Christmas came two days early for the Members of the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate, when their handsome 3yo Gelding, NAVALHA, overcame a wide barrier draw in the astute hands of Opie Bosson, to lead all the way and come home victorious in what was his first NZ race and his first in the Fortuna colours – much to the delight of his big group of Owners who were on course to cheer their charge home.

NAVALHA (which means “Razor” in Portuguese), a 3yo Gelding by Sebring out of the Encosta de Lago Mare, Afiado, was acquired by John Galvin on the recommendation of Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, for just A$27,500 from the Inglis Digital Sale late July 2020. John Galvin picks up the story “Mark Walker and I, over the past couple of years, have made a bit of an art form of targeting well bred 2yo’s who had previously been acquired for big money at the Aus yearling sales as Stallion prospects. However, as inevitably happens a lot of the time, these horses don’t meet their owners expectations, either because they don’t consider them top liners and/or they need to be gelded and so they just move them on. In Navalha’s case, he had been a A$450k purchase by James Harron Bloodstock at the 2019 Magic Million Gold Coast Yearling Sale – they had given him a couple of trials and three races – he was very colty and so they decided to sell him – we picked him up for A$27,500, gelded him straight away, brought him home to NZ, gave him a decent spell at Te Akau Stud and now we seem to have a very nice horse on our hands – big kudos to Trainer Jamie Richards and his team for making such a good job with the preparation of this horse – and Opie summed up the situation perfectly, jumping well from the barrier, going to the front when no one wanted to take him on and rating him nicely in the run.”

Click HERE to view the Race result and Video replay

“Navalha” – wins on NZ debut – Matamata 23rd December 2020

Navalha is raced by the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate, an ownership group of 57 individuals, several  of whom are brand new to horse ownership

Navalha was strapped by Sumeet Pillay

The five year old Fortuna syndicated mare, Burgundy Belle, has been confirmed as a definite prospective starter in the time-honoured Berkett Telegraph (Group One -1200m – $250,000) at Trentham 16th of January. Lightly raced with just 14 career starts to date, Burgundy Belle (Burgundy-Spin ‘N Grin) has been ultra consistent recording 4 wins and only finishing out of the first three, 3 times in her career. Three of her last four starts have seen her run placings in Listed (Black type) events – on two of those occasions, finishing in behind the highly talented Tavi Mac.

Trainer Jamie Richards is in no doubt that she deserves a crack at the highest level – “She is a lovely mare who has had her physical issues, but can gallop, has been ultra consistent and deserves her opportunity in this race. It won’t be easy for her as she will be tackling the best Sprinters in the country at Weight For Age off an 86 Handicap Rating, but given a nice draw and a good passage, she can certainly be competitive down the Trentham 1200m chute.”

Burgundy Belle brilliant at Hastings 31st August 2019

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, is looking forward to the challenge – “I am rapt for her ownership group comprising more than 50 individuals, several of whom are in the Melody Belle Syndicate also. “Lisa” as she is called at the stable has had some physical issues throughout her career, but has more than her fair share of ability – any softening of the track on the day will suit her and we are looking forward to seeing her compete in this historic race.”

Bred by Tom and Sue Roper, Fortuna acquired Burgundy Belle as a yearling in a private sale from Karyn Fenton-Ellis

Four Fortuna has two definite runners  this Saturday 12^th December, one in NZ, one in Singapore and another one in Singapore who needs a scratching to get a start.

 6yo Gelding, Beau Geste, steps up to a 2100m trip at Awapuni after resuming at 1600m off a six month break at Taranaki 3^rd December, finishing worse than mid field. A dour staying type whose future is as a jumper, he is a two win horse, who will appreciate the 2^nd up start over more ground. Will be ridden by claimer Sam O’Malley from a nice draw and does like to run on the speed. Firm track may not suit this horse

 6yo Gelding, Red Rover, a four win horse (three in Singapore) contests the Class 3 1200m event (Race 8) at Kranji. Red Rover is a very capable type, who gets the benefit of a 3kg claim from C K Ng, but is racing out of his grade and does need Class 4 to be truly competitive.

