During the Magic Million’s Yearling Sale 9-12 January, Fortuna had the “Dream Selection Team” of David Ellis and Mark Walker present and active  – my brief to them was “please find a nice filly from a proven top flight stallion and a strong female line – one that is capable of running as  a Two Year Old but that has the pedigree and physique to kick on as a 3yo and older -budget up to A$100k” – David’s response to my instructions was that my budget limitations made it “tricky”, however the Team stuck to the task and secured a lovely Sebring Filly out of a winning Commands (Sire of Melody Belle) mare for A$100k

About the SEBRING – DANCE FOR ME Yearling Filly

This Yearling Filly, whom we have nicknamed “Bianca” was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Ltd at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast – this after being identified by David, ably assisted by the Te Akau Racing Trainers, Jamie Richards and Mark Walker, as being a Filly of size and strength, physically correct and with a very strong pedigree

Pedigree

“BIANCA” has an excellent pedigree. She is by the hugely successful Stallion Sebring (by More Than Ready) – a sensational race horse winning 5 out of his 6 starts, including the Golden Slipper, he was named as Champion 2yo of his year and was an equally sensational Sire at Stud being the Sire of 519 winners including 55 Stakes winners before his career was cut tragically short by his premature death in 2019. “BIANCA” is the first foal out the Commands Mare, Dance For Me, the winner of two races. Commands of course is the Sire of the Champion Mare, Fortuna’s own Melody Belle. Dance For Me is a daughter of the Group Two winner and multiple Group One placed, Just Dancing – this mare is in turn a daughter of the sensational race mare Ballroom Babe, the winner of eight races in NZ, three at Group One level and a NZ 2yo of the Year – this is a very prolific family with strong speed and staying influences.

Click HERE to view BIANCA’S  pedigree

Preparation History and Ongoing Plans

Being a Yearling, BIANCA has not had a racing preparation but did undergo a Sales Preparation, so is well used to be handled and boxed. She will be shipped to New Zealand in Mid January and be transported to Te Akau Stud, a 4000 acre property in the Western Waikato. There she will have a good eight to ten weeks in a big grassy paddock under the watchful eye of Te Akau supremo, David Ellis. Once David has concluded that she has sufficient physical development, she will be broken in at the farm and once broken in, will travel to the Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata, where in the hands of Fortuna’s NZ Trainer, Jamie Richards, she will have her first Stable preparation. During this time Jamie will assess her progress and map out an ongoing preparation and racing programme for her. Readers should note that because Bianca was acquired at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, she is eligible to compete (subject to qualification) in the A$2m Magic Millions 2yo event run in January 2021 on the Gold Coast and the A$2m Magic Millions 3yo event run in January 2022.

Physical type
A strong, athletic well-proportioned Chestnut Filly by Sebring, BIANCA has the physical attributes to match her pedigree. Strong and well proportioned, she has a lovely walk, and she passed her pre sale Vet examination with flying colours

Trainer’s view (Jamie Richards)
“This Sebring Filly has a real stamp of quality about her – she is very physically correct, has a great walk and a super pedigree. A leggy type, she will take huge improvement from a few weeks in the paddock at Te Akau Stud – looking at her physical type I believe she can be a runner and a winner as a 2yo, but certainly has the scope to kick onto be a quality 3yo”

Click HERE to see her Sale  parade with Voice Over from Jamie Richards

Selector’s view (David Ellis)
“John Galvin had instructed me to select a physically correct, nicely pedigreed yearling filly at Magic Millions Sale and as soon as I saw this Sebring filly during our inspections I could see she fitted the bill, although I was doubtful if we could secure her at John’s budget – however in the end we did and I believe this lovely filly, who exudes class and quality, is exceptional value at this price ” 

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“Fortuna has had a lot of success with Fillies selected on our behalf by David Ellis and his team over the years. This Filly has an incredible pedigree and  has a physical presence to match. We will take her along quietly, allow her time to find her feet and mature and if she is able to have racetrack success, which is our expectation, she will have a lot of value as a broodmare prospect at retirement”

