Sportscaster, the 7yo Gelding by Fastnet Rock, put in a strong winning performance at Singapore‘s Kranji racecourse yesterday in the Class 5 1700m Polytrack event. collecting his 4^th win in Singapore.

A natural front running type, Sportscaster’s form had been indifferent of late, failing to finish off his races – with this in mind trainer Mark Walker came up with a pre-race plan to allow the horse to find his feet early in the run, rather than push him to the front as had been his race day pattern.  Leading Singapore rider K Hakim was in the saddle and he followed Mark’s pre-race instructions to the letter, just letting Sportscaster find his feet early in the run, however the horse had a mind of his own and, deciding he didn’t want to be racing slightly better than midfield, he pulled his way to the front by about the 800m point – leading into the straight he kept up a strong gallop, kicking away by about 3 lengths with 200m to go – although getting a little tired close to the line, he won the race by half a length.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Sportscaster – Winner – 18th April 2021

Trainer Mark Walker was a little bit bemused after the race “that was an excellent effort from this veteran horse, although I must admit I didn’t really pick it that he could win today – I was just trying to change of tactics to see if that could make a difference and boy. it certainly did.”

Fortuna Syndications director, John Galvin, watching the race from his home in New Zealand, was also a very happy man “yes, we had been scratching our heads a bit with this horse of late and when Mark came up with a change of race day tactics, I certainly bought into that, as it was a matter of trying something different and it really worked – the old fella gave us a great sight in the race and would have had many of his ownership group here in New Zealand and elsewhere out there seats cheering him home for sure. Lovely ride by Hakim who actually rode three winners on the day. Well done to our Singapore based syndicate Member, Derek Tan, who was on course to see the win and really enjoyed the victory Champagne post race.”

By Fastnet Rock out of Gypsy Dancer, Sportscaster is a half brother to Golden Slipper winner and multiple Group One winning Sprinter, Dance Hero,  however is very much a staying type of horse who loves racing over a trip – he was originally a $300,000 yearling, however Fortuna acquired him from his Singapore based owner in 2019.  Sportscaster has now won  over S$116,000 in Singapore. He is raced by the Fortuna Sportsman Syndicate, an ownership group of 24 individuals

Leaderboard (6yo g Street Cry – Flower Fairy) put in a strong performance at Matamata Friday 16th of April in winning the Rating 74 2000m  event in determined fashion – the margin may have been tight at the line (half a head),  but the manner of his win was a talking point amongst his connections after the race.

Drawing barrier three in a field of eight runners, the race plan was to let him settle in just behind the leaders, however a few runners were keen to push forward and rider Craig Grylls was content to let Leaderboard relax and he landed in a spot one off the rail with two runners behind him. The race was run at a steady clip, Grylls got going from about the 650 metre mark and mounted a strong run from there to the point of the turn.  On turning the stablemate Zouluminous, in the hands of premiership leading jockey, Danielle Johnson, had kicked away to a good lead and seemed to have the winning of the race at her mercy – however “Tiger” was not to be denied and with a strong determined finishing run got up to win the race in the last two strides by half a head, much to the joy of his solid contingent of supporters who were on track to witness.

Click HERE to see race replay

LEADERBOARD winning at Matamata 16th April – Craig Grylls in the saddle

Trainer Jamie Richards was not present on the day, being in Sydney but after the race he said “that was a really good effort – this morning I was unsure if he would handle the wet track, however drying conditions during the day of played into his favour – he was very nicely ridden by Craig and getting up on trip to 2000, which is what he’s been looking for really suited him – congrats to John Galvin and his big ownership team – they have been very patient with this horse.”

Rider Craig Grylls had a big smile on his face after the race saying “that was a strong effort – he was going really well in the run – I was confident a long way out and although Danielle‘s horse had a nice break on me on turning, I was confident that that we would pick her up”

Fortuna director John Galvin was on course along with around 25 syndicate members and said “that was super wasn’t it? It has been a long time between drinks with his horse as he hasn’t won since November 2019 – things didn’t always go his way after that win and he fell into a bit of a hole in his form, but after a good freshen up, he did trial very strongly at July at Te Rapa and that gave us the confidence to try him in Sydney in the spring – however a combination of very firm tracks over there and going right-handed was his undoing, so we brought him home – he then ran into a blood issue which we had to get right, but his three runs at a mile since resuming  in January have all been very good and we had a fair degree of confidence that once he got up to a 2000 metre trip he could win. It was a really nice ride from Craig Grylls –  Craig doesn’t ride a lot for us, but has often been our go to rider and always rides very well for us. Congrats to Jamie Richards for getting this horse back to his best and I am very happy that this win today was Jamie’s 143rd win for the season, an all time record equalling feat – a  big thanks also to Te Akau Racing Manager Libby Richards for deputising for Jamie today in his absence.”

Bred by Godophin, Leaderboard was purchased at the 2018 Tattersalls sale for 70,000 guineas with the horse being picked out of the sale by international Bloodstock agent Hubie DeBurgh on behalf of Fortuna, after  winning a Maiden race in Ireland at 2400m previously.

Definite ongoing race plans have yet to be determined but the R74 2400 meter race at Te Rapa on 1st of May looks to be an appealing target

Leaderboard is raced by the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate and ownership group consisting of 61 individuals and was strapped on the day by Sumeet Pillay 

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 13^th April

Leaderboard (S Pillay galloped over 1200 metres in 1.19.7, final 200 in 11.9.

Thursday 15^th 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 3^rd April where he placed a strong finishing 6^th 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 6^th April

Soprano Supreme (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres, home in 45.

Thursday 8^st 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

MOHAWK – Matamata 3rd March

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” 

 CHARMAINE’S DREAM –  Tauranga – 5th April 2021

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 50^th 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, the 4yo Gelding by Zoustar out of Laughing, who carries the stable nickname “Joker” showed that he has a serious side when delivering a comprehensive all the way win in the Class 4 1100 metre event on the Kranji Polytrack Sunday 4th April, his 3rd win in succession. Drawn awkwardly in Barrier 11 and in the hands of Te Akau Stable Apprentice K Hakim, the race plan was to go forward from the draw, but Entertainer dwelt in the barriers and was slow away. Undeterred, Hakim booted him up and soon gained the lead. Setting a merry pace and unchallenged, Entertainer turned for home with a nice lead which he extended out to about 3 lengths early in the run home. The swoopers were coming though, headed by Vulcan in the hands of 4 time Singapore Champion Vlad Duric – Hakim and Entertainer then gave connections and punters a fright when dropping a rein briefly at the 200m mark, causing the horse to shift outwards and lose momentum, however rider and horse regathered themselves and fought off Vulcan, going to the line with a half length margin

Click HERE to see the race replay and Click HERE to see the head on replay

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 1^st 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

MOHAWK – Matamata 3rd March

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.

MOHAWK – Matamata 3rd March

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 27^th 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 23^rd  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