The old adage “Form is temporary but class is permanent” was well to the fore Saturday 3rd October at Hastings race course when NZ’s Glamour Mare and Queen Of the Turf, MELODY BELLE, put in an outstanding galloping performance to take out the Group One Windsor Park Plate for the third year in succession. After returning home from Sydney after a couple of sub par performances in the early Spring, the pre race question on everybody’s lips was “can she return to her best?” Punters were taking no chance however with Melody Belle and stable mate and fellow Karaka Million winner, Avantage, vying for favouritism, with the latter starting as the slight pre post favourite. Melody Belle’s connections were wary of the fact that it was her very first time resuming at a 1600m trip and conceded that Avantage had the more recent race day experience,

And what a race it was with The Mitigator opening up a big lead and setting an extremely hot pace. Melody Belle had jumped well from her good gate and settled into 5th position one out from the rail. But Avantage was one back behind her stalking her every move. Melody Belle’s rider, Troy Harris, urged her up before the turn to mount her run, but with every stride she took, Avantage, with NZ leading jockey, Danielle Johnson aboard, was tracking her every step of the way. In the meantime, the horse who caused the big upset in the Tarzino Trophy just two weeks earlier, Callsign Mav, had skipped away at the top of the straight and established a three length break. In scenes reminiscent of the mighty battle between Melody Belle and DanzDanzDance in the 2019 Bonecrusher Stakes where those two mares fought it out the whole length of the Ellerslie straight, so it was with Melody Belle and Avantage, with Avantage going up to eyeball Melody Belle at the 200 metre mark, actually getting her head in front, but then the reigning Horse Of The Year fought back in the shadows of the post with Troy Harris standing high in the stirrups, exultant, once past the post. The time of 1.33.88 was a ripper, breaking the race record of 1.34.05, set by Jimmy Choux back in 2011.

Click HERE to see race replay

Melody Belle – Windsor Park Plate – Hastings  – October 2020

Melody Belle has now won 16 of her 33 race day starts, 11 of those 16 wins at Group One level, a record that now draws her equal with Rough Habit and only two short of the 13 Group One wins amassed by the mighty Sunline. Fortuna Syndications Director, John Galvin, was on course with his wife, Jessica, a part owner of Melody Belle and 18 other Members of the Ownership Group. “What an amazing performance we have just seen,” he said, “Jamie Richards (trainer) had her trained to the minute – what a spectacle for racing fans everywhere.” John also paid tribute to Te Akau racing supremo David Ellis, saying “What an incredible selection record this man has, buying these two great mares in successive years at Karaka, winning Karaka Millions in successive years and today only a nose separated them at the post at their very first race day meeting”

“And what can I say about Troy Harris, three times he has ridden in Group One events for Fortuna (twice with Melody Belle and once with Tell A Tale) and three times he has won for us – an incredible record.”

Melody Belle was acquired by David Ellis at the 2016 Karaka Million Sale for $57,500 on behalf of Fortuna and has now accumulated NZ$3.67m for her 34 Member Ownership Group. She was bred by Marie Leicester, who had the honour recently of receiving the 2020 Broodmare Of The Year Award for Melody Belle’s Dam Meleka Belle

Two Fortuna runners Saturday 3^rd/Monday 5^th October

Reigning Horse Of The Year, MELODY BELLE, is back!!! Not seen on a NZ race track since her victory in the Livamol Classic in October 2019, her last eight starts have been in Australia. However on Saturday 3^rdOctober, she takes her place in the Windsor Park Plate (Group One -1600m – $200,000), a race she has won the past two years. Troy Harris takes the mount from Barrier 4. A recent trial win at Rotorua indicates she is in good shape for this assignment, which is the first time in her racing career that she has resumed at 1600m and she faces a strong field of several runners who have had recent raceday form at this level. Presents as a Good Each Way chance in this

Leaderboard takes his place in the R72 1900m event at Canterbury Park (Sydney) on Monday 5^th October. Finishing a well beaten 12^th placing over 1400m Warwick Farm 16^th Sept in a race run at high tempo when on debut in Australia, he gets up to a more suitable trip here. Sam Clipperton to ride from Barrier 3 in a field of 8 runners. Stable is looking for an improved run here from this staying type of horse.

