Friday Flash – 1st March 2024
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Friday Flash – 23rd February 2023
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Friday Flash – 16 February 2024
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Friday Flash – 9th February 2024
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Friday Flash 2nd February 2024
Headline News
Fortuna runners score a winning double on Karaka Millions Day (but not at Ellerslie)
Fortuna was active at The NZ Bloodstock annual Karaka Sales
Entain and NZ Racing – the gift that just keeps on giving
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Fortuna has one runner on Saturday – in Singapore
Singapore
KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 3 1200m Turf event Race 9 @ 4pm Sing time (9pm NZT) and will be ridden by the newly arrived French jockey, Ryan Curatolo, from a mid field barrier. Loves this trip and course, 4 wins from 5 attempts says it all – Curatolo has taken the island by storm since arriving with 4 winners from just 13 rides. Has a bit of class about him this horse, does have to carry top weight but should get a nice run in behind the speed and will be storming home
The STC tipsters have this to say about this race
1st Pick: LORD’S COMMAND (2)
Started his four-year-old series campaign with a tight win over 1100m on the Polytrack last start. Proven at this grade and has bigger races on his radar this season. Should have a good run form barrier four.
2nd Pick: KNIPPENBERG (1)
Dominates at this course and distance including a win two starts ago that made it four wins from five attempts. He will settle back and if the speed is on early, he will be flying late again.
3rd Pick: CITY GOLD STAR (3)
Comes out of the race where Lord’s Command won at the start of January. He was beaten 1.5 lengths that day and has performed well off this mark to show a win is possible here.
4th Pick: LUXURY BRAND (6)
Had a fairly successful season last year and comes here first up since November. Fresh legs should be good for him and can sneak into the exotics.
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Matamata Trackwork
No timed Fortuna runners trackwork this week
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 27th January
GUN (JAMIL)1000/600-40; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-39;
Tuesday 30th January
RHETT BUTLER (AWAH)800/600-38;
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OTHER NEWS
Fortuna runners score a winning double on Karaka Millions Day (but not at Ellerslie)
Karaka Million Day 2024 at Ellerslie was a great occasion as the glamour day of New Zealand racing returned to the famous course – a sellout crowd of 12,000 (including 850 from the Boys Get Paid Group, a great atmosphere, class horses, the three year-old race with an increase in prize money to $1.5, a brand-new $1 million race for the four-year-olds – it was all on for young and old. Notable that both the Prime Minister, Chris Luxon and the Deputy Prime Minister (and Minister of Racing), Winston Peters were on course – surely a great endorsement for a resurgent NZ Racing industry!!!
The weather was a wee bit indifferent as the day went on but certainly didn’t damage the atmosphere. To be fair, the new track did not quite meet expectations being a bit slippery on the day, however the jockeys, who are the ones who risk life and limb, were happy to continue. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) have acknowledged the issue surrounding the track, have listened to the input from riders and trainers and are promising improvements for the next race meeting there.
From a Fortuna perspective we hosted over 100 people on track and we had booked a great facility in the Tote on Ascot room with plenty of space, big screen TVs, betting facilities, not to mention the bar and carvery of course – we were there for our wonderful two-year-old Bellatrix Star who was running in the Karaka two-year-old event and our syndicate Members were expectant, given her last start success in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes on New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, she was slow away, which probably cost her a winning chance, but ran on very strongly for a fourth placing, was certainly far from disgraced and our Syndicate Members, who were there on the day, while naturally disappointed, were very proud of her and thrilled that they could be there on the day with a real live chance in a $1m race.
However Fortuna runners did not come away empty-handed on the day as earlier at Riccarton, a well judged ride by Joe Kamaruddin had seen Angels Wings score her third career win over 1100m down the Riccarton chute (Click HERE to see that story and replay), and then 20 minutes after the Karaka Million was run, our Singapore runner Elliott Ness defied an outside barrier draw to win the Class 4 1100m event, bringing up his 4th career win in Singapore, after being given a lovely ride by stable apprentice Sarwi Jamil (Click HERE to see that story and replay). There was a certain irony with this victory, as Elliot Ness is by Written Tycoon, who of course is the Sire of the KM 2yo winner, Velocious, however we had several Members of the Bellatrix Star group who also have shares in Elliot Ness, so there was quite a din in the Tote on Ascot room as he surged to the front!!!
