humbled to be entrusted with the sale of Melody Belle on behalf of Fortuna, Te Akau and her ownership group,” Magic Millions Managing Director, Barry Bowditch, said. “She’s the horse of a lifetime.
“There’s never been a horse to have won so many Group 1 races go to public auction – she presents a very rare opportunity for buyers around the world. She has an incredible physique which goes without saying as she was purchased by one of the great judges in David Ellis as a yearling.
“The National Sale will present buyers across the whole Sale with a truly world-class lineup of stock – from weanlings and yearlings to race fillies and broodmares. We can’t wait to unveil the catalogues in the coming weeks.”
Three-time Group 1 winner Sunlight (Zoustar) set a new record for the National Sale when she sold for $4.2 million last year to Coolmore Australia’s Tom Magnier.
Coolmore also set the Australasian record for the highest price for a broodmare at public auction in 2008 when it paid $5 million for Group 3 winner Milanova (Danehill {USA}) in foal to Encosta De Lago at the 2008 Inglis Weanling and Breeding Stock Sale.
Fortuna has one runner in NZ and two runners in Singapore this Saturday March 20th
New Zealand
Rhapsody in Blue resumes at Tauranga on Saturday (race 3 at 2:03pm) – brings good recent trial form to this event and has won previously on resuming – outside draw will make it hard for her, but does get 3kg allowance courtesy of stable apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, who is riding in great form. Will need luck on a course that favours on pace runners but if gets it can certainly feature
Singapore
Elliot Ness has his second start in Singapore in the Restricted Maiden (race 2 at 6 pm New Zealand time) – this horse has certainly created interest in Singapore with very good trial form and a slashing debut run for second beaten a lip in this grade off a wide draw – again has drawn wide which won’t make it easy, however has champion jockey Vlad Duric rides – will be ridden positively from the gates – is a strong top three chance and can win
Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race
1st Pick: ELLIOT NESS (8)
Big show on debut and has the beating of Con Speranza. Expect another bold run here.
2nd Pick: CON SPERANZA (7)
Far from disgraced in a couple of starts so far and has more to offer going forward.
3rd Pick: ILLUSTRIOUS (9)
Has trialled very nicely and hails from a stable in good form. Watch closely.
4th Pick: SKYLIGHT (14)
An interesting runner from the stable of the champion handler and receives 1.5kgs.
Brutus races in the Novice 1400 event (race 5 at 7:30 pm NZT) – first time at 1400 and has a very difficult draw to contend with, however is talented at best , brings strong form to the race, has won in this grade previously and does get the benefit of a 4kg claim from his rider Jeryln Seow – needs luck but if he can get it can feature here at good odds
Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata
Tuesday 16th March
Rhapsody In Blue (J Kamaruddin) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04, final 600 in 36.7.
Thursday 18th March
Melody Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.29.1, home in 44.6.
Leaderboard (S Pillay) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.13, final 600 in 44.
Other News
Mohawk, our most recent acquisition, is a two-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice (Sire of the unbeaten Jamie Richards trainedPalamos and Golden Slipper 2nd favourite Stay Inside) – now in work with Jamie Richards at Matamata and will be aimed to have his first NZ late April – Shares available – Read More HERE