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

Tuesday 29th September

Melody Belle (T Harris) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.16.2, last 600 in 37.6.

Thursday 1st October

Melody Belle (T Harris), together with the Te Akau runners, Avantage (D Johnson) and Prise De Fer (O Bosson) worked solo at three quarter pace over 1200 metres.

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) looked good working at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.16, home in 45. 

Other News

Written Tycoon surges to the top of Australian Stallion rankings

A Group One double in Australia last weekend by Pippie in the Moir Stakes and Ole Kirk in the Golden Rose saw Written Tycoon take over the coveted No 1 Slot in the General Sires rankings in Australia.

This is of big interest to the Fortuna Team, as we now have three Geldings in Singapore by Written Tycoon, the 5yo Federation, who has already won four races for us in Singapore and the two 3yo/s Prohibition and Titan, recent acquisitions by us who have just arrived in Singapore recently – currently in quarantine, they will be released to Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, on Monday 5^th October and he should be making his Singapore debut in January 2021

Shares in Prohibition are fully sold, but we still have shares left in Titan at $9,000 per each 10% share, $4,500 per each 5% share, $2,250 per each 2.5% share and $900 per each 1% share

These costs include horse purchase, promoters fees, transport to Singapore, insurance to 31 Jan 2022 and working capital – great value here when you consider that Written Tycoon’s Stud fee is A$77,000

Read More HERE – applications for shares can be made direct from this link

“Titan” – 5th August 2020

Two Fortuna runners this week in Singapore on Saturday 26th September

In Singapore, the Fortuna NZ Stable has two runners, Showbound, and Federation

4yo Showbound ran a nice 2^nd over 1200m last Saturday and is primed to back up this week in the Restricted 4yo Maiden 1600m Turf for S$75,000 of prizemoney. Has a tricky draw (13) but does get a long run down the back straight.  J P Van Der Merwe takes the mount. Gets his chance here at 1600m, which we think he is looking for – it is a strong field with many chances, Showbound will roll forward from the wide draw and take up a forward position. Blinkers go on and can feature in the placings with the right run

Here is what the STC Tipsters have to say about this race:

1st Pick: SPEEDY MISSILE (1)

On paper he looks too good for this following his two seconds from as many starts. Will relish the extra 200m. Hard to beat.

2nd Pick: KINABALU WARRIOR (5)

Improving with every run. Let down strongly for a close third to Hard Too Think at his last start. Nice low draw. Go close.

3rd Pick: ALFARES (10)

Another one who had showed potential at his first couple of starts. Drawn wide. Louis-Philippe Beuzelin will be seen pumping away in his vigorous style on him inside the last 200m.

4th Pick: SHOWBOUND (2)

On the way up, especially after the addition of shades. Wide barrier is a query as well as the big jump in distance, but he can still give a good account of himself.

5yo Federation is a 4 win horse in Singapore and gets his chance to make if 5 wins in the Class 3 1400m Turf event for S$70,000. After racing 3 wide without cover he was beaten 4.2 lengths in Class 2 1400m 5^th Sept –  the run was better than it looked. Rising star Ruan Maia takes the mount. Back in Class 3, trip to suit, slightly tricky draw, but presents as a good each way chance in  this race

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

No timed trackwork for Fortuna runners this week

Other News

Fortuna runners score Trials double Rotorua 22^nd September

All eyes were on Horse Of The Year, Melody Belle, at her first public appearance since returning from Australia – away nicely, she settled back in the running, came into the trial nicely on the turn was urged up a little by rider Opie Bosson, but ran home strongly to score a nice trials win – she is right on track to defend her 201 and 2019 Windsor Park Plate crown Hastings 2^nd October