ELLIOT NESS – Singapore 27th January
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Fortuna was active at The NZ Bloodstock annual Karaka Sales
As I’m sure you are aware the 2024 edition of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling sale – Book one – was very strong with significant increases in turnover average and median prices. We have secured two Yearling offerings to date, one a three year year-old staying type of Filly, the other a get up and go two year-old type, by a really exciting young Stallion, who we think has a real chance of being our Karaka Million two-year-old type for next season – as always, we are very firm on budget, but managed to secure two lovely lots within budget, but did have a bit of a tussle to achieve that with the 2yo type
Lot 219 – the El Roca – Megara Filly
We just love buying this type of horse. She won’t be an early runner but has the physique and the pedigree to develop into a really nice middle distance staying type as a 3yo – and gee, there are some great prizemoney races for three-year-olds aren’t there – from the Classic 1000 guineas at Riccarton, to the Karaka three-year-old Classic on Karaka Million day, now for prize money of $1.5 million and of course from 2025, the new NZB Kiwi “slot race” for prize money of $3.5 million. By a stallion in El Roca, who is a top 5 NZ Stallion, and who is really starting to make his mark and out of a winning Encosta De Lago mare, who has had five to the races for four winners, there is a lot to like about her pedigree page as well. Notable that El Roca has already left two racemares that have won the Group One Levin Classic, Travelling Light and Romancing The Moon. Given good race day success, a Filly like this would have great residual value as a broodmare also
Read all about her below and also at the link HERE – orders for shares in this Filly can me made online from this link
About The Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
This beautiful Filly was acquired by Fortuna Racing and David Ellis at the 2024 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Yearling sale – this after David, in conjunction with fellow thoroughbred selectors, Marcus Corban and Fortuna’s NZ Trainer, Mark Walker, had conducted extensive inspections over the previous six weeks. As always, our focus was very much on type and any Fillies that made the shortlist needed to have ticked several boxes before they could be on the list. We also had a budget and we are firm on not going above budget. Our budget for this year sale was NZ$120,000 and we managed to secure this lovely Filly for NZ$105,000 from her Breeders, Westbury Stud
Pedigree
This Filly’s Sire, El Roca, a Sire son of Champion Australian Stallion, Fastnet Rock, is well proven Stallion with 135 winners to date with several Stakes Winners, including the Group One winners, Traveling Light and Romancing The Moon
The Dam, Megara (by Encosta De Lago) was a winner in Australia and she is the dam of five foals to race, with four winners, including the Listed winner, Red Striker and the Te Akau trained Accidental Tourist who is Stakes Placed.
Click HERE to view this Filly’s pedigree
Physical type
This Filly, whom we have given the Stable Name “Meg” is a beautiful walking Filly of good size and scope. She certainly ticked all of the usual boxes we look for when trying to select genuine, athletic types.
Click HERE to see her parade ahead of the Karaka Sale
The Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
Preparation and Racing Plans
“Meg” has been transported to Te Akau Stud in the western Waikato – she will paddock spell there for approximately six weeks before commencing her breaking in process. This usually takes around 5 to 6 weeks and after being broken in she will travel to the Matamata stables of Te Akau Racing, where under the close eye of Fortuna’s trainers, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, she will have her first preparation – this will last about three weeks and after that she will go for a further paddock spell before returning to Matamata for a more complete preparation, which may well culminate in a trial at some stage during the spring of 2024 and ongoing plans for her will be dependent on her physical progression and maturity at that time. Presenting as a physical type who will develop into a strong, powerful 3yo, we will take her along patiently in her early preparation, but as a well grown, early foal, she may well be ready to make her raceday debut in the Autumn of 2025
Here is what our selection Team have to say about this Filly
Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis says
“John, once again you have done incredibly well here with a beautiful physical type of Filly here We loved this Filly when we paraded her – she has a lovely walk and has plenty of size and scope about her. By a Stallion who leaves consistent performers and out of an Encosta de Lago mare, who is out of a Danehill mare, she has a lovely pedigree page and we bought her at a great price – she represents exceptional value for you and your Syndicate Members.”
Te Akau Racing Trainer Mark Walker says
“John, this Filly by El Roca really caught our eye at inspections – she is very athletic with a great walk and we think she could run as an Autumn 2yo but train on nicely to be a lovely 1600m plus type 3yo – out of a mare by Encosta de Lago who is a Champion Broodmare sire, the dam herself had had four winners out of five to the races including one that is a Stakes winner and one who is Stakes placed – she is a ripper”
Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“We love buying Fillies who present as real athletes at inspections and have the size and scope to develop into middle distance/staying types as 3yo’s – this Filly by El Roca certainly ticked all of the boxes we look for and we were very happy to secure her within budget ”
Karaka Millions Race Series
Note that “Meg” is to be registered for the Karaka Millions Race Series. This means she is eligible to run in the Karaka Millions 2yo event over 1200m for $1m run at Ellerslie in January of 2025 and the Karaka Millions 3yo event over 1600m for $1.5m run at Ellerslie in January of 2026 – she is also eligible to run in the NZB Kiwi – the new “slot” race for 3yos over 1500m for prizemoney of NZ$3.5m
Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for MEG
Read the Declaration.\
Terms
- Shares available right down to 1%.
