Friday Flash – 8th September 2023
Headline News
Fortuna stats for the new NZ season to date are looking good @ 5 wins from 13 starts = Strike Rate of 2.6!!!
And isn’t it great to see Stakes of $65k minimum on Tarzino Day at Hastings tomorrow
Fortuna secures a strong Staying type for Australian Racing – ZEDWILLDO – shares available now
2yo Filly Bellatrix Star wins on debut at Whanganui 2nd September
5yo Dancarina records her 3rd career win Avondale 6th September
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing announces a $3m Stakes “top up” over and above standard NZTR prizemonies
===========================================================
One Fortuna Runners this weekend – at Waverley on Sunday 10th
KHAFEEF tackles the R65 2200m event – Race 8 @ 4.30pm – Mereana Hudson to ride. Back to the flat after a last start Hurdles event at Riccarton. Is very capable on his day, but can be a very difficult ride for his jockeys – if he settles he can feature
==============================================================
Matamata Trackwork
No timed Fortuna Trackwork this week
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 2nd September
PRINCE LONHRO (AWAH) 600-40; GUN (ASLAM)600-40; ELLIOT NESS(ASLAM)1000/600-38;KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)1000/600-37; ENTERTAINER (ASLAM)1000/600-38;
Tuesday 5th September
GUN (AWAH)600-41; PRINCE LONHRO (JAMIL)600-41
=================================================
Fortuna secures a strong Staying type for Australian Racing – ZEDWILLDO – shares available now – 45% committed already – a “Cups” type stayer in the making
$4.5k for 2.5% – $1.8k for 1%
Here is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with a classy Stayer who will do his future racing in Victoria – the 5yo ZEDWILLDO (Zed – Katie Spice by Mastercraftsman) – will race out of Mark Walker’s Cranbourne base – stablename is “DEZ”
- Acquired here in NZ, he will head to Victoria late September/early October and make his Australian debut mid October
- Has only had one trial in his career – this a winning one at Avondale in August – Click HERE to see that trial (purple silks, green sleeves)
- Has only has one raceday start (for his previous owner) – at Matamata 27th August running a fast finishing 5th over 1400m after being checked in the run and held up on the turn – Click HERE to see that race video replay
- Inspected by Mark and John at Cambridge 31st August – click HERE to see that parade clip
- Vetted by Dr Ronan Costello 1st September – passed with colours flying – Click HERE to read the Vet report
- Paid for on Monday 4th and transported to Te Akau Stables Matamata – click HERE to see him parading Monday afternoon with voiceover from Mark – as you will hear Mark just loves him
- Presents as a genuine “Cups” staying type – with a deep NZ staying pedigree, has size and the scope and remarkably, as a 5yo now, has only had one trial and one race, so plenty of “miles in the legs” yet
- NZ$1800 per each 1% share and NZ$50 per month from 1 November
As you know we love our stayers and have had quite a bit of success with the ones we have bought to date – they are not easy to buy as it is impractical to try and buy a yearling to develop into a stayer, particularly for a “boutique” syndicator like Fortuna which does not buy large numbers.
But we are always on the lookout and a few months ago, realising that our traditional path of buying tried stayers out of the UK was becoming more difficult – this because of the “deep pocketed” Australian syndication companies and “headline” Trainers and more recently, with the huge prizemoney increases in the Arabian racing jurisdictions, from Arab based entities – we decided to focus more on “homegrown” opportunities – after all, NZ still has some of the best staying bloodlines in world racing, but with so many of our promising staying types getting sold to Aus and Hong Kong, they are not gracing the race tracks here.
I put out feelers to a couple of Bloodstock Agents that I have got to know fairly well with a brief to find me a nice “tried” staying type that was lightly raced, that had plenty of upside and that had shown enough to suggest they would be good enough to compete in Australia. I had inspected a couple of such types over recent weeks and turned them down (this in conjunction with Mark Walker) and then out of the blue, about a week ago, I had one brought to my attention and boy, is he a beauty who ticks just so many boxes.
His name is ZEDWILLDO and he was acquired by the party we bought him from (Diane Kennedy) off Gavelhouse as a yearling – Diane is a superb horsewoman who gave him plenty of time to develop and mature before getting a saddle on his back, hence why he is so lightly raced. Mark and I were a bit cautious to start with, given him being a 5yo (note that he is a November foal though, so still yet to turn 5) but on reviewing his trial and his raceday start, we warmed to him and then we inspected him last Thursday, we were blown away. He is a very athletic gelding with size and scope, was fabulous in the coat and had a beautiful, loose-moving walk. He was vetted on Friday passing with flying colours – so we secured the purchase and on Monday 4th he traveled to Matamata from Cambridge where Mark will work him for about three weeks, get to know him a bit and then he will be on a plane to Victoria to go to Te Akau’s new stables at Cranbourne and will make his Aus debut soon after arrival
Ben Gleeson, Mark’s assistant trainer, who is now based at Cranbourne has seen the trials and race footage and also the parade footage – Ben was formerly Danny O’Brien’s assistant trainer and of course, they won the Melbourne Cup with Vow and Declare in 2019. so Ben knows quite a bit about what sort of horse can be successful in Victoria and he was also very taken with the footage.
