DARCI BRAHMA retired from commercial Stud duties

Fortuna has five runners Friday/Saturday – three in NZ, two in Singapore

New Zealand

HAYATE contests the R65 1400 event at Rotorua Friday 28^th April – Race 7 @ 3.42 pm and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jess Allen, claiming 4kgs from a good barrier draw – was very good for 4^th at Matamata this grade and trip last start and will appreciate the softer conditions at Rotorua – looks well placed here and can run into the money – showing $9/$3 Fixed Odds

NAVALHA contests the R65 1400 event at Hastings Saturday 29^th April – Race 9 @ 4.23pm and will be ridden by Temyia Taiaroa, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier. Was average last start at Te Rapa but had drawn wide in that R75 event– is capable on his day, now back to R65 and is looking for the 1400m trip – each way – showing $9/$3 Fixed Odds

LEADERBOARD contests the R75 2400 event at Te Rapa Saturday 29^th April and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jess Allen, claiming 4kgs from an outside barrier draw. Was super on resuming at Matamata last start over 200om for 2^nd, gets up to a trip that suits and is a recent winner of the Wellington Cup in January – has some weight to carry, but is very fit and is using this race as a lead up to a Hurdles debut the following Saturday – would certainly appreciate some rain which if it came, would bring him right into it  – showing $8/$2.50 Fixed Odds

Singapore

RHETT BUTLER races in the Restricted Maiden1100m Poly – race 2 @ 12.30 Sing time (4.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable apprentice, S Jamil, claiming 4kgs from a wide barrier. This well bred 2yo is on debut, has trialed well and only has to carry 48.5kgs in this race. Hard to fault his preparation for this but is making his very first race day start, does come against more seasoned 3yo’s in this and has a tricky draw to contend with – but has a huge weight advantage – a professional effort on debut would see him feature in the finish

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

1st Pick: DIAZ (1)
Finished second to Speedy Buck at this level over a shorter trip and had to burn petrol from a wide draw early. Stuck it out well to the line and the winner recorded a nice time. Will sit handy from barrier four.
2nd Pick: GRAND SUPREME (2)
Drops back sharply in grade after contesting the G3 3yo sprint. He was only beaten 5.5 lengths to the winner, and this looks a great steppingstone at start number three in Singapore.
3rd Pick: RHETT BUTLER (12)
Carries no weight being a two-year-old and well bred. Dam was placed at black type grade as a two-year-old and contested at the elite level. Trialed in easy fashion for this.
4th Pick: KING GEE (3)
Comes with race experience but also a string of trials in Australia since joining the Logan team. Won his trial with plenty in hand.

KNIPPENBERG contests the Group 2 Singapore Classic over 1400m Turf – race 11 @ 5pm Sing time (9pm NZT) and will be ridden by regular race day rider Ronnie Stewart from a handy barrier. Produced a barnstorming finish for 4^th off an outside barrier in the 3yo Sprint 1200m three weeks ago. Gets a good marble this time and will appreciate the extra 200m as well – meets a very good field of 3yo’s here but won in dominant fashion at his Singapore debut in January and his two runs since for 2^nd and 4^th have been full of merit – is up for this and is a good each way chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 25^th April
Navalha (T Wenn) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.2, home in 37.3.
Hayate (J Allen) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.1, final 600 in 37.5.

Thursday 27^th April
Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.3, home in 39.7.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 22nd April

KNIPPENBERG (STEWART)1000/600- 39

Tuesday 25^th April
RHETT BUTLER (ASLAM)800/600-39

Other News

KHAFEEF wins Open Hurdle Race at Hawera 26^th April

Lovely hurdling effort by this fellow as just his 2^nd start over the fences – read the story from the Fortuna website below

KHAFEEF wins Open Hurdles at Hawera 26th April with a great display of jumping
Published 27 April 2023

KHAFEEF, the 7yo Gelding by Champs Élysées out of Tawaareekh, produced an excellent display of jumping in the Restricted Open Hurdle over 2800 metres at Hawera 26th April. Ridden by the classy Shaun Fannin, the Kevin Myers trained galloper was eased back from the start with Fannin content to let him find a good rhythm in the back half of the field – jumping smoothly throughout, Fannin gave KHAFEEF more rein from about the 800m mark – traveling strongly from that point he hit the front taking the 1st jump at the top of the straight and ran away from his opposition closing stages to score with a 3 length margin at the finish post.

Rider Shaun Fannin was fulsome in his praise after the race saying “Beautiful jumping today by Khafeef – he was a lot more relaxed compared to when I last rode him in the Spring – he got into a nice rhythm, gave me everything I asked for and had plenty in reserve as well – we have always held him in high regard, so great to get this sort of result and there is plenty more in store”

Trainer Kevin Myers was on course and was very pleased “Great display by Khafeef today  – he is a lovely jumper” he said after the race.

Fortuna Racing Boss John Galvin, who had been unable to attend the meeting at Hawera watched the race from his Hamilton home and was also very pleased with the result “Gee, that was a great watch, Khafeef always seemed to be traveling like a winner – and as they turned for home, you would not have wanted to be on any other horse – he has not done himself a lot of favours with previous racing because he just goes so keen, but Kevin has done a wonderful job with him over the summer months, Shaun handled him perfectly and he was really relaxed in this race – he looks like he could have a great future at the jumping game.”