- 10% share $16,000, 5% share $8,000, 2.5% share $4,000, 1% share $1600 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
- Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Race Series Fee and working capital of over $7,000
- Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
- Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
Go to the link HERE – to order shares – feel free to contact John direct by return email or call/text him 021 921460 if you require further information or need assistance with the ordering process – John is always available to speak with you at anytime
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Lot 231 – The Too Darn Hot – Miss Challenger Filly
Now here is just a fabulous opportunity. Having been at the recent Magic Millions Sale where the progeny of this Stallion averaged A$360k, I never thought we would be able to buy a Filly by TOO DARN HOT for our budget. TOO DARN HOT certainly lived up to his name as a racehorse (six wins from 9 starts, with 3 of those wins at Group One level) and now as a stallion with a great first season Sire record in the Northern Hemisphere and on track to achieve a similar result with his first crop of Southern Hemisphere yearlings – he was a very exciting racehorse on the track, winning four times as a two-year-old (including once at Group One level) and training on to win two Group Ones as a three-year-old – the female side is all Australian speed and this Filly is definitely an early two-year-old type who will be up and running in the spring of 2024 and as such, will be a real live prospect for the 2025 Karaka Million two year-old race. There has been strong interest in this Filly already with expressions of interest for 65%, so don’t procrastinate over this one – she is a beauty!!!
Read all about her below and also at the link HERE – orders for shares in this Filly can me made online from this link
About The Yearling Filly by Too Darn Hot out of Miss Challenger
This lovely Filly was acquired by Fortuna Racing and David Ellis at the 2024 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Yearling sale – this after David, in conjunction with fellow thoroughbred selectors, Marcus Corban and Fortuna’s NZ Trainer, Mark Walker, had conducted extensive inspections over the previous six weeks. As always, our focus was very much on type and any Fillies that made the shortlist needed to have ticked several boxes before they could be on the list. We also had a budget and we are firm on not going above budget. Our budget for this year sale was NZ$120,000 and we managed to secure this classy Filly for NZ$120,000 from her Breeders, Wentwood Grange
Pedigree
This Filly’s Sire, TOO DARN HOT, a Sire son of the World Champion International Stallion, Dubawi, was a sensational racehorse in the UK and France, with 6 wins (4 as a 2yo) from just 9 career starts, with 3 of those wins coming at Group One Level, one as a 2yo over 1400m (Dewhurst Stakes) at Newmarket in the hands of Frankie Dettori and two as a 3yo old, the Prix Jean Prat in France (1400m) and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1600m), again with Dettori aboard in both victories. Bred and Owned by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, he sustained a hairline fracture in his cannon bone after his Goodwood win and was retired to Stud
His Stud career got off to a very strong start in the Northern Hemisphere, finishing 3rd on the first season UK Sires list (2023 season) with 20 winners (including 3 Stakes Winners) from 56 runners. A Darley Stallion, the Stud had made a decision to shuttle him to Australia, where in the current 2023/24 season, he is equal leading first season Sire with 4 winners from just seven starters. At the recent Magic Millions Yearlings Sale on the Gold Coast, the progeny of Too Darn Hot averaged A$360k
The Dam, MISS CHALLENGER (Flying Spur) was placed in Australia and is a half sister to the seven time (and Group 3 winner) Startsmeup– this pedigree line is very speedy
Click HERE to view this Filly’s pedigree
Physical type
This Filly, whom we have given the Stable Name “Hottie” is a lovely walking Filly of good average size – an early foal, she is very forward and looks to be an early maturing type who will be contesting two year old races before Christmas of 2024
Click HERE to see her parade ahead of the Karaka Sale
The Too Darn Hot – Miss Challenger Filly
Preparation and Racing Plans
“Hottie” has been transported to Te Akau Stud in the western Waikato – she will paddock spell there for approximately six weeks before commencing her breaking in process. This usually takes around 5 to 6 weeks and after being broken in she will travel to the Matamata stables of Te Akau Racing, where under the close eye of Fortuna’s trainers, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, she will have her first preparation – this will last about three weeks and after that she will go for a further paddock spell before returning to Matamata for a more complete preparation – physically, she is very forward with a 1st September foaling date and looks like she will be an early runner but does have the scope and physique to train on as a 3yo – we think, however, that she has a “natural 2yo” look about her and that she could well be up and running well before Christmas, which puts her nicely in the frame as a genuine Karaka Millions 2yo (run for a Stake of $1m) prospect with that race being run late January 2025.