As stated already, he will go straight to Victoria – still a Maiden, we may as well be racing for an A$40k Maiden over there rather than a NZ$18k one here. Kozzi Asano rode him in his trial and race and, as always, we seek riders’ opinions on the horses we are considering – he says “John and Mark, Zedwilldo is a real genuine staying type – he is still untapped in my opinion but has a lovely relaxed action and will stay all day”
PHYSICAL TYPE
Stands at 16.1 hands high and weighs around the 510kg mark – lovely walking horse as you will see from his parade clips
ZEDWILLDO – Matamata Stables 6th September
Mark says “John, I really love this horse – he has a great action, I just loved the way he powered home under testing conditions at Avondale in his trial and his debut raceday performance on a much firmer track had a lot of merit also – he deserves to have his racing opportunity in Victoria – there are just so many more opportunities for staying types like this bloke in Victoria as they go through the grades – and for wonderful prizemoney also. And of course, if he proves to be really top class, the big Cups races are right there on your doorstep – I can’t wait to get my hands on him.”
Dr Ronan Costello our very good Vet, put him through his paces on Friday morning with a full physical exam, scoping before and after a 1000m gallop and X rays of his forelegs. Ronan is the consummate professional, but when he called me after the exam, he was full of praise for the horse – he said, “John, I inspected Zedwilldo today and a full report is on its way, but I must say that he is a very impressive physical specimen, 100% sound, clean in the wind, clean x rays and as I watched him gallop past me, he took my breath away with just how smooth his action was – lovely horse”
Pedigree – see below – note the dam sire line, Mastercraftsman, Montjeu, Star Way, In The Purple and before that (not shown on the pedigree page, it is Le Filou and Faux Tirage – this is a deep, deep NZ staying pedigree – this is the family of Military Plume and Monaco Consul
Note also that he is by ZED, who has already sired a Melbourne Cup winner (Verry Elleegant)
Plans – he is now in the Matamata Stables, where Mark and Sam will work him along and he will trial at Te Rapa 26th of September – he will fly to Melbourne straight after that – he will have his first raceday start over there a few days after he arrives – Te Akau’s Australian Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson is already looking at the program – he will probably kick off at 1600m but then step up in trip pretty quick after that and after securing a Maiden win, we will just work him through the grades and see where we get to with him.
Pricing – full paperwork is still to be finalised so we are taking expressions of interest at this stage, but I have done the number and his fully syndicated price will be NZ$180k, this includes Purchase price, Promoters fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024, Freight to Australia, Aus GST on entry and working capital of over $10,000.This means a 10% share is $18k, 5% $9k, 2.5% $4.5k and 1% $1.8k. Ongoing costs start 1 November 2023 @ NZ$50 per month per each 1% share – training costs will be higher in Aus than they are here, hence the higher than standard monthly contribution
I am sure this offering is going to be very popular, so please register your interest with me asap by responding to this email – if you are registered, you will not miss out – Please feel free to direct any questions/queries you may have either by email or call/text John 021 921 460
=======================================================
Fortuna Two Year Old Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, shines brightly with winning debut Whanganui 2nd September 2023
Worthy of favouritism, Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) debuted with victory in the $25,000 Wanganui Chronicle Maiden 2YO 800 metres on Saturday at Wanganui in the hands of NZ Champion Jockey, Michael McNab
Last season Te Akau and Fortuna had success with Rubicon Crossing (Rubick) in the same event and similarly with Bellatrix Star was also purchased in conjunction by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, who syndicated both Fillies
In her sole trial on 1 August at Te Rapa, Bellatrix Star camped behind two leaders, cornered well, and let down strongly under minimal urging to win and rider Michael McNab was keen to continue his association. While drawing the outside (6) had some drawbacks, ridden conservatively appeared the right approach and although requiring full stretch to claim the pacemaker, Hard Attack (All Too Hard), McNab showed an element of confidence in his charge. Scoring by a nose, with over four lengths to second, Bellatrix Star ran 800 metres in 46.4 on footing upgraded to Soft7 and paid $1.50 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to watch the replay
“Even though she won by a short margin, it was most impressive given the way she got it done,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who during a record-breaking previous season of 203 wins, had 29 two-year-old runners, 11 individual winners, 21 wins, 21 seconds, and 12 thirds. “She had to do it the tough way, getting back and running down the leader, and it’s not that easy over only 800 metres. It was a lovely ride of Michael’s, giving her such an educational sort of ride and that will be great experience for her going forward. She will have a little break now at Te Akau Stud. I think she will come back bigger and stronger and I certainly feel she is a Karaka Million type of filly. There is a lot of upside with her and she has the size and scope to really train on.”
BELLATRIX STAR – wins on debut – Wanganui 2nd September 2023
Michael McNab aboard (picture by Race Images)
Boasting a speedy pedigree, Bellatrix Star was purchased for $80,000 by Ellis and Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate.
Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin, was on course at Whanganui along with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group – “That was a wonderful debut by our girl – things didn’t go all her way. She was a bit unsettled early in the run, but Michael (McNab) got her balanced, asked her for an effort turning for home, and although Hard Attack gave us a bit of a fright, in the end our girl did enough to win. It’s the first time she’s ever been off the bridle and she’d have learned a lot from that. It was a lovely ride by Michael and it’s why we put him on. He’s a professional and knows how to get the very best out of horses. Her work was really good leading into the trial on 2 August at Te Rapa, her jump outs have been very good also and she worked sensationally on Tuesday. So there was a lot of confidence in the camp. But of course they were all new, all on debut, and just hard to line up. She’s Karaka Million registered, probably now qualified for the race in January with the stake money from today, so we’ll just work backwards from that, give her a break and set her up for a couple of races leading into the KM.”
“Well done to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson with how they have handled this Filly to date, she clearly has tons of ability, but they have nurtured her very well.”
BELLATRIX STAR – all action – closing stages
Stallion 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. His son Star Turn, winner of the Schillaci Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) is a very good young sire in Australia, while his fillies Global Glamour (Star Witness) was a dual Group One winner of the Flight Stakes and Caulfield Guineas, both at a mile, and Swift Witness won the Silver Shadow (Gr. 2, 1200m). 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, winning Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and becoming a World Champion Turf Miler.
A satisfied Michael McNab salutes the judge on returning to scale on Bellatrix Star
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 have numbered over 5000, 205 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, at her best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).
At the time of purchase, David Ellis said: “We had a good horse in the stable by Star Witness named Phantom Witness, that won his first two starts over 1200 metres and we probably didn’t see the best of him. It’s a rarity to find many fillies out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. This filly has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level.”
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
Members of the Ownership Group enjoying that winning feeling
Bellatrix Star was strapped by Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper.
====================================================
Fortuna Race Mare DANCARINA scores impressively at Avondale 6th September – her 3rd Career win
Continuing outstanding form for Te Akau Racing Stable and Fortuna Racing, Dancarina (5 m Sebring – Dance for Me, by Commands)richly deserved her victory in the $18,500 Rating 75 1200 metres on 6 September at Avondale. Performing solidly with two seconds and a third, before suffering a cardiac arrhythmia at her previous start, Dancarina bounced back in the best way possible to record her third win for owners in the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate (Manager: John Galvin). The win provided the Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson with their third on the programme, following My Lips Are Sealed (Ace High) and Fon Memories (Eminent), each by emerging young sires, and fresh from a record-breaking 203 wins in 2022/23, the 10 wins inside a week has already propelled the new partnership to 20 winners since 1 August.
Ridden by stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who is also reeling in the winners, Dancarina was caught on a limb in the early rush for positions before slotting in fourth and the talented mare quickened appreciably when asked to extend inside the 300m. On Heavy10 footing in the race sponsored by Magness Mighty Steam Train, she scored comfortably by half a length, running the 1200 metres in 1:16.9, and returned $7.20 & $2.80 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race video replay
Dancarina – Victorious at Avondale 6th Sept 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard
“It was a good tough effort after working early in the race and another nice ride from Parmar, who is riding in such good form,” said Mark Walker.“We’ll have to see what the handicapper does with her in the way of rating points, as far as working out a campaign going forward, but in the back of our minds we feel that she’s a mare capable of getting black type. It’s always great to train winners for John Galvin and his Fortuna owners and they’ve been having a good run of late with five individual winners since 1st August, including the first two-year-old winner this season, Bellatrix Star, last Saturday at Wanganui.”
Dancarina is by top-class Australian two-year-old and Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Sebring (Danehill), sire of 129 stakes winners, among over 2300 wins, including 18 Group Ones, while dam Dance for Me (Commands) won twice to 1400 metres in Australia, from a good winning family that included third dam, Champion 2YO Filly in NZ, Ballroom Babe (Citidancer).
Fortuna Racing Director John Galvin was on course along with a solid group of Syndicate Members and commented after the race. “It’s been a year since she won last time, but she did have quite a few months off due to fetlock surgery and has been racing in great form but without winning since resuming – she did have the hiccup last time out at Te Rapa where the race day vet said she took a long time to recover after dropping out in the run home. She was absolutely fine on the Monday after she had raced at Te Rapa and it’s very pleasing to see her bounce back today – we had a really good turnout of owners to witness her performance. I did have some reservations about the track conditions and was not overly confident of her handling what was pretty testing ground, but knowing the tactics were to be positive from the gate was going to be helpful and she was either going to handle the ground or not. She did it nicely in the end and Parmar rode her with lovely judgement. Well done to Mark and Sam for producing this Mare in such great order”
DANCARINA with successful jockey Niranjan Parmar and connections celebrate victory
DANCARINA was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast January Sale for A$100,000 from the draft of Widden Stud. She is raced by the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 60 individuals.
Dancarina was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.