KHAFEEF, who had raced in France as a 3yo for one win and a 2nd from four starts for his Owner/Breeder, the Shadwell Estate, was acquired by John Galvin, with the assistance of International Bloodstock Agent, Hubie De Burgh, at the 2019 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale for 28,000 Guineas (NZ$60k approx).

He is raced by the Fortuna Khafeef Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 71 individuals, in the main New Zealanders, but with three of the Group from Hong Kong. He has now had 4 career wins (3 in NZ – 1 in France) and has accumulated just under $100,000 in Prize money earnings

DARCI BRAHMA to be retired from commercial Stud duties

Sad news yesterday with the above announcement – as most readers would be aware the writer took a 5% share in Darci Brahma when he was acquired by David Ellis for $1.1m at the 2004 Karaka Yearling Sale – a Champion on the race track with Group One wins at ages two, three and four, I attended every one of his races including his amazing last to first win as a 2yo in the Group One T J Smith Stakes at Eagle Farm and then on retirement enjoyed an amazing ride with him, along with my fellow shareholders, as he progressed through his Stallion career. All good things come to an end as we know – enjoy your retirement old fellow!!!

See the news item below from The Oaks Stud

Darci Brahma was laid low last season by illness and an issue that subsequently impacted his fertility. “In early October, he had an infection in his abdomen that wasn’t obvious, and it snuck through to one testicle, and we had to treat him with antibiotics,” The Oaks Stud Manager Rick Williams said. “While we cleared that up, the antibiotics affected his semen production. We test bred him through late January and early February and he wasn’t producing any viable semen. We haven’t given up hope, but realistically he isn’t going to breed commercially and if he showed some return to fertility we might breed a few shareholders’ mares to him. At the moment, I’ve told people he isn’t available and it’s a 90 per cent chance that’s the way it will stay. We have been lucky to have him, he’s been an absolute pleasure and a gentleman to work with.”

Darci Brahma retired to The Oaks in 2007 and to date has sired more than 540 winners in eight countries with 57 individual stakes winners and 12 at Group 1 level.

Guest Selector  – Des Coppins

Here is what Des says for this week;

Easter Special 10% discount offer still available on current Fortuna offerings

NZ bred runners took out seven of the eight Group One features at the The Championships at Randwick

Well known racing media personality Andre Neill is to host a hospitality package to Doomben Cup

Vale Doug Payton

NAVALHA contests the R75 1200m event at Te Rapa on Saturday – Race 5 @ 2,52 and will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin from a wide barrier. Had two Ok runs early in the year on resuming after returning from a South Island campaign – then developed a virus which has kept him away from the track until now. Capable on his day, but will need luck this track and trip from a wide barrier draw – can run into the money if he gets it

Singapore

DECEPTION races in the Class 4 1600m Turf – race 4 @ 1.30 Sing time (5.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Singapore Champion Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, from an inside barrier. This horse always runs well, has not always had his due favours, but is clearly looking for a 1600m trip and gets it here. Good even field, but with just seven runners, top rider and good draw, he is right in this – each way

OUR FINAL OFFER contests the Open Maiden 1400 Turf – Race 6 @ 2.30pm Sing time (6.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jamil, claiming 4kgs from Barrier 7 in a 9 horse field. With a 3^rd and a 2^nd this grade last two starts after 15 months away from the track, he is very well placed here. Will need to manage his widish draw but represents a very good each way chance here

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

1st Pick: OUR FINAL OFFER (2)
Jumped much better last start to finish second over 1200m. Looks like he will appreciate the rise in distance and holds nice form to take this out. Wide draw makes it tricky but has the form.
2nd Pick: SCHNEIDER (9)
He is a get back and fly home style horse who clocked a nice time at the end behind Sun Rectitude on a leader dominated surface. Continues to catch the eye and a win is coming. Carries no weight again.
3rd Pick: GRANDEUR (1)
Finished last but only beaten 5.5 lengths at Novice grade last week and is on the quick backup. Should appreciate the drop in class and must be respected against these.
4th Pick: HURRICANE MARS (5)
Just the one minor placing and that was his most recent start where he led and just foundered the last 100m. If he gets steady sectionals early on can grind it out.

ROCKY contests the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 7 @ 3pm Sing time (7pm NZT) and will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff, from an inside barrier. Two Singapore wins and several minor placings from 10 starts for this son of El Roca, he was an impressive winner in Class 5 this trip and surface at his last start with 57kgs on his back – he carries 51kgs this time, has a lovely draw and can certainly feature in the finish here

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

1st Pick: PACIFIC WARRIOR (1)
Didn’t take him place in the 3YO sprint. Was arguably one of the winning hopes in the event. This looks potentially an easier task if he can put his best foot forward, respect.
2nd Pick: SPORTY SIXTY-ONE (2)
On her day, she absolutely blitzes this field. She oozes class and should be winning a race soon, respect.
3rd Pick: MAJOR KING (3)
Trialled well leading up to this, top three hope on his day with Nunes in the saddle.
4th Pick: ROCKY (4)
Great winner last start down in grade. Back to class 4 but watch the market, if he gets late support, he is worth following.