Here is what our selection Team have to say about this Filly
Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis says
“John, this Too Darn Hot Filly is of good average size, very classy in her appearance, has a lovely free flowing walk, looks to be a genuine 2yo type who will run early and is by a young Stallion who is really going places – a beautiful athletic Filly, she represents great value at the price we bought her for.”
Te Akau Racing Trainer Mark Walker says
“John, Too Darn Hot is a very exciting young Sire and this filly is out of a Flying Spur Mare who is out of a Bluebird Mare, so it is a very speedy family – Dave and I just loved her on type, loved the way she walked and we had her on your list, just had reservations if we could buy her for your budget, but luckily we managed to secure her for you in the end. She is a definite Karaka Millions 2yo type – born 1 September, she is very forward and looks as if she will run very early, but at the same time has the scope to furnish into a lovely 3yo. We are rapt to have a Filly of this quality in the stable to train for the Fortuna Team”
Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“I just loved this Filly’s presence when I inspected her pre sale, but did not think we would be able to secure her for budget – initially I was right about that as she was passed in with a $150k reserve, however Mark Walker was able to negotiate hard with her Vendors, managed to secure her for budget and we are very happy to own her as she is a definite chance to be an early type 2yo”
Karaka Millions Race Series
Note that “Hottie” is to be registered for the Karaka Millions Race Series. This means she is eligible to run in the Karaka Millions 2yo event over 1200m for $1m, run at Ellerslie in January of 2025 and the Karaka Millions 3yo event over 1600m for $1.5m, run at Ellerslie in January of 2026 – she is also eligible to run in the NZB Kiwi – the new “slot” race for 3yos over 1500m for prizemoney of NZ$3.5m, run in March of 2026.
Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for HOTTIE
Read the Declaration.
Terms
-
Shares available right down to 1%.
-
10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
-
Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Race Series Fee and working capital of over $7,000
-
Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
-
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
Go to the link HERE to order shares – feel free to contact John direct by return email or call/text him 021 921460 if you require further information or need assistance with the ordering process – John is always available to speak with you at anytime
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Entain and NZ Racing – the gift that just keeps on giving
As readers may be aware, the writer has had a lifelong involvement with thoroughbred racing – since my early teenage years in fact and have had some great experiences over the years attending race meetings, having a punt, socialising with friends and fellow racegoers and then, since the early 2000s, some great thrills as a private owner, and of course, even greater thrills as a syndicator since 2007 with over 250 winners emanating from our syndication business
Yet taking all of that account, I don’t believe that I have ever observed as much excitement or anticipation in thoroughbred racing as there is at the present – everywhere I go, everyone I talk to, there is just such a buzz and it seems as if almost every week there is a new announcement about prizemoney increases, new races, new bonus schemes or incentives. It’s certainly a great time to be involved in racing and on track it’s just amazing to see the crowds – virtually every race meeting I have been to over recent months has been a sellout or close to a sellout and notable that is intergenerational as well, with great representation from that 20’s/30’s demographic.
Betting turnover is up substantially and I guess that is only natural as increasing stakes and enhanced marketing means increase participation by both industry participants and its followers – from my perspective I think one of the most exciting things is that the new initiatives and incentives are going to greatly assist to keep our better horses here in New Zealand, rather than seeing them many of them sold off shore as has been the case for the last 25 years or so
There is no question that the involvement of Entain in New Zealand racing since they have taken over the day-to-day operations of the TAB since the 1st of June 2023, has been a major factor here. The people at Entain understand racing, they understand betting, they understand what drives betting turnover, they understand marketing, and they have observed at firsthand the growth in the Australian market over the past two decades and are now applying those principles here in New Zealand.
I had an interesting conversation with a senior management person from Entain recently who had been previously employed at the old TAB in a similar role, I asked them what the essential difference was and they said “John, it’s pretty simple – everyone at Entain at senior level is invested in racing. They like to bet, they own shares in racehorses, they love going to the races, whereas back in my TAB days, I hardly had any colleagues that were actively involved in racing”
Since Entain took over the former TAB day to day operations we have seen an immediate 28% increase in Stakes across the board. Group One Racing prizemoney is now double what it was three years ago and similar stats apply to other levels of Group and Listed races. At the bottom end, the minimum stakes for Maiden races have been lifted significantly and Grade races both midweek and Saturdays are now providing Owners with a reasonable return.