====================================================
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing announces a $3m Stakes “top up” over and above standard NZTR prizemonies
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has today confirmed that it will be contributing $3,094,000 into stakes for the season as part of its annual stakes announcement. Total stakes on offer for the Club’s 2023/24 season is $18,705,000. This figure sees stakes offered at a $25,000 minimum across all of ATR’s race meetings in the coming season. The amount, which is over and above New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) minimum of $17,000, continues the upward trajectory ATR committed to at the time of merger. Following the pleasing trend of last season, the figure is the highest minimum to have been offered by the Club, exceeding 2022/23’s figure of $20,000.
ATR chief executive officer Paul Wilcox says that in addition to the exciting installation of the StrathAyr track at Ellerslie, the Club remains committed to improving stakes in the Auckland area. “We are firmly focused on growing the industry and stakes increases remain a priority for us. We’ve set an ambitious goal of contributing $15 million to stakes at Ellerslie and Pukekohe Park within 5 years, giving us averages we’ve not seen or heard of in New Zealand racing,” Wilcox said. “This really is a journey for us, and we hope our all-important stakeholders – our owners, trainers and jockeys – have enjoyed the improvement in stakes at all levels while racing with ATR to date and today’s announcement continues to underline our commitment in this area.”
The $20.3 million stakes increase for New Zealand racing as a whole, announced by NZTR as a result of the Entain/TAB strategic partnership, created a real sense of optimism in the industry and Wilcox said that it is pleasing to offer further stakes increases in the Auckland area. “To offer a further uplift on top of the boost the industry has already received for the coming season creates a real sense of confidence in the future of racing in Auckland and beyond for our stakeholders,” he said. “We’ve made no secret of the fact that our new business model is designed to offer sustainable returns to the industry and whilst it may take time to see us ultimately reach the returns we’d like to see, we are heading in the right direction.”
The TAB Karaka Millions race meeting, already New Zealand’s richest race meeting with three races run for $1 million in stakes or above, will continue to be the glamour night of the industry with the Gr. 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) now run for $300,000, $125,000 more than the NZTR minimum. Likewise, the Gr.3 Brighthill Farm Yearlings Concorde Handicap (1200m) and Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) will each be run for $225,000, $105,000 more than the NZTR minimum.
Wilcox is quick to emphasise however that, whilst ATR’s black-type races have all seen significant increases, the Club has also considered the full spectrum of races when setting stakes for the coming season.
“Whilst it’s pleasing to announce that our Group One races will now be run for $450,000 and our Listed races run for at least $100,000, it’s also important to highlight that our stakes increase formula saw races at all levels achieve an uplift. As an example, all races run at industry non-peak racedays will have minimum stakes of $25,000, better allowing those grassroots participants to continue to enjoy the game.”
ATR plans to conduct 20 race meetings over the 2023/24 season from both Pukekohe Park and Ellerslie, with racing’s headquarters set to return in 2024.
To view the full breakdown of ATR’s stakes for the 2023/24 season, click here.
John comments – “Obviously this is a very welcome and significant announcement which adds another layer of confidence to the growing feeling of positivity that permeates NZ Racing at the present time. Readers may be curious as to where the $3m extra funding comes from? The answer to that is the former Auckland Racing Club had assiduously built up an investment fund over the past few years from asset sales – and now this fund (which totals $60m approx) is invested in income producing growth assets (shares and property) and as a result Auckland Thoroughbred Racing is able to allocate income from this portfolio to enhance Stakes. Further good news on this is that upcoming asset sales (such as the famed Ellerslie Hill) will further boost the investment fund to an estimated $250m approx. – so watch this space for further Stakes enhancement news from ATR”
===============================================
Guest Selector
Guest Selector Gary Williams has an “off day” last week – his disappointment tempered somewhat by the success of Fortuna’s Bellatrix Star at Whanganui, in which he has a share!!!
Here is what Gary says this week;
Hi John and Team, It was a tough watch last week and its been hard this week at the Dinner table….Sardines on water crackers after trips to the food bank!!
Thankfully it’s Group 1 day at the Bay and such fond memories of Starcraft, Xcellent, Seachange and of course, Melody Belle, who won the race twice. The Tarzino is a class field but Dragon Leap [ $7 /$2.50] is in top form and is my top pick . Must be in the finish and looks the quinella with Legarto who is quite short, even for an Aussie Guineas winner.
Winnings can be boosted quickly with White Noise in race 10. The grey ticks a lot of boxes and gets a handy weight claim and @ $3.20 he’s been noticed
In the earlier races Fashion Shoot [race 6] looks a strong chance at $5.50 / $2.50. And in race 7, Slipper Island [ $7.50/ $2.50 ] should be longer on the tote and looks well placed.
Hopefully I have selected at least one winner from the above
Cheers,
Gary W
Fortuna Race Mare DANCARINA scores impressively at Avondale 6th September – her 3rd Career win
Continuing outstanding form for Te Akau Racing Stable and Fortuna Racing, Dancarina (5 m Sebring – Dance for Me, by Commands) richly deserved her victory in the $18,500 Rating 75 1200 metres on 6 September at Avondale. Performing solidly with two seconds and a third, before suffering a cardiac arrhythmia at her previous start, Dancarina bounced back in the best way possible to record her third win for owners in the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate (Manager: John Galvin). The win provided the Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson with their third on the programme, following My Lips Are Sealed (Ace High) and Fon Memories (Eminent), each by emerging young sires, and fresh from a record-breaking 203 wins in 2022/23, the 10 wins inside a week has already propelled the new partnership to 20 winners since 1 August.