ENTERTAINER runs in the Class 3 1200m Turf event Race 9 @ 4pm Sing time (8pm NZT) and will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff, from barrier 2. Eight wins in Singapore for this fellow but has not won since September 2022 – now back in Class 3 and at a dangerous place in the weights. The good draw will enable him to do what he does best, i.e run freely and if things go right for him, he can feature.

KING ARTHUR runs in the Class 1 1100m Poly event Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (8.30 pm NZT) and will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff, from a good barrier. This nine time winner is one of the highest rated gallopers in Singapore and has to carry a good horse’s weight here, conceding several kgs to most of the other runners. He is in good form, he has the runs on the board and has the class to take this out if he cops the weight differential

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

1st Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (2)
2022 Polytrack horse of the year returns to the race and strikes this event very well weighted. Can go close here. Nunes jumps on and has trialled well in readiness for this.
2nd Pick: SKY EYE (4)
Strong second last time to the races. Strikes a great race and his best would see him going close in this event.
3rd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Carries top weight here but he’s afforded the weight because he’s the clear horse to beat. Hopefully the 59kg doesn’t bring him undone.
4th Pick: RED OCEAN (8)
48kgs here after a great lightweight win last start. At the weights, he’s a logical place chance, respect. Found winning form and can continue it.

Tuesday 4^th April

No Fortuna timed trackwork today

Thursday 13^th April

Hayate (A Gujar) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.2, final 600 in 39.4.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore
 
No Fortuna runners timed track work this week

Easter Special 10% discount offer still available

Still a few shares left in the following three fillies and we are extending our Easter discount for a few more days – just type the word “Easter” into the coupon code section on the website order page to gain the discount.

“Ali” – the Yearling Filly by Star Witness out of Alana’s Party – she has completed her breaking in and has been in the Main Stables now for a week doing her first stable prep Mark says “lovely filly, very forward, very precocious, looks like a real early type 2yo”. Click HERE to see this nice Filly at trot ups during the week. Notable that her 3yo half sister, Vinolass, has been to the races three times in Victoria and won all three – and her 2yo half brother, I’m Coming Up, won a recent trial in Victoria by 2 lengths – so the family is going very well

$1263.60 (with discount) for each 1% and $44 per month from 1^st May. Click HERE to read all about Ali on the Fortuna website

“Raquel” – the Yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen – she has completed her breaking in and has been in the Main Stables now for a week doing her first stable prep – Click HERE to see this lovely grey Filly at trot ups during the week

$759.60 (with discount) for each 1% and $44 per month from 1^st May. Click HERE to read all about Raquel on the Fortuna website

$1209.60 (with discount) for each 1% and $44 per month from 1^st May. Click HERE to read all about Queenie on the Fortuna website

No doubt that NZ Racing is definitely the “poor cousin” compared to Australia when it comes to prize money, but gee, we continue to punch well above our weight when it comes to the breeding barn. The Championships were just amazing results for our breeding industry, and it wasn’t just the Staying/Middle Distance events either, such as the Derby, the Oaks and the Sydney Cup, but we also beat the Aussies at their own game in races that they usually dominate, such as the Sires Produce Stakes 1400m for 2yos (won by Militarise (Dundeel) and the TJ Smith 1200m won by I Wish I Win (Savabeel). Pennyweka (Satono Aladdin), like I Wish I Win, is NZ owned dominated the Oaks and Atishu (Savabeel), owned by a Go Racing syndicate, similarly blew her opposition away in the Queen Of The Turf. Majorbeel (Savabeel)won the Derby of course, Mr Brightside (Bullbars) but carrying the NZ suffix, won the Doncaster and Explosive Jack (Jakalberry) took out the Sydney Cup.

The only Group One we did not secure over the two day Carnival was the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which went to the Irish Bred Dubai Honour, but the NZ bred Mo’unga (Savabeel) did run 2^nd.

Amazing results across the board for the NZ Breeding industry and I do know that some of our Fortuna clients have shares in Atishu and Pennyweka, so congrats to you if you are one of those

Yes our good friend Andre Neill has brought this initiative to our attention – its a great time of the year to be traveling to Queensland – note this package does not include flights – travelers will make their own flight arrangements – this to provide greater flexibility for participants to extend their stay or travel sooner – feel free to contact Andre for more detail or Edie at Travelbrokers if you wanted/needed additional assistance for flight or extension accommodation bookings. Andre is a great host and I am sure he will provide an excellent experience.

Sad news recently of the passing of Doug Payton, a long time Fortuna stalwart – Doug has not kept the best of health in recent years, yet always maintained a cheery disposition and he just loved his horses, particularly Leaderboard, who gave Doug the thrill of a lifetime when winning the Wellington Cup in January. Doug was 85 and had been involved in the kiwifruit industry as a grower during his working life. He his survived by his wife, Sylvia and his three adult children. Silvia tells me that Doug had a great send off and that on his casket he had a number of momentos, including his old pair of kiwifruit secators, a bottle of rum (which was his favourite tipple) and Fortuna colours. Rest in peace Doug.

Here is what Des says for this week;

Hi John and Team

It wasn’t the start I was looking for last week. Skew Wiff, in running second at $2.80 fixed for a place with three units on, saved a wipeout but unfortunately Mustang Valley, the  horse most punters banked on, me included, pulled up slightly lame. Hopefully she will return as good as she can possibly be in her next prep. because she is top class when right as her run in the Doncaster seven days earlier indicated. Let’s turn the page and focus on Saturday at Te Rapa.

