fortunanz

Friday Flash – 19th January 2024

Published 19 January 2024

Headline News

Our new Spirit Of Boom Yearling Filly from Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale – Stable Name “Boomer” now live on the Fortuna website

Bellatrix Star galloped at Ellerslie this morning in the hands of Warren Kennedy

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Fortuna has two well performed runners on Saturday – one in NZ and one in Singapore

Trentham

LEADERBOARD defends his Wellington Cup on Saturday – Race 9 @ 4.42pm with Joe Doyle to ride from an outside barrier – was running on well 2100m at Tauranga last Friday and will love the step up in trip – would really appreciate a bit of rain and current forecast has that occurring Friday evening and Saturday morning – was at huge winning odds last year ($51) and punters not taking any risks with him this year, but still generous odds of $18 and $5.50. A genuine staying type, he will be running this out better than most of them at the finish – particularly if the track is Soft

Singapore

KING ARTHUR contests the Class 1 1200m Turf – Race 10 @4.30 Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice S W Chong, claiming 4ks, from barrier 4 – a nine time winner in Singapore, he is the equal highest rated horse in this race, has been working his way back into form after a long time away from the track during the latter half of 2023 – meets a good field here as you would expect in Class 1 but gets 4kgs off his back courtesy of Stable Apprentice allowance. Suited by the Turf, the draw and the weight – may be capable of featuring here at good odds

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Matamata Trackwork

Wednesday 17th Jan

Leaderboard (Kennedy) and Fierce Flight (Parmar) galloped on the course proper 23 m out from the running rail, completing the first of two separate assignments over 1200m in 1.22.6, and 37.8 last 600 then 10 minutes later repeated the same exercise in 1.19.4, and 36.6 – both horses are engaged for the Wellington Cup

Singapore Trackwork

Tuesday 16th January

KING ARTHUR(AWAH)800/600-38; TRIDENT(ASLAM)1000/600-39;

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OTHER NEWS

Our new Spirit Of Boom Yearling Filly from Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale – Stable Name “Boomer” now live on the Fortuna website

Key features;

By Spirit of Boom, a very hardy racehorse and a well proven Stallion, who is a consistent top 10 Stallion by Winners and Wins on the Australian General Sires list
Out of the well performed racemare, Aotearower, a descendant of a long standing, tough NZ bloodline
Bred and sold by Cambridge Stud
Acquired by us for A$40k less than her passed in price at the Sale, she represents exceptional value

Given a big tick by Mark and David during inspections with Mark saying “just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us”

Click HERE to see her parade

This beautiful Filly was acquired by Fortuna Racing and David Ellis at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale – this after David, in conjunction with fellow thoroughbred selector, 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 A$120,000 and we managed to secure this lovely Filly for A$100,000 after she had been originally passed in at A$140,000, from her Breeders, Cambridge Stud

Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Yearling Filly

Pedigree

This Filly’s Sire, Spirit Of Boom, needs little introduction and is well proven – consistently a Top 10 Stallion by wins and winners on the Australian General Sire list, he has been Queensland Champion Sire for four seasons in a row, and is the Sire of over 370 winners, including 25 Stakes Winners. A powerful Sprinter himself as a racehorse, he won twice at Group One level, the Doomben 10,000 and the The William Reid Stakes and raced until he was a six year old winning nine times from 52 starts, demonstrating that he was a very durable type.

The Dam, Aotearower (by Shamardal) won 4 times in NZ and was Group 3 placed. Her Dam, Katoon (by Kaapstad) won four times including twice at Group level. This is the family of Black Panther and Cross Roads and represents the tough, hardy nature that the NZ thoroughbred is renowned for

Click HERE to view this Filly’s pedigree

Physical type

This Filly, whom we have given the Stable Name “Boomer” 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 Magic Millions Sale

Preparation and Racing Plans

Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis says “John, once again you have done incredibly well here – you are running hot!!! We loved this Filly, she is full of class and by a Stallion who leaves consistent performers at all ages – physically she ticked all of the boxes and has an extremely good pedigree page as well.”

Te Akau Racing Trainer Mark Walker says “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale is a top end sale and it can be very difficult to buy at, particularly if you are working to a budget as we are – doing appropriate research and inspections is extremely important and Fortuna Racing is very fortunate to have the team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban doing this research for us. In the end we had several nice Fillies on our list and we would have been happy to own any of them, but “Boomer” was one who had particularly caught our eye due to her physical type and walk. Her pedigree page represents just what we like to buy, i.e a combination of Australian speed influence with tough middle distance/staying New Zealand bloodlines.”

Magic Millions Race Series

Note that “Boomer” is to be registered for the Magic Millions Race Series. This is a series with all of its races being run on one day in mid January each year and which now carries in excess of A$14 million of prize money, including a A$3 million race for two-year-olds and a A$3 million race for three-year-olds – only runners purchased at this sale are eligible to run in any of the races in the series

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for BOOMER

Read the Declaration.

Shares can be purchased directly off the Fortuna website HERE – please feel free to call John 021 921 460 if you wish to discuss this opportunity or need assistance with ordering

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $18,000 – 5% share $9,000– 2.5% share $4,500 – 1% share $1,800 – all costings are in NZD
Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12,000
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

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Bellatrix Star galloped at Ellerslie this morning in the hands of Warren Kennedy

“Ali” as she is known around the stable, had her first look at Ellerslie this morning, producing a strong galloping performance over 1200m. Te Akau Racing Manager Reece Trumper was present and was very happy with her work; “she traveled up to Ellerslie with no issue, was a little fresh in the parade ring before her gallop, but worked in her usual professional manner with a good report from rider Warren Kenneday – she has now had a good look around Ellerslie and is right on target to contest the Karaka Million 2yo event 27th January” he said

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Well John and the Fortuna Team

Even as a baby in a pram the Wellington Cup was the race my village and my Dad hung out for – several neighbours either won it or went close and when Leaderboard got up last year it was the best day EVER for me as one of many proud Owners!

The bookies prices are very mean so I expect my picks to be longer on tote.

Race 1…Witz End [ $5/$2]

Race 2….Sako [$6/$2] has a wide gate !

Race 3…..Overdrawn [ $5/$2 ] indeed a wide gate !

Race 4…..Nereus [ $4 /$2 ] skinny odds in tough field !

Race 5…..Graill Seeker [ $4 /$2]

Race 6…..Ifshecan [$10/ $3]

Race 7 ….No Rain Ever [$ 6/ $2 ] No jockey yet ,and hopefully some rain for Leaderboard !

Race 8….Habana [$6 /$2 ] Top horse, but I like Moroney /Gerard pair [both over $20 ] for exotics .

Race9….Go Leaderboard.…..fellow 9 year old Waisake looks well placed but skinny odds while fellow St Leger winner Ess Vee Are [by Shocking] looks value at $10/$3 .

Race 10……Two of my old favourites in this, Novak [$21 /$6 ] for gold coin while I think Colorado Silver [ $4/$2 ] skinny odds, but looks special !As my grandma always said. “At the Punters graveyard with the big fields just look at the bottom 4 on the page” !

Good luck and always bet with your shoelaces, not your shoes !

Regards,

Gary Williams

Fortuna Racemare INCA BELLE produces strong winning performance at Tauranga 12th January

Published 13 January 2024

Previous course winner Inca Belle (4 m Per Incanto – Belle Vie, by Darci Brahma) was back to her best winning the $40,000 Rating 65 1400 metres on 12 January at Tauranga. After finishing well for close fifth in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 22 December at Matamata, Inca Belle had shown a liking for the course at her only previous start there in March 2023, when capping a hat-trick of wins at just the third start and returned to that sort of form at this latest outing.

Ridden by Te Akau Racing’s apprentice Niranjan Parmar, Inca Belle settled between runners beyond midfield, six lengths back at the 600m, and angled clear on straightening she quickened very well to claim stable-mate Alminette (Burgundy), who travelled three wide near the pace throughout for jockey Opie Bosson. On footing upgraded to Good4, in the race sponsored by Ray White Greerton, Inca Belle ran 1400 metres in 1:25.1 and paid $7.00 & $2.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“She was really well ridden by Parmar and good to see her win like that,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She goes back up in grade now, but the way she won today suggests she can go on with it. She showed a lot of promise as a three-year-old, just hit a bit of a flat spot but she’s come back to form now and is another horse that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) bought really cheaply at the Ready to Run Sale.”

INCA BELLE – makes it four career wins Tauranga 12th January 2024 – Niranjan Parmar aboard

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, was not on track on the day as he had been attending the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale during the week and was on a flight coming home to New Zealand when the race was run – “It was just great to land at Auckland airport and see my phone light up with messages from several parties, indicating that we had run the race. From the draw (7) we gave Parmar the instructions to see where she was comfortable and I thought he handled the task pretty well,” he said. “She was never under any pressure in the run, was able to travel nicely and on turning for home you could sense she was working her way into it. She loomed from the 300m and always looked like she was going to be in the finish. She only won by a narrow margin (short neck), but was pretty soft at the line and won with authority. She was very competitive last start at Matamata, finishing fifth in a blanket finish, so she was ready to win today I thought. She’ll be in Rating 75 grade now and that is always a hard grade to win, but I think she is ready to take the step. She was a reasonably priced Ready to Run purchase by David and I, with a lovely pedigree, and she’s developed into a very handy race mare and future breeding proposition.”

John has just returned from the 2024 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where he and David Ellis purchased Lot 437: bay filly Spirit of Boom – Aotearower (Shamardal) for $100,000 from the draft of Cambridge Stud.

“We’ve just put our new Magic Millions purchase on the Fortuna website and we’ve already had expressions of interest for 30 percent after just a few hours,” Galvin said “With Mark’s (Walker) involvement, we were able to get her for budget which is very pleasing. Spirit of Boom has been Champion Sire in Queensland four times and currently in the top 10 on the Australian General Sires’ List for winners and wins. He also has a very good stakes-winners-to-runners ratio as well. It’s also a great dam line, with Aotearower and grand-dam Kaatoon (Kaapstad) both impressive winners, and she’s a beautiful moving filly. David (Ellis) really took the sale by the scruff of the neck with some outstanding purchases and it’s very exciting for everyone involved, especially having the new Te Akau stables in place at Cranbourne in Victoria.”

Te Akau Apprentice NIRANJAN PARMAR returns to scale on INCA BELLE

Bred by R A Williams, Inca Belle was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and John Galvin for $50,000 at the 2021 NZB Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and is owned by Fortuna Inca Belle Syndicate, an Ownership Group consisting of 49 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong and has now fashioned a race record of 4 wins and 1 2nd from 14 raceday starts amd has accumulated prizemoner earnings of $76,000

Inca Belle was strapped by Cooper Stumbles

Fortuna acquires a Spirit Of Boom Yearling Filly at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale – Lot 437

Published 12 January 2024

John Galvin reports “I have had some wonderful experiences at various sales over recent years, both physical sales and online sales, but I think the experience I have been through on Wednesday of this week really takes the cake with us securing this lovely Filly on very favourable terms. Here is the background”

This Filly was on Mark Walker’s pre sale list – Mark had inspected all of the Parade Videos ahead of the sale and then given that list to David Ellis and Marcus Corban. David and Marcus, along with Reece Trumper had already conducted physical inspections on many of the Lots (but not all), during a a visit to Australia in December. David, Marcus, Mark and Reece then conducted physical inspections at the Sales ground, eliminating those that did not meet their physical criteria. Those left on the list then had their X Rays and scopes read by Waikato Equine Vet, Dr Jack O’Brien, which led to further eliminations and those left were then physically inspected by Jack.

Mark also produces a “Fortuna list” for me – these are horses that are on the Main list but which Mark thinks will come in at or under our budget (Budget was A$120k) and because he did not think that this Filly would fit in under our budget cap, he had not included her on the “Fortuna List”. Mark had left the Sales Ground early on Wednesday to go to Cranbourne – I was at the sales, but had no focus on Lot 437, only those that were on the Fortuna list and by the end of Day 2 (Wednesday) we had bid on 5 of the 9 Fillies on the Fortuna List, but all had gone above budget – Mark called me about 6pm to say that he had seen that this Filly (Vendor Cambridge Stud) had been passed in at $140k with a reserve of $150k and that he was going to make an offer of $100k to see if he could secure her for us at A$100k – by 9am Thursday morning, he came back to me to say that Cambridge Stud had agreed – this a reflection I think of the strong relationship between Cambridge and Te Akau

So, amazingly, we have purchased her for A$40k less than the top bid on the day and for about 35% of the sales average – this is incredible value

Click HERE to her Sales Page link – at this link you will be able to see her parade video clip and her pedigree.

Our new Filly is a late September foal, may well run as an Autumn 2yo in 2025, but has the scope and pedigree to develop into a lovely 3yo – don’t miss this one!!!

Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Yearling Filly

Points to Note re her pedigree – Sire SPIRIT OF BOOM has to be one of the most underrated Stallions in Australia – a strong, robust, capable racehorse himself, who was still racing as a 6yo, he was a dual Group One winner, is a great sire of 2yo’s, is a top 10 Australian Sire with Winners and Wins and very importantly, has a very, very good ratio of Stakes winners to runners

Note also that the dam Sire is Shamardal, a wonderful broodmare Sire and is the dam Sire of Imperatriz. Dam, Aotearower, was a 4 time winner and was Group 3 placed – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all tough NZ race horses

Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis says “John, once again you have done incredibly well here – you are running hot!!! We love this Filly, she is full of class and by a Stallion who leaves consistent performers at all ages – physically she ticked all of the boxes and has an extremely good pedigree page as well.””

Te Akau Racing Trainer Mark Walker says “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I just loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”

She will agist at a local spelling farm here in Queensland for the next three to four weeks and then be on a plane to NZ where she will go to Te Akau Stud for 6 weeks in the paddock ahead of being broken in

She is now registered for the Magic Millions Race Series – this is a Series now worth over A$15m – here are the races she will be eligible to be nominated for at the Magic Million’s Race Days

January 2025 – the A$3m Magic Millions Classic for 2yo’s 1200m
May 2025 – the A$1m National 2yo Classic 1000m
January 2026 – the A$3m Magic Millions Guineas
January 2026 – the A$3m 1100m 3yo Sprint – note this is a new race
Subsequent years she will be eligible for any of the A$1m races for older horses on the Magic Millions Carnival Day

Note that only horses that have been acquired at a MM Sale and have been enrolled for the Race Series are eligible to be nominated for these races

Of course, given the prizemoney on offer, all of these races are well sought after and all runners that wish to accept are graded by ratings points

I have done the numbers and here is how they work out –

Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k

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

Syndication Paperwork will be finalised over the next few 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

Trident powers his way to a strong win in Singapore 6th January 2024

Published 7 January 2024

TRIDENT is back!!! – the 5yo Gelding by Deep Field out of Miss Fi, resuming after 6 months away from the racetrack while undergoing rehabilitation from an injury, showed his ability once again when powering to a strong win in the Class 4 1200m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racetrack 6th January. Ridden by the up and coming Te Akau Racing Stable Apprentice, Sarwi Jamil, Trident made good use of his nice barrier draw, tracking along in behind the leaders who were setting a solid pace. Full of running as they turned for home, it looked like Trident might run into traffic problems, but Jamil was patient, allowing a runner to go past him on the outside, before switching off heels, getting his mount balanced and then mounting a powerful finishing run from the 300m mark, gathering in the leaders and going to the line with a half length margin in a time of 1.11.26 and paying $6.50 to win on the NZ TAB

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer, Donna Logan, was very happy after the race “It’s just great when a quality horse like Trident can produce a quality run like that, aided by a high quality ride by young Jamil, who has really hit his straps as a rider these past few months. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing Team – they have a lovely horse on their hands with this one”

Trident – 4th Singapore win 7th January 2024

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, who was watching the race from his Hamilton home was very content with the victory ” Trident has been away from the track for quite a while, but had trialed well leading into this race and so there was a degree of confidence that he could run well, but in the end he ran just super. Congrats to Donna and all of the training team for the patient way they have handled Trident’s rehab and preparation for this race ”

Sarwi Jamil, all smiles, returns to scale aboard TRIDENT

TRIDENT, bred by Mrs H G & W G Bax & JML Bloodstock Ltd, was offered for sale at the 2020 Karaka Book One Sale by Blandford Lodge and was acquired by Davis Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $70,000 – initially prepared in NZ by Jamie Richards, and with the racename POLARIS, he had three starts in the Spring of 2021 for a 3rd and two 4ths – believing that he would be a 3yo who would benefit from a bit more maturity and development, Jamie recommended that his Ownership Group should consider relocating him to Singapore for his future racing career, a recommendation that was taken up by the majority of his ownership group. Trident has now had fourteen Singapore starts for four wins, three 2nds and has earned over S$185,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Friday Flash – 6th January 2024

Published 5 January 2024

Headline News

BELLATRIX STAR brilliant in Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – New Year’s Day

John heads to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – 8th to 13th January

Just a few share left in “Kylie” – our Contributor 2yo Filly – don’t miss this one

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Fortuna has three runners in Singapore on Saturday

Saturday – Singapore

TRIDENT contests the Class 4 1200m Poly – Race 10 @4.30 Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by the in form Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3ks, from a good barrier – this classy galloper is a three time winner in Singapore but is resuming off a long break due to rehab from a minor setback – all of his 3 wins have come at 1400m, but goes into this fresh and with good trial form. Gets 3kgs off his back and can feature in the top 3 from his good draw

Here is what the STC Tipsters think about this race

1st Pick: LUCKY BABY (1)

Was restless in the barriers before the jump last start and will look to settle off the hot speed and wait to pounce. They will go quick here, and he is in the position to be a danger.

2nd Pick: LAST SAMURAI (3)

He will look a winner at some point as he likes to set a cracking pace and gets the 4kg claim for K.Faiz. It’s just how long he can maintain that pace.

3rd Pick: TRIDENT (2)

Classy type who is first up after a six-month break. He was mixing it with some horses that went on to perform well last season. He should be nice and fresh for this.

4th Pick: PACIFIC VICTORY (9)

Drawn out wide which isn’t ideal but will carry no weight for Iskandar and his last two runs have been very strong. Improving type.

KING ARTHUR runs in the Group 3 New Years Cup 1200m Poly – Race 11 at 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) with regular rider, Fadzli Yusoff in the saddle from the Ace draw – a nine time winner in Singapore and has great stats this trip and surface. Has to lug a big weight but has trialed well recently and is ready for this – can feature in the finish

ELLIOT NESS contests the Class 4 1100m Poly – Race 12 @5.30 Singapore time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Ibrahim, claiming 3ks, from a good barrier, but does need a scratching to get a start – a three time winner in Singapore and the track record holder this trip and surface. Was freshened after running 2nd this grade and trip 28th October and trialed strongly for a 2 length win 28th Dec – can take this out if he gets a start

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Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 2nd Jan

Leaderboard (R Sheehan) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.17.9, final 600 in 38.2.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 30th December

RHETT BUTLER (IBRAHIM)1000/600- 40; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-38; TRIDENT (YUSOFF)1000/600-38;

Tuesday 2nd Jan

KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)800/600-38.5;

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OTHER NEWSBELLATRIX STAR brilliant in Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – New Year’s Day

It would be fair to say that 2023 has been a “quiet” year for us on the Group racing success front, with our last group success being the Wellington Cup with Leaderboard at the end of January. So it was a great thrill for me, personally to witness close-up, the excitement and the joy from our large group of owners at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day when Bellatrix Star, whom we call “Ali” around the stables, storm home from the tail of the field to take out the time honoured Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Group 2 level. This was our first Group winning 2yo since the mighty Melody Belle had won the Group One Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes back in April 2017, so it had been a long time “between drinks” with our 2yo’s

See our website story below;

BELLATRIX STAR salutes New Years Day in style with a classy last to first Victory in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Pukekohe Park

Published 2 January 2024

Fortuna Racing filly Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) thrust herself forward as genuine Karaka Million contender when winning an exciting rendition of the $225,000 Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on 1 January at Pukekohe.

A worthy favourite when winning the first two-year-old race of the season at Wanganui, Bellatrix Star had finished third to race rival Velocious (Written Tycoon) when resuming in the 2yo 1000 metres on 11 November at Te Rapa, and second to her again in the Counties Challenge Stakes (Listed, 1100m) on 25 November at Pukekohe. Despite money coming for impressive debut winning stable-mate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible), Bellatrix Star rated a top three chance and fought out the finish with the two aforementioned. Content to settle last for leading jockey Warren Kennedy, on the bridle when six lengths astern at the 600m and still at the rear of the field on turning for home, Bellatrix Star picked up nicely to angle clear at the 300m, quickened to level 150m out, and sustained her run to the outside of Move To Strike (second) and Velocious (third).

Click HERE to see the race replay

“She settled beautifully in the run, quickened smartly, picked up the other two really quickly, and she’s a better filly held up for longer and to pounce late,” rider Warren Kennedy said.

Bellatrix Star ran 1200 metres in 1:11.0, last 600m in 33.8 (approx.), and paid $10.70 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – Warren Kennedy aboard

“Warren (Kennedy) got her to relax really nicely,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She didn’t have all favours last start and showed today that by riding her further back, and off the speed, that she had a really good turn of foot. She’s peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions, and that’s always been her target.”

Searching for their eighth consecutive victory, Te Akau Racing currently has six in the field of 14 for the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 27 January at Ellerslie.

Owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, she was purchased for $80,000 by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and now won two of four starts and $167,700 prize money.

Accepting the Winners Trophy in front of a large crew of widly excited Syndicate Members, John Galvin said, “It’s a great thrill for everyone in the syndicate to win this race. Thank you to Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) for their training efforts. Mark and David (Ellis) picked this filly out for us at the Karaka sale after I had tasked them with finding me the type of Filly that could be a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. This is the first Group winning two-year-old we’ have had since Melody Belle. We only paid $80,000 for her, she won on debut, hasn’t been disgraced in her last two starts, and to win a Group Two at her fourth race day start is extremely valuable for her future. It was a lovely ride by Warren (Kennedy), very important black type for the filly and whatever she does from here on in, they can never take this victory away.”

“Also, I’d like to congratulate Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their initiatives and the way they’ve managed the race day process over the last eighteen months with Ellerslie undergoing reconstruction and we look forward to getting back to racing this month at Ellerslie.

Winning connections post race

The Sire of Bellatrix Star, Star Witness (Starcraft) was a dominant winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) down the straight at Flemington, before becoming a successful sprint sire in Australia. Grand-sire of the filly, Starcraft (Soviet Star) is well known in New Zealand, winning two legs of the Group One Triple Crown at Hawkes Bay. He won Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and became a World Champion Turf Miler.

Dam Alana’s Party is by Australian Champion Sire and leading broodmare sire Exceed and Excel (Danehill), who made a name for himself over two decades of world racing and breeding – just an extraordinary sire whose winners include over 370 stakes winners, including 17 individual Group One winners.

Grand-dam The Party Stand, by Stradbroke (Gr. 1, 1400m) winner Thorn Park (Spinning World), was an impressive winner from 1200m – 2000m, best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

“The Eclipse Stakes is a very valuable race for a filly to win and congratulations to everyone in the Fortuna syndicate,” Te Akau Supremo David Ellis said. “John Galvin has been a great supporter of Te Akau Racing for more than 20 years, he has introduced so many new people into Racing Ownership through his Syndication model and it is a pleasure for me to be able to select a filly of this class for Fortuna Racing. It’s a rarity to find a Filly for sale out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. Bellatrix Star has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level, and now she’s joined them.”

Bellatrix Star is raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 69 individuals from all parts of New Zealand and one from Australia with 13 of them being first time investors in a Fortuna Syndicate

Bellatrix Star was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

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John heads to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – 9th to 13th January

Well here we go again with the high-powered Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale kicking off what will be a series of high profile sales over the next three months. I am heading off on Monday the 8th, David, Mark and Marcus Corban have already drawn up shortlist and they will be conducting inspections commencing today, I will be joining up with them on the 8th to inspect the half dozen or so that Mark and David would have identified as good prospects for Fortuna. Once again we will be targeting a nicely bred, athletic Filly. Interesting to note that while we haven’t bought a lot of horses over the years from the Gold Coast Yearling sales, everyone of them that we have bought, that has been to the races, has been a winner.

Young Joshua Galvin, aged 8, has put his hand up to be my “apprentice” this year

Watch this space for sales update !!!

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Just a few share left in “Kylie” – our Contributor 2yo Filly – don’t miss this one

The stable are really pleased with how our Ready to Run purchase ,the two-year-old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade is handling her initial stable preparation. Mark says “John, your Contributor Filly is really pleasing us, a big strong, powerful type. She is handling everything well at the stables is eating well and her track writers report that she has a lovely smooth galloping action. She is right on track to have a jump out in early February and then head to the Tauranga trials on the 13th of February”

Click HERE to see her at trot ups on Wednesday morning with voiceover from Mark

The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

Click HERE to read all details about her on our website – orders can be made direct from this link as well

$1284 for each 1% share and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Feb – please make contact with John if you need more information or assistance with ordering

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Gary maintained his good recent form tipping out 4 winners for us on New Year’s Day – Gary also has a share in BELLATRIX STAR (“ALI”) – so his cup runneth over for the day well and truly

Here is what he has to say about this weekend’s racing;

Hi John and Team Fortuna

Well it’s a step down from the Group1/2 Racing stage of recent weeks where Bellatrix Star and the top jockeys were shining lights, but racing continues and there are profits to be made !

First week of the new year and already I have broken one promise …..ie Never tip maidens !

Ruakaka races by the sea on Friday and 2 of my Black Bookers are in Race 6…..All Shook Up and Arjay’s Flight are both quoted at $5.50 to win and possibly will dominate the finish.

Before that….Race 4 …..Lady Moana [$4.50 win ] and Race 5…..There Goes My Hero [$3 Win] look strong chances.

As do Race 7…...Mad Max [$2.70] and Race 8 …..Arabian Songbird [ $4 Win ]. You will notice there is a Warren Kennedy bias here…..Funny that !!!

Kumara has it’s Iconic Nuggets meeting on Saturday , it’s day in the ‘sun’ !

Race 1 a maiden Bona Fide [$8 / $3] should relish the tight track.

Race 3…..O’Jessica [$11/$3] another who should be on the pace.

Race 5 ….Zlato [ $3 Win] looks the likely winner.

Race 7 ….The Buffer [ $3 Win] should repeat last years Nuggets win

Race 8…..Bad Flamingo [$15/$5] Despised roughie cos of Northern Opposition but could catch them napping if he leads.

Hawkes Bay also races……

Race 3 …Charmario [ $5 /$2 ] has been tipped previous. Previous picks Waitak and Novak have won stylishly in recent days ,I should modestly add !

Race 4 ….Psyclone [$12 / $4] my roughie of day and one to follow !

Race 7……Roccia [ $6 /$2] better placed and weighted this week.

Race 8……Ravenna Rose [ $9 /$3] , like all above a strong Eachway/ Top4 chance.

Good Luck everyone, pace yourself cos more Group Racing greets us in a few weeks .

Best wishes ,

Gary Williams

BELLATRIX STAR salutes New Years Day in style with a classy last to first Victory in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Pukekohe Park

Published 2 January 2024

Click HERE to see the race replay

Bellatrix Star ran 1200 metres in 1:11.0, last 600m in 33.8 (approx.), and paid $10.70 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – Warren Kennedy aboard

Searching for their eighth consecutive victory, Te Akau Racing currently has six in the field of 14 for the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 27 January at Ellerslie.

Winning connections post race

Bellatrix Star was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

Friday Flash – 29th December 2023

Published 29 December 2023

Headline News

CONTRIBUTOR’S great run of success continues with his progeny firing both sides of the Tasman on Boxing Day

BOXING DAY SPECIAL STILL OPEN – Closing 31 December

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Fortuna has six runners at three different venues Saturday and New Year’s Day

Saturday – Singapore

ROCKY contests the Class 3 1800m Turf – Race 10 @4.30 Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by the in form Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3ks, from a wide barrier – Rocky is a well performed galloper who is trying this trip for the first time, but has performed well at 1700m (Polytrack) – has just 50kgs to carry and will be running on at the finish

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race

1st Pick: LIGHTNING STRIKE (1)

Racing is great form, off the back of a sharp trial win. Does need to rise to 1800m and carry more weight but is proven in class 4.

2nd Pick: RODA ROBOT (3)

Two solid wins most recently, shows early speed and should be amongst the first four. Will be one of the key contenders.

3rd Pick: SPLIT SECOND (9)

Coming out of the same race as Roda Robot. Drew awkwardly last start and went back, had some excuses. Did well in his previous run before that but has recently gone up to class 4. Will need to bounce back.

4th Pick: ROCKY (8)

Last two starts racing behind Roda Robot. Now gets onto the turf, has always been around the mark for this class and could improve.

GUN contests the Novice 1200m Turf – Race 11 at 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) with Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3ks and jumping from the Ace draw – an impressive last start winner in Maiden Grade, this beautifully bred son of Extreme Choice steps up a notch or two in grade here, meeting six other last start winners, but is more than capable of making his mark here from the inside draw and an in form 3kg claimer aboard – is a good each way chance here and may be at reasonable odds.

PRINCE LONHRO also contests the Novice 1200m Turf – Race 11 at 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) with Singapore Champion Jockey, Manoel Nunes, riding from a mid field draw. As a Maidener still, he is well out of his grade here, but his two Singapore performances to date fos a 4th and a just beaten 2nd, after enduring a torrid 3 wide trip indicate a galloper of some quality – the booking of Nunes is a big plus – likely to be at very good odds so one for the multiples and can feature if he runs up to his best

New Years Day – Pukekohe

Two Fortuna runners today, both in different Group 2 Feature Races

BELLATRIX STAR runs in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes for 2yo’s over 1200m – race 3 @ 1.20pm with Premiership leading jockey, Warren Kennedy, to ride from Barrier 3 in a small but high quality field. A debut winner at Wanganui in September, she was freshened and had two starts since for a 3rd and a good 2nd in a Stakes race this track behind race rival Velocious. Is a quality Filly who has done nothing wrong in her three outings to date. Is right in the mix here but bookies won’t have Move To Strike or Velocious beaten, so showing the nice each way odds of $11/2.10

COURT OF APPEAL runs in the Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes for 3yo’s – race 5 @ 2.30 pm with horse leading Sydney hoop, Jason Collett to ride from Barrier 1 in an eight horse field. Still a Maiden, but her last three runs have been full of quality. She stepped up to 2000m last start at Matamata and was beaten a short head by a 4yo Gelding. Back to her own age and sex here, she meets some smart ones but is bred to run this trip and note that blinkers go on for the first time – Top 3 chance but under radar with bookies @ $14/3.50

New Years Day – Terang (Victoria)

FLEET FOOTED contests the Maiden 1000m event – Race 1 @ 1.15pm Aus Time (3.15pm NZT) and will be ridden by Tahlia Hope from an inside draw – this nicely bred 3yo son of Zoustar has disappointed us with his two starts to date, however after a brief freshen up, he trialed at Cranbourne 18th Dec and was just nutted on the line – so remedial work and gear changes may have made a difference. Meets a weaker field here – watch market

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Matamata Trackwork

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 23rd December

GUN (ASLAM)1000/600-39; ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; PRINCE LONHRO (YUSOFF)1000/600-39; ROCKY (YUSOFF)1000/600-39; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-39; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-37;

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OTHER NEWSCONTRIBUTOR’S great run of success continues with his progeny firing both sides of the Tasman

Richly deserving of Group One honours, Campionessa (6 m Contributer – Bella Carolina, by O’Reilly) won the $450,000 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1, 2050m) on Boxing Day at Pukekohe. Having resumed on the course with a big effort to win the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m) on 25 November, Campionessa was poetry in motion as she raced clear to win the Cal Isuzu Stakes (Gr. 2, 1600m) on 16 December at Te Rapa, and warranted favouritism in the time-honoured event.

Second in both the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and Bonecrusher Stakes (Gr. 1, 2050m) last season, and previously winning the Metropolitan Trophy (Listed, 2500m), Campionessa certainly laid claims to scoring at the highest level over a middle distance.

Ridden majestically by stable jockey Opie Bosson, who bagged his 95th Group One victory, Campionessa was given a lovely trip in the trail, became held in a pocket before pushing out at the 300m mark and defiantly surged clear of Randwick Metropolitan (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner No Compromise (Pins) over the concluding stages.

“He’s just too good for them,” said a punter in the stand, referring to Bosson.

Owned by Te Akau Campionessa Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$60,000 at the 2019 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud, where the sire stands.

Her 27 starts have yielded 10 wins, five seconds, three thirds, and $936,590 in prize money.

LIONS ROAR wins Group 3 Summer Cup at RandwickWith a victory in the Gr.3 Schweppes Summer Cup (2000m) at Randwick that took his career earnings past A$2 million, Lion’s Roar provided the cherry on top of a remarkable Boxing Day for Contributer.

The Mapperley Stud stallion had just five runners in action across New Zealand and Australia on Tuesday and came away with three wins including two at Group level. Lion’s Roar’s Summer Cup heroics were preceded by a brilliant Group One triumph by Campionessa in the Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Pukekohe, while promising three-year-old Fire Tribe had earlier won on the Randwick undercard.

The A$250,000 Summer Cup was a long-awaited second stakes win for Lion’s Roar, who had previously won the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) as a three-year-old in March of 2021. He had placed in five other Group races since then, including the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and two editions of the Gr.2 The Ingham (1600m), and on Tuesday he had another day in the black-type spotlight.

Of course our interest in the progeny of Contributor is because we race one of his daughters, the Stakes placed SOPRANO SUPREME, currently campaigning in Victoria and our very latest acquisition, the 2yo “Kylie” is also a daughter of this emerging Stallion

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BOXING DAY SPECIAL STILL OPEN – Closing 31 December

BOXING DAY SPECIALS – FORTUNA RACING 10% DISCOUNT

“Kylie” – the 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade

Acquired at the recent NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, this strapping Filly, who stands at 16.1 hands and tips the scales at 500kgs, drew a few “oohs and ahhs” when paraded at our Owners Day 17^th Jan. By a Stallion who is consistently throwing genuine staying types, this girl ticks a lot of boxes. In full work now she is being prepared to have her first trial middle of February and presents as a genuine 3yo Middle Distance/Staying type who may well have a race day start or two in the Autumn as a 2yo

The 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

Just 6% left – shares available down to 1% @$1240 per 1% share (less 10% Boxing Day Sale discount) = $1116 net and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Jan. Click HERE to view all details and order shares online – to claim your discount enter the words “Boxing Day Sale” in the Notes Box top right of the order page and then wait for our “Greetings” email that will provide payment details

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DAIDALOS – the 2yo Colt by Mastercraftman out of Trikala

We love the Staying types and this strapping, athletic Colt ticks more than a few boxes. By that wonderful global Sire of Middle Distance/Staying types, the late Mastercraftsman and out of a High Chaparral Mare, DAIDALOS made his debut on the All Weather Track at Wolverhampton in the UK over the Mile on 27^th December for a creditable 6th placing, handling himself well in the run and just finding the trip too short for him – he will take a lot of improvement and will have his next run late January

Acquired by us at the Tattersalls Gorebridge 2yo Breeze Up Sale in Ireland in May 2023, “Frankie”, as he is known around the stable, has been brought along quietly by Trainer, Harry Eustace, and met Harry’s expectations on debut. We have exciting plans in store for this Colt – Harry will endeavour to qualify him for the Guineas/Derbies events run during May and June of 2024 in the UK, Ireland or France, but in September/October of 2024, he will be transported down to Australia to Mark Walker’s barn at Cranbourne and be prepared for the Staying events in Victoria, of which there are so many options

DAIDALOS – the 2yo Colt by Mastercraftman out of Trikala

Just 5.5% left – shares available down to 1% @$1220 per 1% share (less 10% Boxing Day Sale discount) = $1098 net and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Jan. Click HERE to view all details and order shares online – to claim your discount enter the words “Boxing Day Sale” in the Notes Box top right of the order page and then wait for our “Greetings” email that will provide payment details

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QUEEN CONSORT – the 2yo Filly by EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA

Elegant, strong, lovely pedigree, this 2yo Filly by Eminent, out of a Mare who has already left a Group One winner (Aloysia) in Australia, has a lot going for her. She had her first trial 13th November and put in a strong finishing run – spelled for three weeks following that trial, she is back in wok and being prepared for a further trial at Tauranga 13th February. Following in the footsteps of our other Eminent filly, the 3yo Court Of Appeal, who is racing in great form at the moment, she will if anything, be ready to race a bit sooner than her and may well make her race day debut in the late Summer/early Autumn – notable that her half sister, Aloysia, won as a 2yo, ahead of winning the Group One 1000 Guineas at Caulfeld as a 3yo. Stable comments on “Queenie”are very positive

QUEEN CONSORT – the 2yo Filly by EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA

Just 4% left – shares available down to 1% @$1740 per 1% share (less 10% Boxing Day Sale discount) = $1566 net and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Feb. Click HERE to view all details and order shares online – to claim your discount enter the words “Boxing Day Sale” in the Notes Box top right of the order page and then wait for our “Greetings” email that will provide payment details

As always, if you wish to find out more about any of these offerings or need assistance with ordering just email john@fortuna-nz.com or call/text John 021 921 460

Guest Selector – Gary WilliamsGary produced a stellar performance for his followers on Boxing Day tipping out 6 winners and the very prescient comment “Opie Bosson in for a big day” – Opie of course rode 5 winners on the day.

No tips from Gary for Saturday racing but he is hard at work studying the form for New Year’s Day and we will publish his selections in our standard end of month “Stable Update” which will be published on Sunday 31st Dec

Friday Flash – 22 December 2023

Published 22 December 2023

Headline News

Fortuna Owners Day 17th December was a big success

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Fortuna has four runners at three different venues Friday and Saturday and Boxing Day

Friday – Matamata

COURT OF APPEAL steps up in trip in the Maiden 2000m event – Friday 22nd December – Race 1 @ 2.41pm with Michael McNab to ride from a wide barrier. Her last two runs at 1600m have seen two strong third placings. A big rangy Filly by Eminent out of a Zabeel Mare, she is bred to stay all day and will love this 2000m trip. Slightly tricky draw to overcome but will be rattling home closing stages and is a strong each way chance @ $5/$2

INCA BELLE contests the R65 1400m event – Race 8 @ 6.53 pm and will be ridden by the in form Niranjan Parmar from barrier 4 – good 2^nd on resuming and then only battled 2^nd up – Is a very capable galloper and can feature in the finish here @ $10/$3.30

Saturday – Trentham

LEADERBOARD contests the Group 3 Manawatu Cup over 2300m – race 7 @4.10pm Kozzie Osano to ride from Barrier 11 – produced a solid effort for 5^th over 2200m this course last Saturday at just his 2nd up run – on a path toward defending his 2023 Wellington Cup – loves it wet, but may not get that on Saturday – $18/$4.50

Caulfield – Boxing Day

RUBICON CROSSNG gets her first look at Caufield in the BM 70 1100m event – Race 5 @ 3.40pm Aus time with Jamie Kah to ride from a good barrier. Won impressively at her Aus debut 30th September and has finished close up without winning in 3 starts since. Very capable galloper who meets a tidy field here, but has the draw and the rider to assist. Can run into the money here if at her best on the day

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Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 19th December

Court Of Appeal (O Bosson) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.21.0, final 600 in 38.1.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 16^th December

RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-38.5; TRIDENT (AWAH)1000/600-38.5; ELLIOT NESS (ASLAM)1000/600-38.5; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-39;

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OTHER NEWS

Fortuna Owners Day 17th December was a big successApproximately 80 Fortuna clients attended the annual Owners day held at Matamata racecourse December 17. The weather was balmy and Trainer Mark Walker was in attendance. After welcoming attendees, we showed a video clip of the closing stages of the 23 individual wins recorded by Fortuna runners over the last 12 months and that brought back a lot of memories for attendees – Leaderboard’s Wellington Cup victory drew a particularly big cheer from the attendees. Our most successful horse during the year was the Singapore based 4yo, KNIPPENBERG, who won 4 times from 12 starts

John presented a Winning Owners award, a copy of Aidan Rodley’s very good book on the history of group one winners in New Zealand racing over the last 40 years “Elite” – this was presented to Ian and Sandra Upson, who accumulated 20 wins throughout the year from 11 individual horses.

Notable that the Upsons, who have been clients of Fortuna since 2012, have now accumulated 146 wins in total with Fortuna horses – a simply amazing record. Their secret of course is to take small shares (usually 2.5%) in lots of horses.

We then paraded all of the horses that were based at Matamata on the day and all paraded in great order – the Karaka Million bound 2yo Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, drew a lot of interest as did our very recent Ready To Run acquisition, the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly, “Kylie” – standing at 16.1 hands and tipping the scales at 500 kgs, she is an impressive physical type. Notable that the day before at Te Rapa, the Te Akau trained race mare CAMPIONESSA (also by Contributor) had coninued her rich vein of from when taking out the Group 2 Cal Izuzu Stakes

“Kylie” – the 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Here is what Gary says this week

Hi John and Team

Last week somewhat spoiled by scratchings but I was stunned when Impressa went clear at the top of straight only to be swallowed up by 3 horses close to the post. I was in the collect queue ! Maybe Boxing day redemption there !

Back at Trentham this week and I see jockey Michael McNab having a good day ending on a winning note when the big grey Colorado Silver [ $4/ $2 ] storms down the outside to win race 8.

Earlier in Race3 Charmario [ $11 /$4 ] Race 4 Let’s Get Loose [ $13 /$4 ] and Race 5 Llanacord [ $12 / $4 ] represent good chances at odds.

Race 6 Belclare [ $9 / $3 ] on her day is up to the best mares.

Whatever happens previous count on Colorado Silver to bring Christmas Cheer.

At Te Rapa Race1 Arjays Flight [ $3 win] is at skinny odds but surely this is his turn. He has won once but has 8 seconds and raced in far stronger fields !

Race 3 Suzuka [$10 / $3 ] is very fast and I expect he may run them off their feet !

Race 4 Kiwi Man [ $6 / $3] looks well placed to run on speed and grind them down over 2400m.

Boxing Day fields look very interesting and already I have a couple of ‘money makers’ sorted out, maybe ‘Fortuna John’ will agree to a special edition of treats !

Have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Gary

Friday Flash – 15th December 2023

Published 15 December 2023

Headline News

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^thJanuary

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Fortuna has four runners Friday and Saturday – one at Tauranga Friday and three at Trentham Saturday including one in a Stakes Race

Friday – Tauranga

HAYATE steps up in trip in the R65 1600 event – Friday15^th December – Race 9 @ 6.32pm with Opie Bosson to ride from a wide barrier. Two runs at 1400m since resuming have seen two thirds, the second one a head bobbing finish. Looking for the Mile and is right in this as a strong each way chance. Market @ $5.50/$2.10

Saturday – Trentham

DANCARINA contests the R75 1300m event – race 2 @1.45pm with Joe Kamaruddin to ride from Barrier 4. Disappointed last 2 starts at Riccarton but both were on very firm tracks – prior form was very good – will get softer track conditions here and if back to her best, can feature in the finish here. Market has her @ $7.50/$2.40

LEADERBOARD races in the R83 2200m event – Race 5 @ 3.35pm and will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin. Resuming run at Otaki 1600m recently was a nice pipe opener for him – his work during the week was very strong and so is ready for this trip. Previous runs at Trentham have seen him collect two big scalps with the St Leger and the Wellington Cup – loves it wet and Metservice forecast for Saturday says “Rain becoming persistent in the morning” – May be a tad short for him, but can certainly feature in the finish here @$8.50/$2.80

VIVACIOUS takes a big step forward into Stakes Company at just her 3^rd race day start when she contests the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes over 1600m – Race 7 @ 4.45pm, with Jonathan Parkes to ride from Barrier 11. This talented daughter of Dundeel impressed observers with how she won at 1400m at Te Aroha recently – meets a handy field here with good form but seems to have the class to cope . Market is keeping her safe as equal fave with the well performed Chantilly Lace @ $5/$2

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Matamata Trackwork
Vivacious (S Weatherley) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.8, home in 36.7.

Leaderboard (J Kamaruddin) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.18.2, last 600 in 38.6.

Hayate (N Parmar) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.23.1, last 600 in 37.9.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 9^th December

ELLIOT NESS (AWAH)800/600-40; KING ARTHUR (YUSFOFF)1000/600-37.5;

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OTHER NEWS

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14^th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.

New Zealand’s premier thoroughbred racecourse has been undergoing a gradual ‘return to racing’ testing plan in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) over the past month of which today was the final phase.

Monday, 11 December (today) saw trials take place at Ellerslie with 60 horses galloping on the surface across 12 heats. Senior jockeys, Opie Bosson, Craig Grylls and Joe Doyle were oncourse for the first time since the development.

“It’s a really quality track that was so needed here,” commented Joe Doyle.“It rides brilliantly and the horses stay so balanced. It’s really good, I like it.”

Opie Bosson also had very favourable things to say about the track commenting, “It feels beautiful. Nice and smooth and it’s a privilege to ride on it. There’s not one fault in the track at all and I’m looking forward to getting back here in January.”

NZTR’s Head of Licensing and Stakeholder Engagement, Matthew Williamson, was also oncourse gathering feedback from a range of stakeholders. “It’s an incredible, incredible surface. I can’t speak highly enough of it. It’s been long awaited here in New Zealand and that $50million that’s been put into it has been well spent for the industry. Comments from Michael McNab were extremely favourable and comments from the RIB stewards were that it’s a consistent and brilliant surface. Given our tracks around the country can, from time to time, be challenging, the comment was that stakeholders will know exactly what they are riding out on to here at Ellerslie. As far as the track surface goes, feedback has been favourable from absolutely everybody and as far as NZTR is concerned, we’ll go through our process but the sign off today is very favourable.”

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Officer Paul Wilcox says, “To say we are delighted is an understatement. This moment has been much anticipated by not only us here at ATR, but by the entire industry and I’m thrilled at the feedback we’ve received.We’re grateful to the support afforded to us by the senior jockeys, trainers and owners who’ve helped us with the all-important testing process and I know I’m not the only one who says they cannot wait to get back racing here in January.”

With the testing now complete, racing will commence at Ellerslie Racecourse on Sunday, 14 January with Summer Raceday ahead of the highly popular TAB Karaka Millions on Saturday, 27 January.

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Owners Day – 17^th December

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Its not too late to register for the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Well Gary certainly delivered for us last week with four winners from eight selections at Pukekohe – Here is what he says this week

Hi John and Team

I was pleased with my efforts last week, tipping Craig Grylls was certainly prudent, I just not getting my longer odds fancies up !

This week there is interest in both Northern meetings , and Wellington just may get some rain on the day..Leaderboard connections are praying !

Trentham fields are small but tricky and I’m looking for Johnathon Parkes and Katie Hercock to be prominent in many finishes.

My two standout horses are Race 4…..Za’faran [$8.50 / $3 ] been freshened and back to 1600m but is a talented horse eyeing up Cup races and should be ready. Race 10…..Conway O’Ceirin [$5 / $2] a good way to end the day !

Waikato Christmas Goodies…..

Race 3 …Hayley [$13/$ 4] Due for some luck .
Race 4….Aris Aris [$ 6/ $2] Best of a bevy of Tangerine.
Race 5….Academy Award [$4 /$2] has the draw and track to feature.
Race 7….Novak [ $12/$4 ] should be @ $30/1 ,too bad to be true last start but went via the Cape on turn.
Race 8….Aromatic [ $3 win]….Max your bet then double it !
Race 9….Impresa [ $6 / $2 ] Skinny odds in a tough field but sure to be in the fight throughout…is gutsy !
Good luck leading into the Festive Season !

Gary

KNIPPENBERG delivers a classy win at Kranji Racecourse 9th December, his 4th career win in Singapore

Published 10 December 2023

KNIPPENBERG, the four year old gelding by I Am Invincible out of Red Fez, capped off a great days racing for the New Zealand based Fortuna Racing Team when defeating a strong field in the Class 3 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Saturday 9th December. Fortuna Racing had four runners on the day, with KNIPPENBERG being the last of them to make an appearance. Earlier in the day, PRINCE LONHRO had run a close up 2nd after enduring a three wide trip without cover in race 2, the 3yo GUN had produced a strong debut winning effort at his 3rd Singapore start in Race 4 and the durable ROCKY, already a three time winner in Singapore, had run a creditable 5th in Race 6th.

Race 10 saw KNIPPENBERG face the starter and with a last minute rider change, as Fadzli Yusoff who had been engaged had been dislodged from PRINCE LONHRO after passing the winning post Race 2 – relatively unscathed, he had nevertheless, been stood down from the rest of his riding engagements. Fortuitously, the up and comin g TH Koh, was available to take the ride on KNIPPENBERG

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching from his home in New Zealand and already having enjoyed winning success ealier in the evening with the smart 3yo GUN, felt that his cup was truly “runneth over” “Boy, that was a great watch – KNIPPENBERG deserved that after being very unlucky in his recent runs – it was a quality field, but his record at this trip on the Long Course is exceptional – he went out at decent odds of 10 -1 but I always thought he just needed luck to be competitive and so it proved. Well done to TH Koh, who came off the bench to ride the horse and congrats to Donna Logan and her team for delivering a double victory on the day for us. It was great to see our Singapore and Malaysian based owners, Fiona Goh, TH and Gina Ng and Iain and Shawn Leishman, on course to celebrate this fine victory”

Knippenberg – Making it 4 wins in Singapore – Kranji 9th December 2023

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, who had enjoyed double success on the day, was overjoyed “Gee, this horse deserved that – he has had rotten luck his last two starts, but is all class and bounced back in fine style today. Lovely ride by TH Koh and huge congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team – they have been supporting racing in Singapore since 2010 and deserve every success they can get.”

A content TH KOH returns to scale after riding Knippenberg to his 4th Singapore win

KNIPPENBERG had originally raced in Australia for his breeders Phoenix Thoroughbreds and been trained for them by the Ciaren Maher/David Eustace team. Showing just moderate form from two race day starts, his owners decided to offer him for sale at the Inglis Digital Sale (June 2022) – he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500 and sent to Singapore to race. John was assisted in his selection process by Mark Walker, the former Singapore based Trainer for Te Akau Racing and now leading Trainer for them in NZ

Knippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia – he has now won four times and had five minor placings from 12 race day starts and has accumulated over S$188k in stakes monies

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider TH Koh after the race

fortunanz

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