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $17,000  – 5% share $8,500 – 2.5% share $4,250 – 1% share $1,700
• Share price includes all Initial Costs – Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Vetting, Insurance through to 31st January 2021, Magic Millions Series Entry Fee, transport to NZ and Working Capital of over $9,000 approx
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st March 2020 – 10% share $360 per month – 5% share $180 per month – 2.5% share $90 per month – 1% share $36 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
These documents are still being prepared but we are accepting expressions of interest – you can do this by making contact HERE or call/text John 021 921 460

Fortuna runners this week are all in Singapore – RED ROVER Friday evening, while HIDDEN PROMISE and SPORTSCASTER resuming, both race on Sunday

RED ROVER is all class as his past three wins in a row in Singapore attest – freshened since his last race in November, he is up against the big boys tonight in a Class 2 event over 1000m on Poly – his wide draw (9 of 9) does not help but he is all class and will give a good sight here  – Strong Each Way prospect

HIDDEN PROMISE backs up over 1400m Class 5 after resuming last Saturday over 1200m same grade – finishing strongly for 5^th. Extra distance will suit, drawn wide so will need luck but if tempo is good, he should be right in the finish.

SPORTSCASTER resumes over 1400m in this Class 4 event – a staying type, this would normally be too short for him, but he is in great order, has a lovely draw and courtesy of a 4kg claim for Mark Walkers talented apprentice Hakim, he only carries 47.5kgs. Loves to lead so if he gets to the front and gets a soft sectional or two, he is quite capable of kicking away from them on the turn and making things interesting – we rate him a top four chance 

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 7^th Jan – Plough

 Madame Cherie (R.Cole) worked at three-quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.29.6, home in 43.

Burgundy Belle (T.Harris) worked over an easy 800 metres, home in 40.

Melody Belle (T.Harris) worked at three-quarter pace over 800 metres, home in 45.

Thursday  9th Jan – Plough

 Madame Cherie (R Cole) galloped solo over an easy 1200 metres, home in 39.

Melody Belle (O Bosson) looked good working over an easy 800 metres in 56.6, home 41.5.

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped  over 800 metres in 52, last 600 in 37.

MAGIC MILLIONS SALES
In closing, we have had the “Dream Selection Team” of David Ellis and Mark Walker active at the Magic Million Sales on the Gold Coast the last couple of days – my brief to them was “please find a nice filly from a proven top flight stallion and a strong female line – one that is capable of running as  a Two Year Old but that has the pedigree and physique to kick on as a 3yo and older – budget up to A$100k” – David’s response to my instructions was that my budget limitations made it “tricky”, however the Team stuck to the task and secured a lovely Sebring Filly out of a Commands (Sire of Melody Belle) mare for A$100k

 Sebring – Dance For Me Yearling Filly

Full details up on Fortuna Shares For Sale page soon but each 1% share in this Filly is NZ$1700 with $36 per month ongoing from 1 March 2020 – Expressions of interest can be made HERE or by calling John 021 921 460

Click HERE to view footage of this Filly parading with voiceover from Jamie Richards

She will be prepared by Jamie Richards here in NZ but note that this Filly is eligible for the A$2m 2yo Magic Millions race on Gold Coast January 2021 and the A$2m 3yo race in 2022

Finally, if you are not already a subscriber to the Fortuna NZ YouTube channel now is the time to subscribe – if you are a subscriber, it means you will have all Video updates we lost on our Channel emailed to you automatically – just visit HERE and hit the subscribe button

Fortuna runners this week are RED JAKKAL at Te Aroha on Friday, while HIDDEN PROMISE  and BRUTUS race in Singapore on Saturday 4th and the exciting prospect LEADERBOARD resumes at Matamata Tuesday 7th Jan

RED JAKKAL showed real promise as a 3yo running 2^nd on debut, then winning at his 2^nd start. Unraced to date as a 4yo. he has taken a long time to come to hand and his trials have been ordinary. However his work of late has been good, good draw, blinkers go on, top rider in M McNab – certainly worth following but with caution.