The weather looks patchy at times but thankfully there’ll be more sunshine and wind than rain going on the current weather forecast and therefore the track and weather which is reading as showering and a soft 7 may either hold that rating or even improve a point to a soft 6.

I think Millefiori is as good a bet as any the way the track should play. She goes around in race 6 in the open 1400 with Joe Kamaruddin in the saddle. The last time Joe was on board she ran third to her stablemate Challa at Matamata on a slow track back in October. She’s well placed in this and 1400m appears to be her favourite distance. She hasn’t raced for 3 weeks and if you go through her form she seems to race well with her races spaced. It was a dominant win last time after being very keen in the running. She was the quickest from the 800 to the line on a slow track while two starts ago at Te Rapa she came home the quickest over the last 800 after copping a check at the start.

In a small field on Saturday she’s currently at odds of $4 and $1.50 and I reckon the one unit over 4 units is the best way to play her. Good punting.

Des

Fortuna 3yo KNIPPENBERG to contest the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint on Saturday 8^th April

Jessica Galvin wins the “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award Auckland Cup Day at Pukekohe

Des Coppins returns as our Guest Selector and provides details on his ever popular Melbourne Cup Tour as well

Fortuna has three runners over the Easter period, two in NZ, one in Singapore

New Zealand

HAYATE contests the R65 1200m event at Pukekohe on Saturday – Race 6 @ 3.34 and will be ridden by Craig Grylls from a wide barrier. She achieved her 2^nd career win at Tauranga over 1300m early December and followed this up with a 3^rd at matamata early January after over racing – has had a short freshen since, trialed nicely at Taupo recently and is ready for this. Can feature here with some luck from her draw

ANGELS WINGS contests the Maiden 3yo 1200m event at Woodville on Easter Monday and will be ridden by Michael McNab from the Ace draw. This Filly has been knocking on the door and gets her chance to break through here with top rider and sweet draw. Good each way chance

Singapore

KNIPPENBERG runs in the feature event, the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint and will be ridden by regular rider, Ronnie Stewart, from barrier 14 in a 16 horse field. He followed up a dominant win on his debut in Restricted Maiden grade late January with a quality performance in Novice Grade 3 weeks later, running 2^nd. Has been kept fresh for this event and trialed beautifully over 1000m 28^th March. Meets a good quality field here, has a difficult draw to overcome and will need some luck, but he is very classy and if he gets the luck, he can feature in the finish here

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Fortuna 3yo KNIPPENBERG to contest the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint on Saturday 8^th April

KNIPPENBERG (I Am Invincible – Red Fez) really steps up to the plate in Singapore on Saturday 8^thApril contesting this Group 3 event at just his 3^rd Singapore start

Knippenberg was originally prepared for racing in Sydney by Ciarin Maher/David Eustace from their Warwick Farm base in Sydney for his International Owners and Breeders, Phoenix Thoroughbreds. He had two trials and two race day starts for them, but did not appear to meet their standards as a stallion making prospect, so they offered him for sale on the Inglis Digital platform in June 2022 and he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500. Still a Colt, we gelded him straight away, gave him a good paddock break in NSW and then sent him to Singapore in September. Always very forward, he didn’t put a foot wrong in his initial preparation in the hands of Donna Logan, trialing well and then a dominant winner on his Singapore debut 28^th January in Restricted Maiden Grade over 1200m on the Turf track.

He then contested a Novice event over 1200m on the Poly track, finishing a close up 2^nd after getting carted very wide on the track in the run home by the winner and losing a shoe in the process.

So, now he gets his chance in this event, the first leg of the Singapore 3yo Series – he has to overcome a very tricky gate, but his trial last week was very, very good, rider Ronnie Stewart knows him well and if he gets some luck, he should be able to reward his Ownership Group in the best possible way

Jessica Galvin wins the “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award Auckland Cup Day at Pukekohe

Readers would be very familiar with the “Fashions In the Field” concept which has proven very familiar at several racing venues over the years.

This year at Pukekohe on Auckland Cup Day 11^th March a “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award was held with participants having their photos taken on the day, those photos posted on three different Social Media platforms, Face Book, Instagram and Twitter with viewers on those platforms casting their votes for their preferred choice – with Fortuna’s Jessica Galvin gaining the most votes. Congrats Jessica

The writer is very “one eyed” of course, but Jessica looks great doesn’t she!!! For those readers who like to follow fashion, Jessica’s dress is by Zimmerman, her shoes by Valentino and her bag is by Red Current

Guest Selector  – Des Coppins

Yes, we like to rotate our Guest Selectors and so Des will be back in the chair over the coming weeks. Big thanks to Butch Castles for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide us with his selections in recent times.

Here is what Des says for this week;

Dear John and the Fortuna Team – On paper it’ll be hard to envisage the downfall of Mustang Valley in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Pukekohe on Saturday. We know it’s a quick back up after racing in the Doncaster last week where she was terrific in running 5th less than one length and half off the winner, Mr Brightside.

There is a BUT however. If it’s wet she’s unbeatable given the right run. All her winning form and most of her placed form in a limited career has been all about wet tracks. BUT if it’s a track better than a slow 5 she may be slightly vulnerable. But then again it’s hard to fathom at times the changeable weather patterns and how much rain is likely between now and post time.

So here’s how I read it. On a wet track you go all in on a Mustang Valley and the $2.50 by the bookies is totally acceptable. However, if the track is around the slow 5 or dare I say even better there may be the opportunity for the one of the upcoming three year olds to spoil the favourite’s party. In this category I’m finding it difficult to separate Skew Wiff ($7.50) and Mazzolino ($8.50). Both ran incredibly well against their own age group in the group one Levin Classic three weeks ago at Trentham.  Skew Wiff went up to win half way down the straight but was outmuscled the last 100m or so by her hardened stablemate, Romancing the Moon, while Mazzolino was late in finding clear racing room and charged to the line to finish 4th. Super three year old of last season  and current super star Imperatriz  bounced out of the Levin Classic to win last year’s Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Te Rapa. It’s obviously the right launching pad race for Saturday.

From all accounts both these promising fillies have trained on well since Trentham and they’ll be rock hard fit for Saturday’s big one where they receive a 2.5kg weight concession over Mustang Valley and all other runners.

Here’s how I’m playing it. On a track that’s wetter than a slow 6, it’s all about Mustang Valley, with a generous win bet. If it’s a slow 6 or better one unit for a win and three units for a place on the other pair as well and irrespective of track conditions an exotic bet around box  quinellas and a  trifecta with the trio.

Good punting!

Fortuna’s Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly – “Ali”, is near the end of her breaking in process – inspected by Mark Walker yesterday, he describes her as “very precocious”

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Fortuna has four runners on Saturday 1^st April, one in NZ, three in Singapore
 
New Zealand

INCA BELLE contests the 3yo SW & P event over 1200m at Awapuni – Race 1 @12.30pm and will be ridden by Craig Grylls – three starts, three wins for this talented Per Incanto Filly out of the famous “Belle” family. Meets a good field here but is the only runner with a 100% record.

Singapore

ELLIOT NESS runs in the Class 4 1200 Poly  event – Race 3 at 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jamil, claiming 4kgs, from barrier 12. A very capable galloper 2^nd up off a long break – is ready for this and has a featherweight to carry, but a very tough draw to contend with – will need luck, but if he gets it, can feature

BRIGGS contests the Open Maiden 1000m Poly  event – Race 4 at 1.30pm Singapore time (6.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Louis Beuzelin from barrier 1 – Resumed this trip 12^th March in Class 4 after a 5 month break from racing, needed the run and will strip fitter for this event which is in an easier grade – big powerful type who may need this run as well – watch

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

1st Pick: TE AKAU BEN (1)
Returns here off an extended break. Showed plenty of promise in his two starts to date include a 2nd at novice grade, horse to beat on paper.
2nd Pick: BRIGGS (2)
Class 4 was a little too far out of his depth last start, back to suitable company and can go close here.
3rd Pick: SIRIUS (5)
Narrowly beaten last start by The Jun and goes around in maiden company this start, each way chance.
4th Pick: GROOVY (9)
Being slow away last start cost him a chance of running a place. Hopefully an improved jump this weekend can see him picking up some prizemoney, keep safe.

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 3 1200m Poly  event – Race 11 at 5pm Singapore time (10pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from barrier 12 – an eight time winner in Singapore, he has not greeted the judge since September 2022, but is back in a winnable grade and down to a dangerous place in the weights – difficult draw to contend with, so will need luck

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 28^th March
Hayate (A Gujar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.10.8, final 600 in 40.8.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 25^th March

KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600 – 38; ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)1000/600- 39:
ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)1000/600- 40; BRIGGS (ASLAM)1000/600- 36;

Tuesday 28^th March

OUR FINAL OFFER (ASLAM)800/600- 38.5;

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Other News

TAB NZ Selects Entain as Preferred Wagering Partner

One of the key recommendations of John Messara’s report of 2018 was that the TAB’s wagering operation be outsourced to an operator of International Scale – the Report (page 36) states as follows:

Under the current structure, the NZRB (TAB) will be unable to deliver the sustainable level of funding to revitalise the NZ Racing and the TAB operations to a level of efficiency required to be competitive against international wagering operations of scale .

Due to its lack of scale, the NZRB is not capable of providing  a best in class proposition to customers, across most areas of core competency, as that demands a level of ongoing capital investment that is substantially more that the NZRB’s current capacity.

The optimal outcome for the development and sustainability of the NZ Racing Industry is a full operational outsourcing of all domestic wagering, broadcast and gaming operations, to a single third party wagering and media operator of international scale, under a long term contract, with the NZRB holding the licence.

So, it has taken five years, some significant legislative and operational effort plus, no doubt, some intense negotiations, but the outcome is summarised in the news release from the TAB below – this agreement needs to be signed off by the Minister for Racing – this could happen very quickly. As I write this it is difficult to predict the precise timing of events that would follow (this because the full detail of the deal is subject to a confidentiality agreement until after the Ministerial sign off), but the talk within the industry is that the initial upfront payment and ongoing guarantee of funding could result in some significant prizemoney increase announcements in the very immediate future – we will need to wait and see on that, so watch this space as they say

Here is the announcement from the TAB

TAB NZ

27 March 2023

As a statutory entity and the sole holder of a betting licence in New Zealand, TAB NZ is committed to materially boosting the fortunes of racing and sport, delivering a world-class customer experience and enhancing its responsible gambling and harm minimisation efforts.