At the top end, we have seen the Karaka 3yo Classic go to $1.5m this year (won by Orchestral) and the new 4yo race for $1k (won by Desert Lightning) have both been warmly received by the racing fraternity
A couple of weeks ago, we saw the announcement of the NZB Kiwi, a “slot race” modeled on Sydney Racing’s highly successful Everest – this is a 1500m race for 3yo’s to be run at Ellerslie on their new “Champion’s Day” which sees the Auckland Cup, the Derby and other elite races all combined into one huge day of racing. As we have seen with the Everest, the hype, anticipation and publicity surrounding the allocation of slots and the participants involved in that process, both equine and human, is a real driver for wider public participation in racing other than from its traditional support. Runner eligibility for this race is uncomplicated with runners having to either (a) be bred in NZ or (b) have been sold through a NZ Bloodstock or Gavelhouse Sale
Bonuses and Incentives seem to be the order of the day as per the two recent announcements below
KARAKA MILLIONS SERIES & NEW BONUSES – $2.9 million
NZB’s Karaka Millions sales graduates series comprises of the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) plus two new bonuses announced for horses purchased out of Karaka 2024.
NZB has joined forces with Entain to introduce an additional $400,000 in available bonuses for horses offered at the 2024 National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.
The $200,000 New Owners Bonus will be won by the first horse across the finish line in the 2025 $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO that has 50% or more of the ownership being held by first-time owners. Aimed to introduce newcomers to the thrill of racehorse ownership, new owners can purchase a yearling at the fast-approaching yearling sales at Karaka in January and be racing for $1.2 million only a year later.
The $200,000 Book 2 Bonus will be won by the first horse across the finish line in the 2026 $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO that was offered in NZB’s Book 2 Sale in January 2024.
Sign up at the fall of the hammer for the Karaka Millions Series and your purchase could be racing for $1m in 12 months time and a further $1.5 million in 24 months plus bonuses.
Sires Produce Stakes to Kick Off $1 Million in Bonuses for The NZB Kiwi
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today revealed the initial New Zealand races that will allow the country’s fastest juveniles to compete for their share of an additional $1 million in bonuses associated with the country’s first Thoroughbred slot race, The NZB Kiwi.
To be eligible for a share in the $1 million bonus pool, a horse must win one of the various Bonus Eligible New Zealand and/or Australian races, and also run a top three placing in The NZB Kiwi held on Champions Day (8 March 2025).
The Bonus for horses that run a place in The NZB Kiwi (provided they have won a Bonus Eligible race), will be $600k for first, $250k for second, and $150k for third place.
The first Bonus Eligible race will be the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) for two-year-olds, set to be run this season on 6 April 2024. The initial list of New Zealand Bonus Eligible races is outlined below:
- Group 1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) – Manawatu Racing Club at RACE Trentham
- Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) – Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse
- Group 1 Barneswood Farm One Thousand Guineas (1600m) – Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park
- Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) – Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park
- Group 1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) – Wellington Racing Club at RACE Trentham
- Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
- Group 2 Cambridge Stud Alamanzor Trophy (1200m) – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
- Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) – Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse
Further incentives
Of interest to me was that the powers that be are not overlooking “grass roots” racing either. For example significant increases for the Matamata Racing Club’s flagship meeting in February, featuring the Matamata Breeders Stakes, were announced. Being run for $120k in 2023, this iconic race will be run for $150k in 2024 and with the enhanced Stakesmonies announcement by NZTR and Entain/NZ (in conjunction with the NZB Kiwi announcement) it will lift to $225k in 2025 and and incredible $300k in 2026. Other feature races at the same meeting are the Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper, run for $100k this year, the Listed Kaimai Stakes, run for $$80k and the Listed Lisa Chittick Plate, run for $50k. Under the new announcement, the stakes for these three races will go to $150k, $90k and $100k respectively in 2025 with further increase forecast in 2026. If those forecasts prove to be forthcoming, it could mean that total Stakesmonies at the Matamata Breeders Stakes day in 2026 could be in the vicinity of $1m!!! – this is an incredible outcome for a provincial Racing Club that does more than its share of “heavy lifting” with industry race days and of course, a great training facility
The bottom line on all of this is that it is a great time to be involved in NZ Racing – there is no question about the fact that the last 20 years or so have been extremely difficult for participants at all levels of NZ Racing and we have only been able to watch on in awe as our cousins across the Tasman have seen their racing industry go from strength to strength. However some important structural changes, emanating in the main from the Winston Peters inspired Messara report, are now taking effect – there is still a long way to go, particularly with race day facilities at many of our race tracks, but the momentum is certainly there.
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Guest Selector – Gary Williams
Hi John and Team
After the excitement of Karaka night we are back in the provinces this week with some very even fields.
Taranaki…..I’m confident i’ve found a couple of winners !
Race 4 Uderzo.…well placed here [ $5.50 Win]
Race 5 Captured By Night…..very popular ! [ $1.40 Win]
Race 6 Saint Alice …..obliged last time, go again [$ 4.50 Win]
Race 7 The Entertainer …..each way ,all day [ $9/$3 ]
Race 8 Whangaehu …..honest performer [ $6 /$3 ]
Otago…..one of their big days of year !