HIDDEN PROMISE has won five times in Singapore – all at 1600m – he resumes at 1200m on Saturday – on paper too short but he has run close up placings at this trip before when fresh – can run into the money from good draw if things go right

3yo BRUTUS has his 2^nd Singapore run in Restricted Maiden Grade – he lost no friends when running 3^rd on debut in the same grade after leading for most of the race. Better for that experience, he has the ace draw and a gun rider in Benny Woodworth – looks very good here

LEADERBOARD – what can we say – two very impressive wins at Riccarton in the late spring  by this Irish bred import stamped him as a quality staying type with a good turn of foot and more than a touch of class. Resuming at 1600 metres, he has weight to carry, but the in form Chelsea Burdan takes 3kgs off his back – on a path to the Auckland Cup, his track gallop Friday 3^rd was first class – he is a very good each way chance here.

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

Talking of Singapore, a reminder about the 7.5% New Year Special Discount for the newly arrived 2yo’s Cassius and Cicero – both now coming to the end of their Singapore Quarantine – being released to Mark Walker 6th January. Click HERE to read more re the horses and the discount. We are expecting these two boys to come to hand very quickly – and Mark Walker hit the ground running with the first day of the 2020 Singapore racing season on New Year’s Day, collecting three winners – I am predicting that Mark and the Fortuna NZ Stable in Singapore are going to have a big year. Not to be outdone, Jamie Richards recorded three winners and a handful of minor placings on New Year’s Day here in NZ as well

Pictures below of Cassius and Cicero were taken 19th December in NSW just prior to them flying to Singapore later that evening

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 31^st December

 Plough

 Beau Geste (M Roustoby) looked good galloping over 1000 metres in 1.09.4, last 600 in 39.8.

Leaderboard (O Bosson)) galloped over an easy 1200 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.07, home in 39.5.

Melody Belle (J Kamaruddin) looked good having her first piece of three quarter pace work this preparation, running the last 600 in 46. Burgundy Belle (J Kamaruddin) also had her first three quarter since returning, running home in similar time.

Friday 3rd Jan

Plough

Leaderboard (M McNab) working right handed galloped  strongly over 1200 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.05, last 400 in 23.5

“Leaderboard” – Goes Back to Back at Riccarton 12th November 2019

No Fortuna runners this weekend, but the 2yo Madame Moet, who trialed very nicely at Te Aroha 16^thDecember, is a chance of making her race day debut in the 2yo race at Ellerslie on Boxing Day – this would be her opportunity to qualify for the Karaka Million 25^th January.

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Thursday 19^th December

Madame Cherie (M Roustoby) worked solo at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, running a time of 1.15, last 600 in 44.5.

KHAFEEF arrives in New Zealand

Our latest European bred acquisition, the 4yo Gelding KHAFEEF (Champs Elysees – Tawaareekharrived at Te Akau Stud Thursday morning after his long flight from the UK and quarantining in Australia for two weeks. An impressive winner of a Maiden event over 2100 metres in France 21^stAugust, this lightly raced (4 starts) staying type is set to emulate the path we have taken with Leaderboard, which is to allow him to acclimatise and adapt to NZ conditions and then work through the grades with an attack on the big staying races in NZ and if good enough, Australia, on the agenda. Arriving light in condition, KHAFEEF will spend a few weeks knee deep in grass at Te Akau Stud outing on weight and acclimatising, before commencing a stable preparation in the capable hands of Jamie Richards

Khafeef

Singapore News

No racing in Singapore until 1 January as they are on a three week recess, however that does not mean that Mark Walker and his team are not busy at it – see news item below from  Singapore Racing News outlet – The New Paper

Walker’s horses off and running

Hat-trick winner Red Rover raced by the Fortuna NZ Stable impressed in his gallop at Kranji yesterday morning. Watch him next season.

“Red Rover” – Wins 3rd time in a row – Singapore 03 November 2019

by Brian Miller

Dec 12, 2019 06:00 am

For trainer Mark Walker, the premiership was all neatly wrapped and delivered long before that last lap.

You could say, Christmas had definitely come early for the three-time champion.

But he’s certainly not going to rest on his laurels.

I reckon his message to his fellow trainers is something like this: If you want it in 2020, you’ve got to fight for it.

Already, at his Kranji training establishment, the wheels are in motion for what could be an even better season than the one just ended.

As with all trainers, life goes on and yesterday morning saw a a whole lot of action on the training track – and that, despite the persistent drizzle that has been drenching Singapore over the last couple of days.

Like it was to be expected, Walker’s horses caught the attention of clockers and three, in particular, stood out.

They were Red Rover, Elite Power and Elite Remarkable.