Ridden by stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who is also reeling in the winners, Dancarina was caught on a limb in the early rush for positions before slotting in fourth and the talented mare quickened appreciably when asked to extend inside the 300m. On Heavy10 footing in the race sponsored by Magness Mighty Steam Train, she scored comfortably by half a length, running the 1200 metres in 1:16.9, and returned $7.20 & $2.80 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race video replay
Dancarina – Victorious at Avondale 6th Sept 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard
“It was a good tough effort after working early in the race and another nice ride from Parmar, who is riding in such good form,” said Mark Walker.“We’ll have to see what the handicapper does with her in the way of rating points, as far as working out a campaign going forward, but in the back of our minds we feel that she’s a mare capable of getting black type. It’s always great to train winners for John Galvin and his Fortuna owners and they’ve been having a good run of late with five individual winners since 1st August, including the first two-year-old winner this season, Bellatrix Star, last Saturday at Wanganui.”
Dancarina is by top-class Australian two-year-old and Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Sebring (Danehill), sire of 129 stakes winners, among over 2300 wins, including 18 Group Ones, while dam Dance for Me (Commands) won twice to 1400 metres in Australia, from a good winning family that included third dam, Champion 2YO Filly in NZ, Ballroom Babe (Citidancer).
Fortuna Racing Director John Galvin was on course along with a solid group of Syndicate Members and commented after the race. “It’s been a year since she won last time, but she did have quite a few months off due to fetlock surgery and has been racing in great form but without winning since resuming – she did have the hiccup last time out at Te Rapa where the race day vet said she took a long time to recover after dropping out in the run home. She was absolutely fine on the Monday after she had raced at Te Rapa and it’s very pleasing to see her bounce back today – we had a really good turnout of owners to witness her performance. I did have some reservations about the track conditions and was not overly confident of her handling what was pretty testing ground, but knowing the tactics were to be positive from the gate was going to be helpful and she was either going to handle the ground or not. She did it nicely in the end and Parmar rode her with lovely judgement. Well done to Mark and Sam for producing this Mare in such great order”
DANCARINA with successful jockey Niranjan Parmar and connections celebrate victory
DANCARINA was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast January Sale for A$100,000 from the draft of Widden Stud. She is raced by the Fortuna Dancarina Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 60 individuals.
Dancarina was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.
Fortuna Two Year Old Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, shines brightly with winning debut Whanganui 2nd September 2023
Worthy of favouritism, Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) debuted with victory in the $25,000 Wanganui Chronicle Maiden 2YO 800 metres on Saturday at Wanganui in the hands of NZ Champion Jockey, Michael McNab
Last season Te Akau and Fortuna had success with Rubicon Crossing (Rubick) in the same event and similarly with Bellatrix Star was also purchased in conjunction by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, who syndicated both Fillies
In her sole trial on 1 August at Te Rapa, Bellatrix Star camped behind two leaders, cornered well, and let down strongly under minimal urging to win and rider Michael McNab was keen to continue his association. While drawing the outside (6) had some drawbacks, ridden conservatively appeared the right approach and although requiring full stretch to claim the pacemaker, Hard Attack (All Too Hard), McNab showed an element of confidence in his charge. Scoring by a nose, with over four lengths to second, Bellatrix Star ran 800 metres in 46.4 on footing upgraded to Soft7 and paid $1.50 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to watch the replay
“Even though she won by a short margin, it was most impressive given the way she got it done,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who during a record-breaking previous season of 203 wins, had 29 two-year-old runners, 11 individual winners, 21 wins, 21 seconds, and 12 thirds. “She had to do it the tough way, getting back and running down the leader, and it’s not that easy over only 800 metres. It was a lovely ride of Michael’s, giving her such an educational sort of ride and that will be great experience for her going forward. She will have a little break now at Te Akau Stud. I think she will come back bigger and stronger and I certainly feel she is a Karaka Million type of filly. There is a lot of upside with her and she has the size and scope to really train on.”
BELLATRIX STAR – wins on debut – Wanganui 2nd September 2023
Michael McNab aboard (picture by Race Images)
Boasting a speedy pedigree, Bellatrix Star was purchased for $80,000 by Ellis and Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate.
Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin, was on course at Whanganui along with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group – “That was a wonderful debut by our girl – things didn’t go all her way. She was a bit unsettled early in the run, but Michael (McNab) got her balanced, asked her for an effort turning for home, and although Hard Attack gave us a bit of a fright, in the end our girl did enough to win. It’s the first time she’s ever been off the bridle and she’d have learned a lot from that. It was a lovely ride by Michael and it’s why we put him on. He’s a professional and knows how to get the very best out of horses. Her work was really good leading into the trial on 2 August at Te Rapa, her jump outs have been very good also and she worked sensationally on Tuesday. So there was a lot of confidence in the camp. But of course they were all new, all on debut, and just hard to line up. She’s Karaka Million registered, probably now qualified for the race in January with the stake money from today, so we’ll just work backwards from that, give her a break and set her up for a couple of races leading into the KM.”