Race 5 Sense Of Timing [$6 Win] and Mogul [ $11 ] both Top 4
Race 6 Pontardawe …..stays well and Tina rides [$4 Win]
Race 8 Bourbon Chique…due to strike [ $6 Win ]
Race 7…..2400m will test most so I’m picking 3 who will run it and set up a nice First 4
Shockalia [$7 win] , Northerner Verismo [ $7 ] win , and local Exchange [$13 ]
Race 9 ….WFA ….the two at TOP standout …..easy Quinella.
PS….some great Value there, just the WEATHER to look out for – it’s threatening again !
All the best,
Gary
Fortuna acquires a Too Darn Hot Filly at Karaka Yearling Sale – Lot 231
This Filly is our 2025 Karaka Millions 2yo prospect
Having secured a lovely 3yo type on Day One (Lot 219) the El Roca – Megara Filly, our focus was on securing a precocious 2yo type who would be a genuine contender for the 2025 Karaka Millions 2yo race for prizemoney of $1m
We struck gold in securing Lot 231, the Filly by the young Sire sensation TOO DARN HOT out of a Flying Spur (Danehill) Mare
TOO DARN HOT (a son of the mighty Dubawi) was a sensational racehorse in the UK and France, with 6 wins (4 as a 2yo) from just 9 career starts, with 3 of those wins coming at Group One Level, one as a 2yo over 1400m (Dewhurst Stakes) at Newmarket in the hands of Frankie Dettori and two as a 3yo old, the Prix Jean Prat in France (1400m) and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1600m), again with Dettori aboard in both victories. Bred and Owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, he sustained a hairline fracture in his cannon bone after his Goodwood win and was retired to Stud
His Stud career got off to a very strong start in the Northern Hemisphere, finishing 3rd on the first season Sires list (2023 season) with 20 winners (including 3 Stakes Winners) from 56 runners. Standing at Darley, the Stud had made a decision to shuttle him to Australia, where in the current 2023/24 season, he is equal leading first season Sire with 4 winners from just seven starters. At the recent Magic Millions Yearlings Sale on the Gold Coast, the progeny of Too Darn Hot averaged A$360k
This Filly was on our list, but we were not confident we could get her for budget and sure enough she was bid up to $140k before being passed in with a $150 reserve by her Vendors, Wentwood Grange. Mark and Sam decided to go and negotiate on our behalf with the vendors and were successful in securing her for us at our budget limit of $120k
She really is a lovely, athletic type – Click HERE to see her Sales Page link – at this link you will be able to see her parade video clip and her pedigree.
Too Darn Hot – Miss Challenger Yearling Filly
Fortuna Trainer Mark Walker says “John, Too Darn Hot is a very exciting young Sire and this filly is out of a Flying Spur Mare who is out of a Bluebird Mare, so it is a very speedy family – Dave and I just loved her on type, loved the way she walked and we had her on your list, just had reservations if we could buy her for your budget, but luckily we managed to secure her for you in the end. She is a definite Karaka Millions 2yo type – born 1 September, she is very forward and looks as if she will run very early, but at the same time has the scope to furnish into a lovely 3yo. We are rapt to have a Filly of this quality in the stable to train for the Fortuna Team”
This Filly will now go to Te Akau Stud for 6 weeks in the paddock ahead of being broken in
She is registered for the Karaka Millions Race Series – meaning she is eligible to race in the Karaka Millions 2yo Race for $1m in 2025 and the Karaka Millions 3yo Race for $1.5m in 2026 – she is also eligible to run in the new $3.5m Slot race over 1500m as a 3yo in 2026
We have done the numbers and this is how they work out;
Initial Capital includes Purchase Price plus NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Race Series Fee, and working capital of over $7k
10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
Paperwork will be finalised over the next couple of days but we are taking expressions of interest and now is your chance to “express interest” in this filly and if you do, you will be guaranteed a share – simply register interest by responding to this update via the link HERE advising the percentage that you would like to put your hand up for
Fortuna acquires an El Roca Filly at Karaka Yearling Sale – Lot 219
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ELLIOT NESS makes it 4 career wins in Singapore – 27th January 2024
Six year old ELLIOT NESS (Written Tycoon – Walk with Attitude) defied the difficulties presented by his outside barrier draw when taking out the Class 4 1100m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji Racecourse 27th January. Ridden by Te Akau Racing Stable Apprentice, Sarwi Jamil, Elliot Ness flew the gates from his wide Barrier and settled in 2nd place behind the leader. Presented at the top of the straight, Jamil bided his time before asking his mount for greater effort, but once he did, his run was inexorable, finishing the race with a one length margin in a time of 1.05.39.
Click HERE to see the race replay
ELLIOT NESS had won previously in August 2023, but after a couple more races, he was given a freshen up by Trainer Donna Logan before resuming on 14th Jan, finishing in 6th place after getting no luck from a wide draw
Trainer, Donna Logan, currently in New Zealand attending the NZ Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sales was a happy trainer after watching the race from Ellersie racecourse “Lovely win by a lovely horse and a great ride by young Jamil – well done to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing and his ownership team.”
“Elliot Ness” – 4th Singapore Win – 27th January 2024
Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching from Ellersie racecourse in New Zealand on Karaka Million Day, was very proud of his charge. “I thought he may have difficulty in this race given his wide barrier draw, but Jamil had him away well, he showed good early speed and got into a great position stalking the leader. He loves this trip and is fashioning a nice record in Singapore. Well done to to Donna Logan and her team for having this horse in such shape.”
A happy Sarwi Jamil returns to scale aboard Elliot Ness
ELLIOT NESS (who raced with the name PROHIBITION in Australia) was originally purchased as a Yearling at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for A$675,000 as a Stallion prospect for an Ownership Group comprising the China Horse Club and other high profile owners. Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden in Sydney, he trialed twice in May 2020 for a 4th and a 6th placing and after determining that his trial form indicated that he was not up to Stallion making ability plus the fact that he was very Colty and needed to gelded, he was put up for sale unreserved and John Galvin acquired him at the May 2020 Inglis Online Sale for just A$35,000. He has now won four times and had eighteen other prizemoney placing from 28 starts in Singapore and has Stakes Earnings of S$186,000 for his Ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from NZ, Australia and Hong Kong
ANGELS WINGS soars to her 3rd career victory at Riccarton 27th January 2024
Angels Wings (4 m Heroic Valour – Gowana, by More Than Ready) continued her trend of milestone moments for Te Akau Racing when winning the $40,000 Rating 65 1100 metres on Saturday at Riccarton. When winning in July last year, Angels Wings became the 200th winner in a record-breaking season for Mark Walker and on this occasion notched the 100th domestic win for the Te Akau co-trainers Walker and Sam Bergerson. A winner twice previously to 1300 metres, Angels Wings finished fifth off a wide run in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 28 December at Timaru, and appeared ideally drawn (5) to race well.
Ridden by stable apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, Angels Wings took a short time to settle behind the leaders, quickened through to lead at the 200m and kept finding to stave off stable-mate Superbly Written (Written Tycoon) who did very well following an interrupted passage at the rear. In the race sponsored by Berkley Stud at Karaka 2024, Angels Wings ran 1100 metres in 1:01.8 on Good4 footing and drifted in betting to pay $10.20 & $3.10 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race reult and replay
“She has got ability and we sent her to the South Island with the thinking that would be a more suitable environment for her to win races and reach her potential,” John Galvin said. “It’s a Saturday race and good prize money for the owners and I thought it was a clever decision by Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) to keep her fresh and run at 1100 metres on this occasion. She didn’t get all favours in the run last time at Timaru, so they gave her a month between races, and the win will set her up nicely to go a bit further up in grade. We bought her as a replacement for Melody Belle, after we sold her on the Gold Coast, and many from that syndicate are in Angels Wings. I don’t think she’ll ever reach the heights of Melody Belle, but she’s a good, honest race mare in her own right.”
Angel’s Wings – 3rd Career Win Riccarton 27th January 2024
Notably, when winning last May, Angels Wings provided the first win for her sire, Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock), in New Zealand, whom David Ellis purchased as a yearling at Karaka, and known for his consistency at top level he was rewarded with victory in the Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) at Ellerslie.
Te Akau Principal David Ellis was particularly pleased with the result “It’s a fantastic result for John Galvin and his owners, especially on a day when he has one of the favourites (Bellatrix Star) in the Karaka Millions 2YO, so we wish them all the best. What a great achievement by Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) to reach 100 wins in such quick time again this season and it’s hugely rewarding for everyone involved: staff, owners, and for Karyn and me too,” he said. “It’s especially thrilling for Sam. He’s such a great young man that is putting his heart and soul into training. He’s a terrific leader, has a great affinity with the staff, a talented person in every respect, and a credit to his family who has such a strong background in racing. It’s also a special milestone for our racing manager Reece Trumper, Hunter Durrant, who runs our stable at Riccarton, and Nicole Shailer, our assistant trainer at Matamata. Everyone that works for Te Akau gives 110% and without that type of commitment you just can’t get these sorts of results”
Angel Wings was purchased by David Ellis and Andrew Williams Bloodstock for A$100,000 on behalf of Fortuna Racing, from the draft of KBL Thoroughbreds, at the 2021 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale. She was purchased just a few days after the Fortuna Racing dual Horse of The Year and now Thoroughbred Hall of Famer, Melody Belle, was sold for A$2.6m and many of the Melody Belle owners are also owners in Angels Wings
Angels Wings is owned by Fortuna Angels Wings Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), an ownership group comprising 41 individuals
Angels Wings was strapped by Naomi Warrander
Fortuna Racing’s 2yo BELLATRIX STAR draws perfectly for the $1m rendition of the 2024 Karaka Million at Ellerslie 27th January
Fortuna Racing has been around a long time as one of New Zealand’s premier boutique syndicators, since 2007 in fact and over the years has fashioned an enviable record, most notably with the remarkable performances of dual Horse of the Year and 14 time Group One winner, Melody Belle, the Group One 2000 Guineas winner, Tell A Tale and Wellington Cup winner, Leaderboard and has delivered over 250 winning performances for its many, many clients over the years, in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. This Saturday, Fortuna Racing returns, after a seven year absence, to the Karaka Million 2yo stage with a runner, Bellatrix Star (Star Witness- Alana’s Party), in the 2024 edition of this headline catching race.
Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, picks up the story “Undoubtedly the 2017 running of the Karaka Million 2yo event is one of those indelible memories, as not only was it won in spectacular fashion by Melody Belle, but it launched an ongoing glittering career by that wonderful racemare, who raced for five full seasons, collecting 14 Group Ones along the way and was twice crowned NZ Horse Of The Year. Every year since 2017, we have endavoured to buy one or two Karaka Million types at the NZ Bloodstock Yearling Sale, however it is an extremely hard race to get to with a 2yo, everything has to go right during their early 2yo season preparation and since Melody Belle’s great win, we just have not been able, until this year, to have everything go in our favour. However, after that seven year hiatus, we have produced a lovely 2yo type in Bellatrix Star, who has been beautifully handled by her Trainers, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, has definitely done everything right in her 2yo preparation and is a real live winning chance in the 2024 running of this spectacular race.”
BELLATRIX STAR (Star Witness – Alana’s Party) as a Yearling
Love Racing reports as follows:
Favoured fillies Velocious (Written Tycoon) and Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) have strengthened their status as headline acts for Saturday’s $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) after drawing neighbouring midfield gates for the 17th running of the lucrative juvenile feature.
In a spectacular barrier draw beamed on to Auckland’s Sky Tower on Wednesday night, Velocious landed gate seven and Bellatrix Star gate six. With the emergency Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) drawing the inside barrier, the favoured pair will both move in by one gate if there are no scratchings.
Velocious is trained by Stephen Marsh for syndicators Go Racing. The same combination teamed up to win this race in 2013 with Ruud Awakening (Bernardini). Go Racing paid $190,000 to buy Velocious from the draft of breeders Inglewood Stud at Karaka 2023, and she has had three starts for two stylish wins, a Group Two placing and $106,500 in stakes.
Bellatrix Star was offered by Phoenix Park at Karaka 2023, where she was bought for $80,000 by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis in partnership with Fortuna Racing. Ellis and Fortuna joined forces to win this race with the great Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in 2017. That started an extraordinary streak of Karaka Millions-winning two-year-olds bought by Ellis at Karaka, which now stands at seven in succession – Melody Belle, Avantage (Fastnet Rock), Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), Cool Aza Beel (NZ) (Savabeel), On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau), Dynastic (NZ) (Almanzor) and Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin).
Bellatrix Star has strong credentials to join that honour roll, recording two wins and two placings from four starts to date including an impressive last-start success in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes (1200m).
BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – 1 Jan 2024 – Warren Kennedy aboard
Fortuna is renowned for producing very large syndicates, but remarkably the Bellatrix Star Syndicate has 69 individual Members in its ownership Group. John Galvin picks up the story “Yes, it is not unusual for us to have large numbers of Owners, this due no doubt to the fact that we offer shares in our syndicates down to 1%, and typically we have around 40 or 50 individuals in each of our syndicates. The Melody Belle syndicate was a bit smaller, with just 34 Members, but with Bellatrix Star, the ownership Group is widely spread with the biggest shareholders having just 7.5% and with a number of brand new Fortuna clients coming aboard – Jessica (Galvin) and I often get asked how we are able to manage such large ownership groups, but we just love having so many individuals involved in each of our syndicates and we have robust systems in place to manage the administration and communication tasks.
“Remarkably at Ellerslie this Saturday, we will be hosting 120 people in Ellerslie’s Tote On Ascot facility, a group made up of 63 of the 69 Syndicate Members plus their Guests and win, lose or draw, the mere fact of having a runner in this great race is a great thrill for all of our Syndicate Members – it is not often that everyday, ordinary New Zealanders can get to have a runner in a One Million Dollar Race on one of the great days of New Zealand Racing.”
Bellatrix Star will be ridden by New Zealand’s leading jockey, Warren Kennedy