Red Rover breezed over the 600m in 40.2sec, while the two “Elite” horses – Power and Remarkable – were timed at 37.6 and 41.7 respectively.

If there were to be a “find of the 2019 season”, Red Rover will be right up there.

Five times, beginning in late June, he went to the races. And his last three ended in victories.

After picking up minor money in his first two starts, he quickly shed his maiden status with a dominant win over the 1,000m in August. He went on to complete a hat-trick.

I reckon, Walker will keep him humming along nicely and, when he does get his first run in the new season, you can bet he’ll be on top of his game.

Elite Power is another classy sort who should make an impact in 2020.

He didn’t do anything worth writing home last start but he was a dominant force in the early part of the season.

He’s hardly the finished article and we know that he blossoms early in the year.

Christmas/New Year Special – 7.5% discount

Talking of Singapore – check out the Fortuna Christmas/New Year Special on the two Singapore Two Year Olds, Cassius and Cicero – a massive 7.5% discount off the share price on either or both horses – For example Cassius is NZ$5,000 for a 5% share – with the discount that comes down to $4,625

Cassius

Cicero is NZ$5600 for a 5% share – with discount that comes down to $5,180

CICERO

Shares can be taken right down to 1% and when ordering online HERE enter into the Notes box the words “Please apply the 7.5% discount.”

Both Cassius and Cicero should be up and running in Singapore mid to late March

No Fortuna runners this week, but three trialists at Te Aroha Monday 16^th, Madame Moet, Beau Geste and Red Jakkal

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 10^th December

 Plough

 Madame Moet (F Griffiths) galloped over 800 metres in 57.8, final 600 in 41.6.

Beau Geste (M Roustoby) was keen in his work when galloping over 800 metres in 54, last 600n in 39.

Thursday 12^th December

Plough:

Beau Geste (M Roustoby) galloped nicely over 800 metres in 53.

Red Jakkal (D Montes de Oca) galloped over 800 metres in 50.9, last 600 in 36.5

Third Premiership for Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker

Yes Mark Walker has done it again – three Singapore Premierships to go with his five NZ Premierships – Read More HERE

She’s Back!!!  Yes, stable star Melody Belle returned to trackwork last Tuesday 10^th December. Amazingly, during her three week paddock spell she put on 35kgs of body weight – assisted by some magnificent grass at Te Akau Stud  – and she loves that feed bin!!!

Te Akau’s Racing’s Singapore based Trainer, Mark Walker, claimed his third title as champion Singapore trainer following the completion of the racing season at Kranji racecourse on Sunday, recording 73 wins for the season. Walker had previously attained the crown in 2015 and 2017 and he was delighted to add to that tally on the weekend. “It was over a long way from home,” said Walker, referring to having established a commanding winning buffer well before the end of the season. While pleased with his season’s tally, Walker is hoping to record more stakes victories next term. “We lacked Group horses through the year but I’m hoping some get a bit stronger and measure up,” he said. “It would be nice to get more major wins next season.”

Mark Walker

This 3rd Singapore title is  on top of the five NZ Training Premierships acquired by Mark Walker in his time as Te Akau Racing’s NZ Trainer. Fortuna Director, John Galvin comments, “This is a fantastic achievement by Mark Walker – to secure eight Premierships in a training career is a wonderful achievement for any trainer, even more remarkable that it has been done in two jurisdictions. Mark has been training horses for me and Fortuna since 2003 both in NZ and Singapore – we have had some wonderful wins together and become very good friends. His knowledge of horses and training methods are unsurpassed but he is always looking to improve and gain an edge for his runners and their owners. The Fortuna NZ Stable had a great 2019 season in Singapore with 11 winners trained by Mark from a relatively small team including the promising Federation (4 season wins from 10 starts) and Red Rover (3 season wins from 5 starts) – we now have a young refreshed team to race in the 2020 season, so there is a lot to look forward to.”