“Well done to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson with how they have handled this Filly to date, she clearly has tons of ability, but they have nurtured her very well.”
BELLATRIX STAR – all action – closing stages
Stallion 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. His son Star Turn, winner of the Schillaci Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) is a very good young sire in Australia, while his fillies Global Glamour (Star Witness) was a dual Group One winner of the Flight Stakes and Caulfield Guineas, both at a mile, and Swift Witness won the Silver Shadow (Gr. 2, 1200m). 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, winning Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and becoming a World Champion Turf Miler.
A satisfied Michael McNab salutes the judge on returning to scale on Bellatrix Star
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 have numbered over 5000, 205 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, at her best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).
At the time of purchase, David Ellis said: “We had a good horse in the stable by Star Witness named Phantom Witness, that won his first two starts over 1200 metres and we probably didn’t see the best of him. It’s a rarity to find many fillies out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. This filly has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level.”
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
Members of the Ownership Group enjoying that winning feeling
Bellatrix Star was strapped by Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper.
Friday Flash – 01 September 2023
Headline News
Malborough Bay records his 2nd career win Matamata 29th August
Fathers Day 3rd September – we have Father’s Day discounts available
=============================================
Two Fortuna Runners this week, both in NZ
BELLATRIX STAR (Star Witness – Alana’s Party) makes her raceday debut at Wanganui Saturday 2nd in the first 2yo race of the season over 800m – Race 3 @ 2.12pm and will be ridden by Michael McNab. An extremely impressive trial winner at Te Rapa 2nd August, she has only continued to improve and her track gallop on Tuesday was exceptional. Could be very hard to beat here – showing $1.70 Fixed Odds
BEAU GESTE gets back to the big fences at Hawera Sunday 3rd – Race 5 @2.13 – the Open Steeples – Race 5 @ 2.13 and will be ridden by regular rider Dean Parker – has had two unplaced Hurdles races at Riccarton (including the Grand National Hurdles) before this and has taken a lot of improvement. He will appreciate the transition to the Steeples (he has won over the big jumps in the past) and looks to be a very good each way chance here
===========================================================
Matamata Trackwork
Tuesday 29th August
Court Of Appeal (C Grylls) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.05.4, last 600 in 38.1.
Singapore Trackwork
Tuesday 29th August 30, 2023
GUN (ASLAM)600-40; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-38;
====================================================
MALBOROUGH BAY records a dominant win at Matamata 27th August – his 2nd career win
Presented in first-class order and from a family that Te Akau and Fortuna has a great affinity with, Malborough Bay (4 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) was a dominant winner of the $18,500 Wrightway Builders Rating 65 1400 metres on 27 August at Matamata. He did well off a wide trip for fifth in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 29 July at Te Rapa, won by stable-mate Hero Worship (Xtravagant), and brought compelling stats to the race. Solid in each of four recent starts, stakes placed, a debut winner at his only course attempt, and weight relief to 56.5kg, added up to rate a top three chance.
In the hands of Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who won the previous race aboard Amberite, Malborough Bay was posted three wide in the open before being sent to a handy advantage rounding the home turn and he sustained a powerful finish to win stylishly. “He loved the ground today and has improved a lot,” Parmar said. “He was three wide, but happy there and finished really well.”
Scoring by two and a half lengths, Malborough Bay ran 1400 metres in 1:25.4, last 600m in 36.0, on Soft6 footing and paid $3.20 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race replay
“It was a really good win and he’s now two from two on the home course,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “He was suited perfectly by track conditions, a Soft6 with just the right amount of jar out of it, and Parmar is riding in great form. And well done to John Galvin and his team of Owners in this horse – he had struggled to win again since his debut win as an Autumn 2yo, but recent form has been good and they are now rewarded with another win”
MALBOROUGH BAY – 2nd career win – Matamata 27th August 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard
Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Glenn & Cathie Holmes, who experienced success during the week with stable-mate Sorcha (Burgundy), Malborough Bay is owned by the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate (Mgr John Galvin), with Fortuna notching their second recent win following Navalha (Sebring) at Riccarton three days earlier.
Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group “Matamata has been a happy hunting ground for us and I can remember back to when Mark (Walker) trained Darci Brahma to win a two-year-old race here, prior to Mark going to Singapore, where he trained a lot more winners for Fortuna, and those winner continue to flow with Mark now back in NZ,” Galvin said. “Mark had varied Marlborough Bay’s work of late, putting him over a few hurdles, and he was certainly very dominant in his win. While his action on firm tracks can be found wanting, his action with the right amount of give in the ground was very good today. It has been rather frustrating with this horse running 12 times without winning as a 3yo after winning on debut as a 2yo, but his Ownership Group have been very patient and today their patience has been rewarded”
Malborough Bay is out of the Group winning mare Spin’N Grin, who has now left six individual winners of 19 races, including Group One and Group Three placed Éclair Lightning (Darci Brahma), along with additional Fortuna Racing owned horses Major Tom (Darci Brahma) and Jack’s Secret (Sakhee’s Secret) whom, trained by Mark Walker in Singapore, each won three races. She also left the Group One placed (Telegraph Handicap) Burgundy Belle (Burgundy), trained by Jamie Richards and also owned by a Fortuna Syndicate
“When Malborough Bay was a yearling here on the farm, I rang John (Galvin) and said I’ve got another really nice yearling for you to syndicate, as he’d already had plenty of success with the family, and now he’s furnishing into a really nice horse” said David Ellis
Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis and Glenn & Cathie Holmes Malborough Bay was acquired by John Galvin in a private sale for $80,000. He is raced by the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 55 individuals.
Malborough Bay was strapped by Cooper Stumbles
================================================
Fathers Day 3rd September – we have Father’s Day discounts available – 10% discount on any of the three 2yo’s on our website
Yes Sunday 3rd September, we honour the many Dad’s in our community and what better way of doing that than helping Dad into a share in one of our lovely 2yo offerings on our Website – full details on each horse are at the various links but here is a thumbnail summary of each one;
“Frankie” – the 2yo Colt by Mastercraftsman out of Trikala (by High Chapparal)
- Acquired at the Tattersalls Irish Breeze Up Sale in May
- In full work with Harry Eustace at Newmarket (UK)
- On target to make 2yo debut late October
- Genuine staying pedigree
- Lovely physical type with a great action
- Will be targeted at the 3yo Classics (Guineas, Derbys) in 2024
- Medium Term plan is to bring him down to Mark Walker’s new Cranbourne Stable Sept/Oct 2024
$1088 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 Oct – Click HERE to see full details
“FRANKIE”
QUEEN CONSORT – the 2yo Filly by Eminent out of Queen Boudicca (by Perfectly Ready)
- Acquired Karaka Book 1 Sale in January as a 3yo Staying type
- Outstanding pedigree page – half sister to an Australian Group One winner
- Big, strong robust physical type
- Has been broken in and had two Stable preps
- Currently on paddock spell until mid September, her next prep should see her trial late November
- Potential race day debut for her could be as an Autumn 2yo in 2024
$1564 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 Oct – Click HERE to see full details
QUEEN CONSORT
STAR SHADOW – the 2yo Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen (by Redoutes Choice)
- Acquired Karaka Book 1 Sale in January as a 3yo Staying type
- Been broken in and had two Stable Preps
- Trialed nicely at Te Awamutu 29th August for 3rd placing
- Now gone to paddock for 4 week maturity break
- Has surprised us with how forward she is – training team think she can make race day debut around Christmas type
$1064 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 Oct – Click HERE to see full details
STAR SHADOW
Orders can be made online from the website links – enter the words “please apply Fathers Day discount to this order” – don’t make any payment when ordering by Internet banking – just submit your order and wait for our Greetings Letter (email) which confirm the discounted amount to pay (all the prices above are gross prices with no discount) – if you wish to pay by Credit Card you will need to pay the gross amount and we will refund the discount to you
If you need any assistance with your order just email me or call/text 021 921 460
=========================================================
Secondary Market Sales
Two nice opportunities here due to an Estate situation
3.5% available in the 6yo Gelding Elliot Ness (Written Tycoon – Walk with Attitude), a three time winner in Singapore – he is a very fast galloper holding the track record 1100m Polytrack – an impressive winner at that trip 2 starts ago, he was caught 3 wide last start over 1200m, beaten 4 lengths – gets back to his favoured 1100m – Class 4 for S$50 16thSeptember – 3.5% share is $840 and $126 per month from 1 Sept – or $240 for each 1% and $36 per month from 1 Sept
4% available in the 5yo Ragamuffin (Belardo – Short Tale) – this two win horse had a long break due to knee surgery in 2022 but is running into form, just beaten last start on the Cambridge Synthetic – he will contest the R60 at Avondale Wednesday 6th September and Mark Walker opines that he will be very hard to beat. $800 for the 4% and $160 per month from 1 Sept or $200 for each 1% and $40 per month
Contact John by responding to this update or call/text him 021 921 460 if you have interest in either opportunity
==================================================
Guest Selector
Gary Williams proved that old racing adage of “Form is temporary – Class is permanent”, tipping out three winners for us from 5 selections at Te Rapa on Saturday, Deebee Zapower @ $7.30, Queen Sarabi @ $4.40 and Dragon Leap @ $3 – incredible. A $100 outlay on each of Gary’s selections would have seen $1470 total return – I think we will keep him on!!!
Here is what Gary says this week;
Hi John and the Fortuna Team
Spring is upon us, things warming up and can be a tricky period with the tracks improving and horses starting new preparations. But the winners are there…..did OK last week but was reminded of a basic ‘investment’ rule…..don’t tip maidens, the penny may not have dropped yet, instead put in ‘black book’.