Fortuna’s 2^nd runner was the 2yo, Our Final Offer (by Deep Field) – his Te Teko trial two weeks prior was very ordinary – blinkers and ear muffs were applied at Rotorua. Jumping well in the hands of Troy Harris, he took a sit holding the rail, went to the outside of a tearaway leader as they turned and went to the line strongly – a nice result for a horse who has had issues. He is now ready to make his race day debut

3yo TITAN now in Singapore quarantine – a strong physical type by one of Australia’s best Stallions, Written Tycoon, Titan has had race day experience in Australia – should be up and running in Singapore by early January – still a Maiden, he will be eligible to contest Restricted Maiden Grade races in Singapore for prize money of S$75,000 (NZ$83,000) approx. – still some shares left – each 2.5% is NZ$2,250 and NZ$90 per month from 1 Oct. Click HERE to read more

“Titan” – 5th August 2020

The phrase “it is a long time between drinks” is a well worn one, however the Fortuna eight-year-old Hidden Promise took it to extreme lengths by winning the Class five 1800m event on the Turf at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse on Saturday 19th of September. Amazingly  it had been 748 days since he had last greeted the judge. A five win horse up to and including 2nd Sept 2018, all of those 5 wins had come over the previous 13 months. Which is not to say that his form had been bad in the time since, having raced 28 times for 19 prize money earning placings in the hiatus period.

Fortuna Director John Galvin picks up the story. “It has been an incredibly frustrating period for the connections of Hidden Promise, he was always racing well, but bad draws, bad luck, plus the occasional poor riding decision, meant that he continually found a way to lose. However his ownership group never lost the faith and now they have been rewarded with their 6th win with this horse. I want to pay tribute to trainer Mark Walker, who also never lost faith in “Bart”, as we like to call him and huge kudos to rider Ruan Maia, who rode him perfectly.”

Click HERE to see the race replay.

Hidden Promise winning – Kranji racecourse – 19th September 2020

Hidden Promise’s win capped off a fruitful day for the Fortuna NZ Stable with their 4yo Brutus winning the Novice Event earlier in the evening and fellow 4yo Showbound running a bold 2nd placing in the Open Maiden. All three horses were ridden by Ruan Maia

Hidden Promise (Postponed-Promissory) was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Syndicators at the 2014 NZB Ready to Run Sale for NZ$65,000 and has now accumulated S$223,000 for the Fortuna Hidden Promise Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 29 individuals.

4yo Gelding BRUTUS finally shook off his “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” tag when putting in a strong winning performance in taking out the Novice Grade race over 1200 metres in Singapore today. Arguably the best Maiden in Singapore, having recorded 4 thirds and 3 seconds from his seven Singapore starts to date, his connections were confident that he would race well but would he race well enough to achieve victory?

Ridden positively from the barriers by Singapore’s newest riding sensation, Ryan Maia, Brutus was always trailing well and looked all over the winner with 2oo metre to go, but had to with stand a late challenge by the race favourite, Tuesday, to whom Brutus was giving 3.5 kgs in weight, but withstand he did, going to the line with a half head to spare. Click HERE to see the race replay

 BRUTUS – Wins in Singapore 19th September 2019

Fortuna Director, John  Galvin, was a happy man post race ” That was a fantastic result – Brutus has never run a bad race, but always seemed to have run into one that was better than him on the day. However today he contested a Novice (1 win Grade) as a Maidener and pulled off a great victory for his very patient ownership team. Congratulations to Mark Walker for handling this horse so well and big kudos to Ruan Maia who put his hand up for the ride earlier in the week and then rode the horse perfectly.”

Brutus (Rubick-Harvest Queen) was acquired by John  Galvin at the May 2019 Inglis Digital Sale for A$45,000 and he has now won approximately S$110,000 for his 46 member strong ownership group, the Fortuna Brutus Syndicate

Almost a year to the day since the Fortuna syndicated mare, RHAPSODY IN BLUE (Medaglia d’Oro -Kablues), scored her maiden win at the same venue, she scored her second career win in the Rating 65 1200 metre event. Drawn perfectly in barrier one, she was given the perfect ride by the experienced Danielle Johnson, who put her into the race nicely from the start, held the rail, then handed up the lead racing in third place on the rail. Just before the turn, Danielle edged the Mare off the rail and out into the middle of the track and from there maintained a strong run to the line winning in the end with a bit over a length to spare. Click HERE to see race Video replay

Fortuna’s John Galvin was quick to give credit where due. “That was a lovely win today from a Mare who hasn’t been the easiest to train as she has a rather scratchy action, however in this current preparation, her trainer Jamie Richards has given her a lot of work, including galloping work, on the treadmill and it is obvious that this has paid off. Full marks also to rider Danielle Johnson, who once again showed that she is a class act.”

Rhapsody In Blue – Victorious at Taupo 13th September 2020

Rhapsody In Blue was bought by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2018 Karaka Yearling Sale for the sum of $95,000 from the Valachi Downs draft and is raced by the Fortuna Rhapsody In Blue Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 48 individuals.

Two Fortuna runners this week at Taupo on Sunday 13th and one potential runner in Singapore on Saturday 12^th  September

Fortuna runners at Taupo on Sunday 13th are 3yo Filly Charmaines Dream (Race 2 – 1.29pm) and 4yo Mare, Rhapsody In Blue (Race 5 – 3.14pm).

Charmaines Dream, a 2019 Ready To Run graduate, has had three trials for a win and two seconds – she made her race day debut over 1100m at Te Rapa in early July, drew wide, got back and ran home well without threatening. Freshened since, she trialed strongly at Te Teko Thursday 3^rd Sept. Drawn nicely in Barrier 2 in this 1100m Maiden event and with the classy Danielle Johnson aboard, she presents as a strong each way chance in this.

Rhapsody In Blue has had five race day starts for a win and a 2^nd, with her win coming on this track at this time in 2019. She trialed averagely at Te Teko 3^rd Sept, but did not get all favours in a slowly tun trial. Has been hard to follow in her career to date but has drawn the Ace barrier in this R65 1200m event and with Danielle Johnson to ride, she can be competitive in this race if at her best

In Singapore, Red Rover is Ballot 2  in Race 11 and needs  scratchings. If he does get a run, he has a nice draw (2) over the 1100m trip and would be a place chance in this Class 2 event.

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata 

Thursday 10^th September

Rhapsody In Blue (M Roustoby) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.

Other News

Fathers Day Discount on offer until Sunday 13^th September – Yes 5% off the price of any of the shares available on the Fortuna website  – Click HERE to view the offerings.

Singapore bound 3yo Gelding TITAN has had raceday experience, has a great pedigree (by Written Tycoon) and is set to travel to Singapore 24^th Sept, where he will be prepared to race by Singapore Champion Trainer Mark Walker and should be up and running on racedays in early January – just $900 (less the 5% discount) for each 1% share.

TITAN – 3yo Gelding by Written Tycoon

NZ racing prospect the 3yo Gelding NAVALHA (by Sebring) was a $450k Yearling purchase by his original owners – acquired by Fortuna as a three start racehorse for a fraction of his original price, he is now in NZ and commences work in the hands of Champion NZ Trainer, Jamie Richards, on 14^th September and should be having his first start in NZ early to mid December 2020. Just $760 (less 5% discount) – he represents great value

Shares in both horses can be purchased off the Fortuna website or contact John Galvin directly for further information

Three confirmed Fortuna Runners in Singapore on Sunday 23^rd – one on Ballot

Fortuna runners in Singapore on Sunday 30th are Marcus Antonius (Race 2 – 4.30pm NZT), Hidden Promise (Race 8 – 7.30pm) and Hadeer (Race 11 – 9pm)  – Red Rover is Race 13 (10pm) but does need scratchings to get a start

3yo Marcus Antonius was good on debut 26^th July, drawing wide and suffering a check at the start – he has since trained on well and ran 2^nd in a recent trial. A promising type, he has a very wide barrier draw to contend with again on the Turf short course with barrier in C position. To be ridden by Mark Walker’s star apprentice K Hakim (claiming 3kgs) he will carry just 49.5kgs – draw makes it very tough, but look for him to be storming home at the finish

Hidden Promise backs up from last week (1200m) into this week’s more suitable 1600m Class 5 trip on the Turf. String to the line last week when finishing 5^th, this trip is more to his liking (all 5 of his Singapore wins have been at 1600m), but has a horror outside barrier draw to contend with. Will be ridden by Dennis Tan (claiming 4kgs) – Dennis rode the Fortuna horse, Sportscaster to victory a couple of weeks ago – and so will only carry 51.5kgs with the claim. Will need a strong pace and a lot of luck to feature – any rain will help.

Hadeer is another with a horror draw, but he is on the Polytrack in this Class 4 1100m race and does have the services of leading jockey Vlad Duric – a winner in Australia, his 2 Singapore runs to date have had merit and can feature with some luck in the running

See below what the Turf Club analysts have to say about this race;

1st Pick: HEALTHY STAR (8)

Didn’t get much galloping room at his last start. Could have won the race. Has drawn marble one. Big say in this.

2nd Pick: HADEER (4)

Has done nothing wrong in two runs here. Drawn awkwardly, but if he gets the right runs, he can threaten late. Crossover noseband on.

3rd Pick: SUN PRINCEPS (6)

Powered home for third at his comeback run. On that form, he has to be considered in this lot.

4th Pick: THE BROTHERHOOD (10)

Scored gutsy maiden win last time. This is tougher, but he can still pinch a place with some luck

Red Rover is Ballot 2 and needs  scratchings, but then has to contend with a wide barrier draw. If he does get a run, he would need an awful lot of things to go right to be in contention

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

Tuesday 25^th August

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) worked nicely at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.7, home in 45.2.

Thursday 27^th August

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.8, last 600 in 43.9.

Other News

Melody Belle is to return home from Australia and will campaign in New Zealand during the Spring and Summer and may return to Australia to campaign in the Autumn

5yo Gelding Khafeef, who ran a strong finishing 5^th at Taupo recently on his NZ debut (he is a UK import with one win over there) has gone to the South Island with a small team of other Te Akau trained horses and will have a three to five race campaign there over the next three months

Finally, a word about our very latest acquisition, the 3yo Gelding NAVALHA (Portuguese word for “Razor”).

Key points about this horse are:

• A A$450,000 Yearling purchase at the January 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sales, he clearly ticked a few boxes at the time for the very professional James Harron Bloodstock operation (not to mention the underbidders who would have done their homework as well)
• Acquired as a Stallion making proposition, when it became obvious to his Ownership Team that he was not going to be a Group One Star as a Colt, they decided to move him on (this is a very common story) and he was acquired by Fortuna at an Inglis Online Sale
• Navalha had three trials between Dec 2019 and May 2020 as a 2yo and three races in June and July, running a close up 4th in his last race – Click HERE to see that replay
• Still a Colt, our spies indicated to us that he was a horse that badly needed Gelding.
• By the Golden Slipper winner Sebring, who had now sired close to 600 winners including 60 Stakes winners and from a very strong female family (Dam sire is Encosta de Lago), Navalha doesn’t lack for much on the Pedigree front
• Gelding him in Australia the day after we bought him, Navalha is now at Te Akau Stud and was inspected by David Ellis (who had been away on vacation) on Tuesday – David says “John, I finally got to see your Sebring Gelding – he is a beauty – well proportioned, strong through the shoulder, great in the coat and with a great walk, he is hard to fault physically”
• Navalha will have another two weeks in the paddock at Te Akau Stud and then come into work at Matamata where Jamie will work him up with the aim of having him ready to race early December.
• Still a Maiden, he will contest Maiden 3yo events until winning and if up to the necessary standard, will contest some of the nice 3yo races in the late summer/autumn
• Notable that Navalha is eligible to run in the various races run on Magic Millions Day on the Gold Coast (January of each year) – while he won’t have time to make the A$2m Magic Million Guineas in January 2021, he will be eligible for one of the 6 or 7 other Million Dollar races run for older horses each year at that meeting in subsequent years.
• Progeny of Sebring are renowned for taking a bit of time to mature and we believe from what we have seen of him so far that his best distances are likely to be in the 1400m to 2000m range
• We didn’t pay a lot to secure this horse, he has been syndicated for an all up total of NZ$76,000 – this includes his purchace cost, NZ GST, freight from Aus, Promoter’s fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2022 and working capital.
• As always we do shares down to 1% but a 5% share is $3800, a 2.5% share is $1900 and a 1% share $900 Ongoing monthly fees commence 1 October 2020 at $40 for each 1%
• Click HERE to read more on the Fortuna website – shares can also be ordered from that link
• Pedigree link is below

5.Pedigree-Navalha

Two Fortuna runners in NZ/Aus on Saturday 22nd – Three confirmed Fortuna Runners in Singapore on Sunday 23^rd – one on Ballot

Fortuna runners on Saturday are Highly Likely in the Manawatu Steeples – Race 5 12.55pm and Melody Belle in the Winx Stakes – Group One 1400m A$500k (Race 7 at 5.45 pm NZT)

Highly Likely has not won over the big fences for over 3 years and meets a strong field here in this time honoured $50k race over a gruelling 4400m trip. But ran on nicely for 4^th in his most recent Steeples race, is rock hard fit and gets track conditions (Heavy) which will suit his grinding style of racing perfectly. Charlie Studd to ride – hard to be confident that he can win but is a place chance if he is at his best.

Melody Belle was mildly disappointing on her resuming run in the Missile Stakes At Rosehill 2 weeks ago, however she has shown a pattern of not being at her best first up, did have a good blow afterward, gets to 1400m 2^nd up on an improving Randwick track – Kerrin McEvoy to ride. Meets a very strong field with 9 other Group One winners. Punters are wary in this race with early markets having the favourite Master Of Wine at $6.50 – Melody Belle is on the 4th line of betting at $11 (Aus bookmakers) and that is a fair reflection of her chances we think. Is ready to race boldly, is a strong place chance and can win if she is at her best.

Fortuna runners in Singapore on Sunday are Entertainer (Race 2 – 4.30pm NZT), Hidden Promise (Race 5 – 6pm) and Showbound (Race 6 – 6.30pm)  – Red Rover is Race 13 (10pm) but does need one scratching to get a start

Entertainer ran a bold 3^rd at his Singapore debut – a big, strong type who has impressed his handlers, he gets the Turf, a good draw and a top jock – can be a bit fractious at the barriers. Presents as a strong each way chance – see below the comments from the Singapore Turf Club Race analysis team

1st Pick: THE MAREEBA MANGO (1)

A very pleasing run on debut from this well bred sort (half-brother to a Group 1 winner) and can build on that here. Leading hope.

2nd Pick: ENTERTAINER (3)

Another to run a very nice race on Kranji debut and can continue to improve once again. A must for the numbers here.

3rd Pick: LATENT POWER (10)

Run out of it late by a useful one back in March and has trialled very well since and the barn of Michael Clements are in very good form with their youngsters.

4th Pick: BLUE BLOOD (6)

Best of the newcomers in this and the trial win looked smart for a stable having a nice run at the moment. The wide barrier is the drawback, though.

Hidden Promise finally gets a start after being balloted out recently – a five win horse in Singapore, he has never won at 1200m but rarely runs a bad race – although an eight year old, he may well be the soundest horse in Singapore – has been kept fresh for this trip and gate the “your gun” apprentice K Hakim, who can do no wrong of late, in the saddle along with a 3kg claim. Is at a dangerous place in the ratings in what is a moderate field, has a wide draw to contend with, gets visor blinkers on – look for a bold ride from young Hakim – has strong claims to run in the money – see below the comments from the Singapore Turf Club Race analysis team

1st Pick: FIREWORKS (9)

Looks the safest of bets in a very poor race. Could be a good time to make a cup of tea and wait for Race 6.

2nd Pick: MINGS MAN (7)

More reliable than most of these and he is bidding for his 10th victory here, and very best of luck to him as well.

3rd Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (11)

Has a visor going on here for this start and a good apprentice is on.

4th Pick: DAVID’S STAR (10)

Keen-going sort who will be in the front rank throughout. Place hope if able to hold on.

Showbound has not set the world on fire with his three Singapore starts to date, but has earned prizemoney at each start. A recent trial winner, he gets the Turf in a Maiden 1200m – stable view is that he will appreciate 1400 to 1600m trip eventually, but has a reasonable draw, an apprentice rider (Hakim) who is on fire and claims 3kgs – can make his presence felt here and is certainly a good place chance – see below the comments from the Singapore Turf Club Race analysis team

1st Pick: ST ALWYN (4)

Has the form to win a little race like this and has the assistance of the champion hockey, which is a plus. The one to beat in a weak race.

2nd Pick: SHOWCASE THE GOLD (1)

Put in some good late work on local debut and wouldn’t be an surprise to see him improve on that effort in this affair.

3rd Pick: SHOWBOUND (2)

Has bits and pieces of form and is one to include for the multiples in this for a stable going well.

4th Pick: CRU BOURGEOIS (3)

Has been off a good while but if finding his early form, he is not without some sort of chance here. Interesting.

Red Rover is Ballot 1 and needs a scratching, but then has to contend with a wide barrier draw and a strong Class 2 field – he raced in a similar field at his last start and was in contention with 600 metres to run, before suffering a bad check. If he does get a run, he would need an awful lot of things to go right to be in contention and does look to be better placed in Class 3 company.

Te Akau Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –  Matamata

 Tuesday 18^th August

 Charmaine’s Dream (T Harris) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57.6, final 600 in 42.5.

Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute, last 600 in 45.2.

Rhapsody In Blue (D Montes de Oca) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57, final 600 in 41.

Kensington Track – Randwick NSW:

Melody Belle (K McEvoy) and Probabeel (S Clipperton) galloped over 1000 metres, running the last 800 in 50.78, final 400 in 24.13. Melody Belle prepares for the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on Saturday

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In other news, great results for the Fortuna NZ Stable in Singapore last Sunday with the evergreen Sportscaster winning for the 4th time – he doesn’t win out of turn, but rarely runs a bad race. Click HERE to read that story from the Fortuna website – and then Brutus continued his remarkable run of performing strongly without winning – now 7 Singapore starts for 4 3rds and 3 2nds after running 3rd last night in a very strong Novice field and off a wide draw – he has now won over S$72k and has is still a Maiden

In closing, we have two great value 3yo opportunities available, one for Singapore –TITAN – and one for NZ – NAVALHA – both have similar profiles (high priced yearlings, high profile owners, acquired by us from Inglis digital for a fraction of their yearling cost)

Click HERE to read all about TITAN – $2250 per each 2.5% share

TITAN – 3yo Gelding by Written Tycoon

and HERE to read all about NAVALHA – $1900 per each 2.5% share