4yo Gelding, Brutus, who is also in the Class 3 1200m event, has a very good record in Singapore and would be a genuine each way contender if he starts, but does need a scratching to get a start

Fortuna trackwork this week

Tuesday 15th December

No Fortuna Timed trackwork today

Thursday 17th December

 No Fortuna Timed trackwork today

Yes, it’s true, not the legendary King Arthur with his sword Excalibur in hand and accompanied by the Knight of The Round Table, but the four legged equine version, a Three Year Old Thoroughbred gelding by Australia’s Stallion sensation, I Am Invincible and out of the 7 times winning racemare, Pentasia (by Pentire).

King Arthur arrived in Singapore 4th December, where he is currently undergoing quarantine and will be released to Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, Monday 21st December.

King Arthur has had two race day starts in Australia (racing under the name Tintagel) and should be ready to have his first Singapore start late February 2021 – when he does start racing, he will contest Restricted Maiden Grade races with prize money of S$75,000 (approx NZ$83,000)

King Arthur in Singapore 5th December 2020

A big, strong handsome type, standing 16 hands tall and weighing 535kgs on arrival in Singapore, King Arthur has the physical attributes to go along with his outstanding pedigree and is sure to make his mark in Singapore Racing.

Four Fortuna has two runners this Saturday 12^th December, one in NZ, one in Singapore

5yo Mare, Burgundy Belle, takes on a quality field in the J Swap Sprint (Open Hcp – 1200m – $70,000) at Te Rapa – Race 5. This 4 win Mare rarely runs a bad race and in two recent starts she has achieved black type status, running 3^rd in the Matamata Cup and 2^nd in the Levin Stakes, beaten both times by the talented Tavimac. Will be ridden by Danielle Johnson from Barrier 4 and carries 53kgs. In terrific form, lovely draw, top rider, she is a genuine contender, but meets a strong field. Can run into the money.

7yo Sportscaster tackles the Class 4 1200m Turf in Singapore on Saturday – race 10 – drawn out wide on the short course with running rail in widest position, he has a tough ask in this race and is hard to recommend at this grade and distance.

Fortuna trackwork this week

Tuesday 8th December

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped nicely over 1000 metres in 1.04.1, last 600 in 36.8.

Thursday 10th December

No Fortuna Timed trackwork today

Four Fortuna runners this Saturday 5^th December, all in Singapore.

8yo Gelding Hidden Promise contests the Class 5 1100m on the Poly (Race 1). This five win horse has never won at a trip short of 1600m and they will probably go too quick for him over this trip – however he has shown ability over sprint trips when in a fresh state – and does get 3kg weight relief courtesy of Hakim’s claim – so is an outside chance of running in the first four.

5yo Gelding Hadeer, a last start winner this grade  7^th Nov, has been freshened for this Class 4 event on the Turf – Race 4.. Will be ridden by the talented Benny Woodworth, but has drawn the outside barrier of 1400m. Will go forward from the draw. A talented type, this does seem to be a bit of an ask to go fresh 1400m from the wide draw but can feature.

Here is how the Singapore Turf Club form analysts see this race;

1st Pick: ASGARD MASSIF (3)

A chance can be taken with this James Peters trained runner judged on a goode course and distance run a couple of starts ago.

2nd Pick: LUCKY IMPERATOR (4)

Nice win last time out and looks upwardly mobile. One to keep on the right side of.

3rd Pick: BUURAQ (1)

The top weight and classy on his day. Should have a part to play in this heat.

4th Pick: HADEER (2)

The barrier has not been kind but if overcoming it, he can take a hand in the finish.

4yo Gelding Entertainer has been freshened after an indifferent performance on a wet track in September. Still a Maiden, he runs out of his grade in this Class 4 1000m event on the Poly – Race 7. However he trialed very strongly 10^th November. A fierce going type in his first 3 runs in Singapore, he has relaxed a lot more in his track work of late. Gets a mid field draw, will be ridden by Benny Woodworth – if he can relax and there is a solid tempo, he can certainly run into the money.

Here is how the Singapore Turf Club form analysts see this race;

1st Pick: PINDUS (5)

Scored a massive win with blinkers on at his barrier trial last week. Will carry the same gear for the first time. If he brings his sparkling trial form to the races, he will take some beating.

2nd Pick: GOLDEN FLAME (2)

Squeezed in home straight at last outing but would not have beaten the winner The August. This is easier and apprentice jockey’s three-kilo claim will help as well. Should be thereabouts when the whips are cracking.

3rd Pick: SUN STEP (6)

Spent force in home straight after working overtime from a wide barrier to race up with the speed. Barrier one will be a major plus this time. Can atone.

4th Pick: ENTERTAINER (9)

After two promising runs, went backwards at his last start even though he had a dream run in the box seat. Senior jockey jumps back on. Deserves another chance.

6yo Gelding Red Rover contests the Class 2 1100m event on the  Poly. Another out of his Grade, he has a horror draw (14) in a very strong field. Will only carry 47kgs with apprentice CK Ng aboard, but has little chance in this race and will be better suited by Class 3.

Fortuna Trackwork at Matamata this week

Tuesday 1st December

Madame Moet (J Kamaruddin) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 54.8, home in 40.6.

Thursday 3rd December

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.6, last 600 in 39.8 –

Other News

Annual Fortuna Owners Day to be held at “The Gazebo” Matamata Race Course Sunday 6^th December 1pm

Two Fortuna runners this  Saturday 21st November, both in Singapore.

4yo Gelding Brutus (by Rubick) has been freshened from his last start win in Singapore Sept 19th and resumes in the Novice 1200m event Turf (Race 5 @7pm NZT) with Benny Woodworth aboard. Brutus has had eight starts in Singapore and has never finished outside the first three. Hard to fault this horse, but meets a strong field here and has an outside barrier draw to contend with, but is very speedy and has the right man in the saddle. A  lot of rain recently in Singapore and a wet track will probably not suit him. If he can overcome the wide gate and gets a dry track, he is a good each way chance.

Here is how the Singapore Turf Club form analysts see this race;

1st Pick: SURE WILL DO (3)

In what is a super little Novice event, it can pay to side with Sure Will Do who looks very smart on the back of an Open Maiden win. He is better than the bare form of that victory and looks a talented horse in the making.

2nd Pick: DAY APPROACH (7)

A bold win last time and won’t mind dropping back in trip here. From a powerful stable and should go very close.

3rd Pick: BOOMBA (12)

Excellent on debut but then let his followers down next time on better ground, and rain beforehand will enhance the chance of this Clii Brown-trained runner and that could well happen.

4th Pick: BRUTUS (1)

Has been ultra-consistent and that resulted in a nice win last start. This is tougher but he can certainly run very well.

 BRUTUS (inside) – Wins in Singapore 19th September 2019

5yo Federation (by Written Tycoon) starts in the Class 2 1600m Turf (Race 8 @8.30pm NZT). A four time winner in Singapore, Federation has struggled to find form in 2020, having battled a foot issues (now resolved) and lack of consistent racing. Will be ridden from Barrier 10 by Louis Beuzelin. Is out of his grade here and goes to 1600m for the first time ever so hard to be confident of him running into the money.

Fortuna Track work

Tuesday 17th November

 No timed Fortuna trackwork this morning

Thursday 19th November

Burgundy Belle – (T Harris) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.6, last 600 in 39.8. She is on track to contest the Levin Stakes at Otaki Thursday 26^th November

Other News

Fortuna secures a lovely Darci Brahma Yearling Colt to add to its team. Shares available – Click HERE to read more

Three Fortuna runners this  weekend, one at Tauranga Saturday 14^th November and two in Singapore, Sunday 15^th.

3yo Filly Soprano Supreme (Contributer – Falsetto) makes her race day debut at Tauranga (Race 2 @ 12.53pm and will be ridden by  Stable Apprentice, Chelsea Burdan  who claims 2kgs from a mid field barrier. A slow maturing staying type of filly, her work has been pleasing off the back of a good trial at Taupo 27^th October. On debut she is hard to assess on this field but is bound to take improvement from this debut run

3yo Gelding Cassius (by Street Boss)  takes his place in the Open Maiden 1400m event Turf (Race 8@ 8.30pm NZT) on Sunday, He did not set the world on fire from his debut Singapore start (1200m Poly) in July. Freshened since and with the benefit of two trials since, he gets to 1400m on the Turf with the in from Benny Woodworth in the saddle from a mid field draw.  A big framed type, he is still maturing, will appreciate the Turf and the 1400m trip, but hard to assess his chances in this event

7yo Sportscaster (by Fastnet Rock) takes his place in the Class 4 1200m event Poly (Race 9 @ 9pm NZT). A strong winner in Class 5 two starts back, he failed in this grade at 1600m mid September. Freshened since, he goes back to 1200m this time and will be ridden by Apprentice CK NG who claims 3kgs and will only carry 47.5kgs. A very capable type at Class 5 level, he will probably not be competitive this Grade, this trip, but does like to lead, so with barrier 3 and a good jump, he may well get to the front and give them a sight for a long way.