At time of decision, Saturdays tracks both still listed as heavy but surely like last week they on the improve. Firstly down south and it’s not the name I’m infatuated with….Kahma Suitsya [Race 2 ]. This horse kept good company last season and though has a horror draw should be able to find ‘a good position’. Quoted at $8 /$3.
Race 4 …Guitar Man [ $5 / $2 ]. Hopefully first out and first home. Eric Clapton fans will hopefully be humming Wonderful Tonight and not Tears in Heaven ! Goes up against the Tangerine! !
Wanganui Race 6….Top Brass [ $8 / $3 ] is lightly raced and travels a long way for this race. Each way All Day !
Race 7…..Itza Charmdeel [ $4.50 / $1.60 ]. Is number 1 for a reason and Roger James has his stable ready for spring racing !
Race 8 …..Winnie Rose [ $ 9 / $ 3 ]. Ticks a lot of boxes and should be suited to any track conditions. Tends to be slow away, so fingers crossed there !
And always remember….Bet with your shoelaces – not your shoes !
Regards,
Gary W
MALBOROUGH BAY records a dominant win at Matamata 27th August – his 2nd career win
Presented in first-class order and from a family that Te Akau and Fortuna has a great affinity with, Malborough Bay (4 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) was a dominant winner of the $18,500 Wrightway Builders Rating 65 1400 metres on 27 August at Matamata. He did well off a wide trip for fifth in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 29 July at Te Rapa, won by stable-mate Hero Worship (Xtravagant), and brought compelling stats to the race. Solid in each of four recent starts, stakes placed, a debut winner at his only course attempt, and weight relief to 56.5kg, added up to rate a top three chance.
In the hands of Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, claiming 2kgs, who won the previous race aboard Amberite, Malborough Bay was posted three wide in the open before being sent to a handy advantage rounding the home turn and he sustained a powerful finish to win stylishly. “He loved the ground today and has improved a lot,” Parmar said. “He was three wide, but happy there and finished really well.”
Scoring by two and a half lengths, Malborough Bay ran 1400 metres in 1:25.4, last 600m in 36.0, on Soft6 footing and paid $3.20 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race replay
“It was a really good win and he’s now two from two on the home course,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “He was suited perfectly by track conditions, a Soft6 with just the right amount of jar out of it, and Parmar is riding in great form. And well done to John Galvin and his team of Owners in this horse – he had struggled to win again since his debut win as an Autumn 2yo, but recent form has been good and they are now rewarded with another win”
MALBOROUGH BAY – 2nd career win – Matamata 27th August 2023 – Niranjan Parmar aboard
Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Glenn & Cathie Holmes, who experienced success during the week with stable-mate Sorcha (Burgundy), Malborough Bay is owned by the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate (Mgr John Galvin), with Fortuna notching their second recent win following Navalha (Sebring) at Riccarton three days earlier.
Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course with a solid contingent of the Ownership Group “Matamata has been a happy hunting ground for us and I can remember back to when Mark (Walker) trained Darci Brahma to win a two-year-old race here, prior to Mark going to Singapore, where he trained a lot more winners for Fortuna, and those winner continue to flow with Mark now back in NZ,” Galvin said. “Mark had varied Marlborough Bay’s work of late, putting him over a few hurdles, and he was certainly very dominant in his win. While his action on firm tracks can be found wanting, his action with the right amount of give in the ground was very good today. It has been rather frustrating with this horse running 12 times without winning as a 3yo after winning on debut as a 2yo, but his Ownership Group have been very patient and today their patience has been rewarded”
Malborough Bay is out of the Group winning mare Spin’N Grin, who has now left six individual winners of 19 races, including Group One and Group Three placed Éclair Lightning (Darci Brahma), along with additional Fortuna Racing owned horses Major Tom (Darci Brahma) and Jack’s Secret (Sakhee’s Secret) whom, trained by Mark Walker in Singapore, each won three races. She also left the Group One placed (Telegraph Handicap) Burgundy Belle (Burgundy), trained by Jamie Richards and also owned by a Fortuna Syndicate
“When Malborough Bay was a yearling here on the farm, I rang John (Galvin) and said I’ve got another really nice yearling for you to syndicate, as he’d already had plenty of success with the family, and now he’s furnishing into a really nice horse” said David Ellis
Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis and Glenn & Cathie Holmes Malborough Bay was acquired by John Galvin in a private sale for $80,000. He is raced by the Fortuna Marlborough Bay Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 55 individuals.
Malborough Bay was strapped by Cooper Stumbles
Friday Flash – 25th August 2023
|
|
NAVALHA wins at Riccarton for Fortuna Racing – his 5th career victory
Fortuna Racing franked their run of recent success with another victory 24th August at Riccarton, winning the $17,000 Rating 75 1600 metres with Navalha (6 g Sebring – Afiado, by Encosta de Lago). Four starts ago Navalha recorded a strong victory in the Rating 65 1700 metres on 7 July at Awapuni (poly-track), before running fastest last 600m (33.3) for close fifth in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 28 July and finished well in the Rating 80 1400 metres on 9 August, both on the poly-track at Riccarton. