Fortuna has five runners in Singapore this Saturday 9th January.

4yo Gelding, Entertainer (Race 2 – Open Maiden 1100 Poly) has had four Singapore starts to date and has shown promise without yet winning – drawn the ace barrier in this 1100m Maiden event on the Polytrack – has the gun rider, Ruan Maia aboard. Trialed nicely pre Christmas, now relaxing better in his races – can give this a shake

 4yo Gelding, Showbound (Race 2) is in the same event and is another who  has been running nice races without winning – had a winning trial recently after a freshen up – has a top rider in Benny Woodworth aboard but has a difficult draw. Can feature but will need luck from the draw

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club pundits say about this race;

1st Pick: BEN WADE (4)

A newcomer from the family of Tannhauser and has trialled nicely enough for this debut. In what is not a deep race, he should be able to figure here.

2nd Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)

Form has eased off a bit from early promise but can go well in this lesser contest.

3rd Pick: EIGHT BALL (10)

Very poor effort on debut when last of 12 in December. Has won a trial since and can show improved form.

4th Pick: SHOWBOUND (2)

The run back in September is good enough form to expect a bold show at odds.

Entertainer – 14th September – Singapore

8yo Gelding, Hidden Promise, (Race 8 Class 5 1200m Poly)  is a six win horse in Singapore, but not at this trip, although is capable of running a bold race in his current fresh state – the in form apprentice, Hakim, takes 3kgs off his back from a nice draw – can run a place

6yo Gelding, Red Rover, (Race 9 Class 3 1600m Poly) won three in a row late 2019, but struggled to find form in 2020 – faces a strong field here at distance he has not won over – hard to have here

5yo Gelding. Federation, (Race 10 Class 4 1200m Turf) is a talented galloper with four Singapore wins to his credit, but has battled a foot issue during 2020 – now fully over that and back to Class 4. Hakim to ride claiming 3kgs – has an OK draw and is a good each way chance in this but would not appreciate any rain

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 5^th January

Leaderboard (S Pillay) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 53.4, home in 38.9.

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) galloped over 1000 metres, running the final 600 in 39.4.

Thursday 7^th January

Navalha (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14.7.

Melody Belle (T Harris) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.08, home in 40.2. She was followed by Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) who ran 1.05, last 600 in 39.

Madame Moet (J Kamaruddin) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 53, final 600 in 39.8

OTHER NEWS

Melody Belle was super impressive at Ellerslie New Years Day in an exhibition gallop over 1000m with Opie Bosson aboard – she will now trial at Matamata 12^th January ahead of resuming on race day at Trentham 30^thJanuary where she will contest the Thorndon Mile (G1 -1600m – $200,000)

Fortuna has three runners in Singapore this Sunday 3^rd January.

7yo Gelding, Sportscaster, (Race 1) a three win horse in Singapore does, not win out of turn, but in the past often goes well on a quick back up and gets that opportunity in the Class 5 1600m on the Poly – he finished well back in the field running same grade 1700m last weekend after leading for most of the race – looks well suited here and claims 3kgs courtesy of the apprentice rider K Hakim – Has drawn wide which will present a challenge but with luck in the running he presents as a Good Each Way chance

3yo Gelding, Marcus Antonius, (Race 2) has not set the world on fire from his four Singapore starts to date, however trialed very well on 22^nd December for a strong finishing 2^nd place and gets his chance in this Restricted Maiden 1200m Turf event – has a top rider in Benny Woodworth aboard from a nice daw. Can feature – watch market 

4yo Gelding, Brutus, (Race 3)  has fashioned a great looking form line in Singapore, never running a bad race and already the recipient of over S$100k in stakes. Gets his chance here in the Class 4 1100m on the Poly track with Benny Woodworth to ride. Is right in this – can win.

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

1st Pick: VULCAN (8)

Lightly-raced sort with a good turn of foot. One of two wins on Polytrack. Big say if he arrives on time. Blinkers on.

2nd Pick: BRUTUS (3)

Did his best in a strong Novice race last time out. This is much easier. Go close.

3rd Pick: MARDOONA (10)

Spelled since second-up win in August. Barrier trials have been steady. May need the run but he can still run a place. Blinkers and tongue-tie on.

4th Pick: MIRACLE (11)

Much better was expected from him, but he has not quite delivered. Last start was a touch better. Chance if he lifts his game.

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

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 29th December

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) worked nicely at three quarter pace, running the final 600 in 45.4.

Melody Belle (T Harris) galloped on her own over an easy 800 metres in 58, quickening over the last 600 to finish in 38.

Thursday 31st December

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute, last 600 in 44.8.

Leaderboard (S Pillay) worked nicely at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.6, quickening in the straight to finish in 42.8.

OTHER NEWS

Melody Belle will do an exhibition gallop after Race 1 at Ellerslie New Years Day – she will then trial at Matamata 12^th January ahead of resuming on race day at Trentham 30^th January where she will contest the Thorndon Mile (G1 -1600m – $200,000)

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