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

Tuesday 10th November

Navalha (S Parmar) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55.3, last 600 in 40.8.

Soprano Supreme (D Johnson galloped nicely over 1000 metres in 1.05, last 600 in 37.

Thursday 12th October

Soprano Supreme (M Roustoby) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, last 600 in 46.

Madame Moet (D Montes de Oca) galloped over an easy 800 metres, last 400 in 27.1.

Other News

Reigning Horse Of The Year, MELODY BELLE, returned to Te Akau Stud Thursday morning from Melbourne after her brave run for 3^rd placing in the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington last Saturday – here are her ongoing plans

• She will spell at Te Akau until 30th Nov and then return to work at Matamata – we will parade her at the Fortuna Owners Day Sunday 6th December
• She will trial at Matamata 12th Jan
• She will resume in the Thorndon Mile (Group 1 – 1600m SWP – $200,000) Trentham Saturday 30th January (Wellington Cup Day) – she will carry 57kgs in this Set Weights and Penalties event.
• She will then head to the Herbie Dyke Stakes (G1 – 2000m WFA – $400,000) Te Rapa 13th February
• We will assess those two runs and determine as to how we proceed from there – there are NZ and Aus options open to her

Fortuna launches new Singapore Syndicate

 3yo Gelding KING ARTHUR (by I am Invincible) – agisting in NSW at moment, he arrives in Singapore 2nd December – shares available $2000 per each 2.5% share – Click HERE to Read More

 KING ARTHUR

A bold front running ride by the veteran Singapore jockey Benny Woodworth, paved the way to victory for the Fortuna Syndicated 5yo Gelding HADEER (Savabeel – A Beautiful Princess), in the Class 4 1200m event on the Turf at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse on Saturday 7th November. Drawn barrier eight in a field of twelve runners with a short run to the first bend, Woodworth took all of the risk out of the equation, jumping well from the barrier, crossing the field and surging to the lead. Setting a strong steady pace, HADEER turned into the straight with a margin, found a kick and had a two length lead on the chasers at one point but went to the line half a length in front of the second horse.

Click HERE to see the race replay

A winner in Australia at Pakenham in August of 2019 for his previous owners, Shadwell Stud, this was HADEER’s 4th Singapore start, having run prize money placings at his other three. HADEER was acquired by Jessica Galvin at the October 2019 Inglis Sale for A$22,500 – as a Yearling offered at the Inglis 2017 Easter Sale HADEER had fetched A$620,000 for his breeder, the Taupo based John Bromley.

Hadeer – wins at Kranji 7th November 2020

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, who just a couple of hours earlier, had watched the Fortuna Star Mare, Melody Belle, run a brave 3rd in the A$2m Seppelts McKinnon Stakes at Flemington was a happy man after Hadeer’s run. “That was a great result for this horse, he had showed us quite a bit with his first three Singapore runs, but full credit to our Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, who made the wise decision to send HADEER for a freshen up after his 3rd race – this gave the horse time to acclimatise and strengthen a little more. And big kudos to Benny Woodworth for another heady ride”

HADEER is raced by the Fortuna Hadeer Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 46 individuals

Four Fortuna runners this Saturday 7th November in three jurisdictions, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore

5yo Mare BURGUNDY BELLE takes her place in the Legacy Lodge Sprint (Listed Race – 1200m – $50,000) at Te Rapa (Race 6 @3.25). A gallant last start 3^rd in the Matamata Cup (Listed 1400m) four weeks ago, her first start in Open Company, demonstrated that she is up to this Grade. She was strong in an exhibition gallop at Te Aroha Wednesday 28^th October. Chelsea Burdan takes the mount from barrier 2 in an 11 horse field. Back to 1200m which will suit, forecast rain will provide some easing in the track which will also suit, carries the minimum weight of 53kgs, has good gate speed – she ticks a lot of boxes and presents as a very good Top 3 chance – market has her at $7 Fixed Odds

6yo Mare MELODY BELLE has taken all before her here in NZ since her return from Australia in September, winning two Group One races at Hastings, the first narrowly, the second emphatically. She now returns to Australia to contest the LKS Mackinnon Stakes (Group One – 2000m – A$2m – Race 8 @ 7pm NZT) a race in which she finished a fast finishing 2^nd in 2019. Chasing her 13^th Group One victory, she will be ridden by Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Jye McNeil, from Barrier 6 in a 10 horse field. Nicely drawn at a perfect distance for her, her work has been excellent since arriving in Australia and she presents as a very good each way chance in this event. Currently 3^rd favourite at Fixed Odds of $5

Melody Belle – Livamol Classic – Hastings   – 17 October 2020

In Singapore 4yo SHOWBOUND gets his chance to break Maiden status in a 1200m event on the Turf (Race 5 @ 7pm NZT – S$20,000). Running into the placings in his first four Singapore starts, he failed badly at his 5^th start, after being given no favours by his rider. Freshened since, he has trialed well and his trackwork has been strong. Will be ridden by the in form Ruan Maia. Drawn perfectly in barrier 3, top rider aboard, can race handy or even lead, he is a top 3 chance in this race and has good prospects of greeting the judge for the first time.

5yo HADEER, a winner in Australia, has had three Singapore starts and run into the prizemoney on all three occasions. Freshened since his last race in late August, he has been given a quiet trial since by trainer Mark Walker and takes his place in the Class 4 1200m event on the Turf (Race 11 @ 10pm NZT – S$50,000). Will be ridden from Barrier 8 by Benny Woodworth. Top rider, slightly tricky draw to negotiate with running rail out in the E Position, but is more than capable of a bold showing here – presents as a good each way chance.

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

Tuesday 3^rd November

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) looked good galloping over 1000 metres in 1.03.2, final 600 in 36.5. Burgundy Belle races in the Listed Open Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Charmaine’s Dream (D Johnson) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57, home in 41.4.

Navalha (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.2, last 600 in 43.5.

Thursday 29th October

Taking on the Listed Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday, Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.11, final 600 in 41.

Navalha (S Parmar) galloped over an easy 800 metres, last 600 in 40.5.

Soprano Supreme (M Grylls) a worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.15, last 600 in 44.7.

Other News

Bosson’s message a Melody for McNeil

Jockey Opie Bosson reckons Melbourne Cup winning rider Jye McNeil will have a sweet sit on Melody Belle in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes writes Ben Dorries

Opie Bosson has ridden Melody Belle to victory in five of her 12 Group 1 wins and has some good news for Melbourne Cup winning rider Jye McNeil ahead of a Mackinnon Stakes tilt at Flemington on Saturday.

There is unfinished business for the Jamie Richards-trained freakishly talented mare at headquarters on Saturday after she flew home into second behind Aidan O’Brien’s globetrotting galloper Magic Wand in the same race last year.

Magic Wand won’t be there to defend her Mackinnon Stakes title, recently retired after having a foot abscess which scuppered her Melbourne spring campaign.

TAB has Melody Belle at $5 to go one better than last year and win the Mackinnon in a market which has Caulfield Stakes winner Arcadia Queen as the $3.10 favourite and Cox Plate fourth placegetter Mugatoo at $4.40.

The contest looks no stronger than last year’s Mackinnon and Melody Belle is coming off two consecutive Group 1 wins in her homeland after a Sydney spring campaign didn’t go to plan.

Bosson didn’t ride Melody Belle in either of her recent Group I wins, due to weight issues, but feels as though the Kiwi mare could cap a huge week for McNeil.

“Jye will love riding her – she is push-button and he can ride her where he wants from the barrier (six of ten),” Bosson told Racenet from New Zealand.

“She is totally straightforward to ride and he will be able to put her anywhere and switch her off.

“It will be a totally no fuss ride for him and I think he can finish off a big week on another high.”

John Galvin, who manages the Melody Belle Fortuna Syndicate that owns the multiple New Zealand Horse of the Year, was convinced by trainer Richards the mare should travel to Australia for the Group I at the end of the Flemington carnival.

The deciding factor was when she demolished her rivals in the Group I Livamol Classic in Hastings last start.