Great Video Clip here compiled by Boys Get Paid showing a montage of the final stages of Melody Belle’s fist 14 wins – A big thanks to Luke Kemeys and his Team at BGP for compiling this clip

Click HERE to view

Fortuna runners this weekend are the 3yo Brutus (by Rubick) who makes his Singapore debut this Sunday 8^thin the Restricted Maiden event on the Polytrack over 1000 metres. Brutus had one out of the money career start in NSW as a 2yo before we acquired him from the China Horse Club in May 2019 – he has impressed Trainer Mark Walker since he has been in Singapore with his ability – he has trialed well and is primed for this race on Sunday. Restricted Maiden Grade form can be difficult to line up with, in the main, lightly tried horses competing against each other and not a lot of exposed form – however Brutus presents as a Top 4 chance in this event.

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

Thursday 5^th December

Plough:

Madame Moet (A Jones) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres.

Madame Cherie (D Montes de Oca) galloped over an easy 1000 metres, final 600 in 26.

MELODY BELLE has been nominated for the A$5m All Star Mile to be run at Caulfield in Melbourne 14^th March – Read More Here.

racing.com reports:

New Zealand is set for a major first-time presence in the $5 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield after Te Akau Racing nominated 10-time Group 1 winner Melody Belle and the emerging Te Akau Shark for the March feature.

The pair, which are the two highest rating horses in New Zealand, joined the highly-promising three-year-old Kiwi galloper Catalyst in the nominations list for the race where the public will select 10 of the 15 runners.

The trio are all highly popular in New Zealand and with the Kiwis gaining a vote for the first time this year, it is certainly possible all three may make the final line-up on March 14 before the final five wildcards are announced.

While a maiden success at racing’s highest level has just eluded Te Akau Shark, who is part-owned by former rugby league great Paul Gallen, the five-year-old enhanced his growing reputation during this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.

Having finished runner-up – by the narrowest of margins – in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), he followed up with an eye-catching third in the Cox Plate, where he stormed home after starting from the outside barrier.

Those performances elevated his international rating to 118, two ahead of his stablemate Melody Belle, who claimed an astonishing 10th Group 1 success in the TAB Empire Rose Stakes held over The All-Star Mile distance of 1600 metres on Victoria Derby day.

One week later, the five-year-old mare returned to Flemington and lost no admirers when she charged home late to grab second place behind Magic Wand in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).

“The All-Star Mile is a great concept and we’re excited to be part of it by nominating Te Akau Shark and Melody Belle,” said trainer Jamie Richards.

“They both deserved a spell in the paddock after their spring campaigns. The Shark came back into the stable this week and Melody Belle will return on Monday.

“Te Akau Shark will most likely kick-off in an open sprint here in New Zealand, and Melody Belle will probably have a few trials at home with a view to starting her off in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield.

“Melody Belle is a proven Group 1 performer and the Shark has plenty of ‘X Factor’, so we’re very excited about their autumn campaigns. Both horses did us proud during the spring, and we’d like to think they now have enough fans both here and in Australia to get into the top 10.

“It’s a great reflection of New Zealand racing that we have three high-profile horses entered for The All-Star Mile, and if they got there, I’m sure all three would have a great chance of winning the race.

Nominations for the 2020 edition will close at 12pm on Thursday, January 9, with the voting period scheduled to open one week later on 16 January.

The Kiwi stars join Australia’s standout miler of this year’s Spring Racing Carnival, dual Group 1 winner Fierce Impact, and Queensland’s popular Caulfield Guineas (1600m) runner-up Alligator Blood among the early entries for The All-Star Mile.

MELODY BELLE – Victorious in the EMPIRE ROSE STAKES – Group One A$1m 1600 metres – Flemington 2nd November – Opie Bosson aboard

No Fortuna runners this weekend – next runner will be Dundeels’ Girl at New Plymouth Thursday 5^thDecember – she is struggling to find form although has had good trackwork of late

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

Tuesday 26^th November

Plough:

Red Jakkal (A Jones) worked over an easy 800 metres, running home in 43.

Fortuna’s Ready To Run Sales purchase, the 2yo filly by Charm Spirit out of Scattercat (stable name “Charmaine”) is proving popular with 65% of the shares being committed to already. A strong physical type with an excellent pedigree, she will commence her stable preparation under the care of Jamie Richards at Matamata on 10^th December and will be aimed toward a trial late February/early March

 “CHARMAINE” – 2yo Filly by Charm Spirit acquired at NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale

Click HERE to read full details about this filly – great value at $3,500 per 2.5% share