For some time, TAB NZ has faced increasing competition, rising costs, capital constraints as well as other challenges, which have impacted its ability to deliver adequate funding to racing and sports. These challenges are expected to increase.
In order to achieve TAB NZ’s objectives and growth ambitions, Board and management considered that it was in the best interest of TAB NZ and its stakeholders to explore a strategic partnering arrangement with a world-class international wagering operator to deliver TAB NZ’s wagering and broadcast functions.

Over the past six months, TAB NZ has engaged with a range of world-class operators in relation to a strategic partnering arrangement and received several compelling proposals. It has been supported through the process out of Australia by Barrenjoey Capital Partners as sole financial adviser, Allens as principal legal advisers. Chapman Tripp provided legal advice in New Zealand.

Following a detailed assessment of a number of proposals which were received, TAB NZ has today announced that it has selected Entain as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement. The proposed strategic arrangement remains subject to Ministerial approval. The specific terms of the arrangement remain commercially confidential until approval is granted.

Entain was selected as the preferred partner based on a wide range of criteria, including operational expertise, cultural alignment with TAB NZ and the commitment of the partner to uplifting TAB NZ’s harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts.

TAB NZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Tod said today’s announcement signals an important step in boosting the fortunes of racing, sport and communities for a generation. “TAB NZ faced an uncertain future in a David and Goliath battle with international wagering operators and a lack of capital to both compete and meet its potential. Today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward the transformation of TAB NZ and those who rely upon its growth and long-term success. In the absence of a strategic partnering arrangement, TAB NZ would be further cutting distributions in the next financial year,” Mr Tod said. “This proposed strategic arrangement with Entain provides a certain, material and immediate uplift in the funding TAB NZ can provide New Zealand racing and sports ensuring that these industries not only survive, but thrive. It will allow us to greatly improve our harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts, and provides immediate job security and long-term job creation in New Zealand to the advancement of our nation at large. Entain is a global and world-class operator who will deliver industry best practice and an elevated and safe experience for New Zealand punters, as well as racing and sports fans. We are deeply excited by their commitment to New Zealand and this opportunity.”

TAB NZ Chairman Mark Stewart said the Board is unanimously supportive of the proposed strategic partnering arrangement.

“Management and the Board ran a world-class and robust process that attracted the interest of some of the best wagering operators in the world and have delivered a result that will benefit all our stakeholders for a generation. It’s a credit to our Chief Executive Officer and his team for the result they have delivered and to our stakeholders in Racing and Sport for the way in which they have supported this process,” Mr Stewart said.

Entain’s Chief Executive Officer – Australia, Dean Shannon, said the company was excited to be selected by TAB NZ as its preferred partner. “This is a unique opportunity to shape the future wagering experience for customers and to support New Zealand’s racing and sporting industries. We have a compelling vision for the future of TAB NZ, which includes a renewed focus on innovation and technology, and a long-term commitment to all racing, sport and industry stakeholders,” Mr Shannon said. “As the partner of choice for New Zealand, we have made a firm commitment to employment continuity for at least 24 months, with the team at TAB NZ essential to our future vision and growth of the market in New Zealand. We applaud TAB NZ for how the process has been run to date and we look forward to working with all stakeholders on necessary approvals to finalise the transaction.”

Overview

• TAB NZ today announces that it has selected Entain as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement.
• The proposed strategic arrangement enhances the viability of New Zealand racing and sport, will materially boost the fortunes of both and has the support of key stakeholders, including the three racing codes and Sport NZ.
• If approved by the Minister for Racing, today’s announcement will deliver a key recommendation from the Messara Report (2018) that was provided to the New Zealand Government as a critical change to support the long-term viability of the Racing industry.

Ministerial Approval

• The proposed strategic arrangement remains subject to Ministerial approval. TAB NZ and Entain look forward to working collaboratively with the Minister’s office in relation to the proposed strategic arrangement.

Key benefits of proposed strategic arrangement with Entain

• Guaranteed funding to TAB NZ of greater than NZ$1.0 billion in the first five years to support the revitalisation of the racing industry with material upside over the life of the arrangement.
• Significantly strengthens the financial position of TAB NZ today by facilitating an upfront payment to racing and sports, in addition to an increase in future payments over time relative to TAB NZ’s current trajectory of funding reductions
• Additional and significant upfront payment should legislation be enacted that prevents unlicensed offshore operators from providing wagering services in New Zealand.
• Over the 25-year arrangement, the proposed terms have the potential to deliver a total uplift in payments to racing and sports of c.NZ$5.0 billion relative to the counterfactual of TAB NZ’s declining commercial performance due to intense international competition and historic under investment in the business in key areas like retail, technology, broadcast and operations
• Investment and uplift in TAB NZ’s harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts
• A 24-month employment guarantee for TAB NZ’s employees, with new job opportunities for Kiwis as the New Zealand market and Racing and Sports industries grow
• A commitment to retain and refresh the TAB NZ brand
• A commitment to provide a world-class and industry best practice wagering, retail and broadcast offering to Kiwi customers as well as racing and sports fans
• Additional support to the Racing industry, including a NZ$10.0 million sponsorship of an enhanced racing carnival and the establishment of other community linked initiatives
• Strong racing and sports industries are expected to drive significant economic growth and see New Zealand communities, as well as the nation at large benefit materially, including the creation of new roles both directly and indirectly

About Entain

Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the world’s largest sports- betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports brands include BetCity, bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet, Sports Interaction and SuperSport; Gaming brands include Foxy Bingo, Gala, GiocoDigitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, Partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group owns proprietary technology across all its core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis.

The Group has a 50/50 joint venture, BetMGM, a leader in sports betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology and capabilities which power BetMGM as well as exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The Group is tax resident in the UK and is the only global operator to exclusively operate in domestically regulated or regulating markets operating in over 40 territories.

Entain is a leader in ESG, a member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AA rated by MSCI. The Group has set a science-based target, committing to be carbon net zero by 2035 and through the Entain Foundation supports a variety of initiatives, focusing on safer gambling, grassroots sport, diversity in technology and community projects. For more information see the Group’s website: www.entaingroup.com

Fortuna’s Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly – “Ali”, is near the end of her breaking in process – inspected by Mark Walker yesterday, he describes her as “very precocious”

Picked out of the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale Book One catalogue by Mark, David and Marcus Corban as a natural 2yo type who would be an “early runner”. this filly (stable name “Ali”) has lived up to her pre sale inspection, being one of the first of the Karaka Yearlings acquired by Te Akau to get broken in and yesterday Mark Walker watched her being ridden at the breakers and reports as follows;

“John, I went to the breakers yesterday to watch your Star Witness filly work – she is near the end of her breaking in process and being ridden in work every day. What a magnificent Filly she has developed into – she is a very precocious type, very forward and free going with a great action – I loved her attitude, she was very willing and just wanted to please her rider. She presents as a natural 2yo type who is a definite chance to make the 2024 Karaka Million and she will come over to the Main Stables April 7th for her first stable preparation”

The Singapore Racing Annual Awards Evening was held 21^st March

“Everyone should race a grey horse at least once in their lifetime” – Robert Sangster
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Fortuna has just one runner on Saturday 25^th March – in Singapore

Singapore

KING ARTHUR contests the Kranji Stakes A 1200m Turf  event – Race 10 at 4.30pm Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from barrier 3 – this nine time winner is the 2^nd best horse in Singapore and has great stats at this trip and surface – is giving away a lot of weight to most of the field here, but has a lovely draw and in form rider claiming 2kgs – very good each way chance

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

1st Pick: GOLDEN MONKEY (4)
Has had two trials since his last run where he was wide without cover and never got on the track. Weighted incredibly well, respect.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Comes into this event carrying a large weight off a rating of 105. Apprentice takes off some weight here? Top three player.
3rd Pick: GRAND KOONTA (2)
Such a fierce competitor who has struggled to win with such a high rating. Always gives his all and can never be underestimated, place chance.
4th Pick: SKY EYE (3)
Narrowly defeated by a horse with 46kg. Beaten by less than a length and this week gets a 4kg claiming rider back on board who has won on him in the past.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 18^th March

KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)800/600- 37.5; KING ARTHUR(YUSOFF)1000/600- 37; RHETT BUTLER(AWAH)800- 37;

Tuesday 21st March

KINPPENBERG(ASLAM)1000/600– 38; ELLIOT NESS(YUSOFF)800/600- 40 ; BRIGGS(ASLAM)1000/600- 38; KING ARTHUR(YUSOFF)800/600- 40; ENTERTAINER(YUSOFF)800/600- 38;

Other News

The Singapore Racing Annual Awards Evening was held 21^st March

Fortuna Racing was represented on the evening by a small group of our Owners, including two who had travelled up from New Zealand – this because King Arthur had been nominated in the Champion Sprinter of The Year category – Our other connection was with the Te Akau Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, who was crowned Champion Apprentice – Yusoff rode 22 winners during the 2022 season, 7 of which were on Fortuna runners – here is the story about the evening from the STC website

The Singapore Racing Awards celebrated 2022 racing season’s best at the Derby, Singapore Turf Club on Tuesday, 21 March 2023, with 13 awards given out at the gala dinner.

Singapore Turf Club Chief Racing Officer Dayle Brown said, “We’re pleased to be able to once again host the Singapore Racing Awards ceremony in celebration of the efforts and contributions from key industry players and equine athletes.”
“Our heartiest congratulations to all the winning owners, trainers and jockeys. Our collective passion and love for the sport of horse racing continue to steer us in a new world.
“The new season will be one to look forward to, with the doubling of feature races and the re-introduction of popular race series which will further test the tenacity of our local champion horses, as well as new and talented youngsters.”

Horse of the Year Award
Lim’s Kosciuszko was crowned the Horse of the Year and also bagged awards in the Champion Sprinter and Champion Four-Year-Old categories.
Unbeaten at his first four runs in 2021, the Daniel Meagher-trained Lim’s Kosciuszko picked up where he left off with another four consecutive wins in 2022. He suffered three defeats before bouncing back with a first Group 1 feather in his cap, the Singapore Derby (1800m), which cemented his new status as the Champion Four-Year-Old.
Barely a month later, Lim’s Kosciuszko showed his versatility by scooping up the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m), that earned him the gong for the Champion Sprinter award.
Meagher was elated with the son of Kermadec’s achievement.
“I was hopeful before (the award ceremony), but to achieve what he has done, we are all very proud of him,” he said.
“He represented Singapore in Hong Kong, and even if it was disappointing then, the horse has improved and came back to win a Group 3 (Merlion Trophy) this year.
“It’s a wonderful night for the team, the owners and the two horses, and to win six awards (two awards for Lim’s Stable, three awards for Lim’s Kosciuszko and one award for Lim’s Lightning) is great. Well done to the Club for getting everybody back together at the function.”

Other Equine Awards
Stablemate and 2021 Singapore Horse of the Year Lim’s Lightning retained his title as Champion Miler after he outclassed a stellar field in the Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m) while the Champion Stayer award went to Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) winner Hongkong Great.
Thanks to his four wins on the Polytrack, Lucky Jinsha was without much surprise crowned Champion Polytrack Horse.
For sweeping the two legs of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) and the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m), rising star Golden Monkey was a hot favourite for the Champion Three-Year-Old title, which he deservedly won.
The winners for the seven equine awards, including the coveted Horse of the Year award were determined by votes from a panel of 10 external and 10 internal judges based on a list of nominees shortlisted for their performances in Group races and Class 1 / Kranji Stakes A races.

Personality Awards
Since branching out on his own in 2019, Australian trainer Tim Fitzsimmons bagged his first Champion Trainer title on 65 wins.
On the other hand, Manoel Nunes is a familiar face at such award nights. The Brazilian took the Singapore jockeys’ premiership honours from 2014 to 2016, and his sensational tally of 81 wins last year saw him finish well clear of Wong Chin Chuen. On 43 wins, the Malaysian rider claimed the Champion Resident Jockey award for recording the most number of wins among the resident jockeys.
Penang apprentice jockey Yusoff Fadzli was crowned Champion Apprentice Jockey for the first time thanks to a haul of 22 winners.
Already a multiple-champion owner, the Lim’s Stable, who races both Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Lightning, won yet another Champion Owner (by Prizemoney) award. They also shared the honours with Buffalo Stable in the Champion Owner (by Wins) category.
Five out of the six personality awards were determined by their number of wins in the season, but the Champion Owner (By Prizemoney) award was determined by the total prizemoney won by the owner’s horses in the races.

The full list of winners is as follows:

“Everyone should race a grey horse at least once in their lifetime” – Robert Sangster

As one of the most successful Owners in racing history, the late Robert Sangster certainly knew a thing or two about racing, so his advice on “greys” is very sage – here is your chance to follow his advice – see below

About The Yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen – “Raquel”

Definite Middle Distance/Staying type of Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Stallion RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoute’s Choice) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Mark Walker, when doing his usual pre sale Video clip inspections, had identified this Filly as a “genuine middle distance/staying type”

Pedigree
Raquel is the beneficiary of a stout pedigree. Her Sire, Reliable Man was a top class Stayer, winning five times from 14 starts at trips from 2000 to 2400m – he won twice at Group One level, firstly at Chantilly in France and then at Royal Randwick in Sydney, where he won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, defeating Dundeel. He is the Sire of over 370 winners, including 20 Stakes winners. These include the Victorian Oaks winner, Miami Bound, the NZ Oaks winner, Miss Sentimental and the Western Austrian glamour Mare, Inspirational Girl

Raquel’s Dam is Scene Queen, a daughter of the renowned Champion Stallion and Broodmare Sire, Redoute’s Choice. She raced 3 times without winning and is the dam of five foals to race, four of whom have won, including the very smart Steven Autridge trained 3yo, Helly Belly, who has now won 2 races from 6 starts.

Click HERE to view her pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, “Raquel” is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a strong athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“At the 2022 Sale we had acquired a lovely Reliable Man Filly – given the race name , Matariki, unfortunately she suffered a severe paddock accident and had to be put down – determined to find a suitable replacement, our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban identified Lot 979, also by Reliable Man and out of a Redoutes Choice Mare, as one of the nicest staying type Grey Fillies out of both Book 1 and Book 2 and, remarkably, we secured her for the same price  as Matariki”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)
“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type Grey Filly, there was nothing in Book 1 that appealed, however Lot 979 in Book 2 really caught my eye – an athletic Filly of good size and with plenty of scope, her walk was very fluent and she really appealed to me. She will certainly benefit with a patient approach but I could see her as an Autumn 2yo who will develop and strengthen nicely into her 3yo year and beyond .”

Selectors view (Marcus Corban)
“This Filly is a typical strong Reliable Man type – she has a great athletic walk and plenty of size and scope – Reliable Man is a renowned Sire of stayers and this cross with a Redoute’s Choice mare injects class and speed into her pedigree page – this Filly represents great value at her acquisition price”

Ongoing Preparation
Raquel is now into her 3rd week of being broken in and once broken in, she will then be prepared for racing at Matamata by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables – her first preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and David and Mark will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her.

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000 – 2.5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over$9,500
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^stApril 2023 – 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

Guest Selector  – Andrew Castles

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team – I am going to suggest a bet at a price on Saturday at Tauranga. The track continues to dry and I would expect a Soft5 at worst by the time of the last race. I think this will suit the son of Telperion in Tommy (2). All three race day appearances have had merit and I expect him to run out a strong 1600m off a good gate. The price of $7.50 and $2.70 is very appealing and so is the $2.8 on offer from the TAB for a Top 4 finish! Butch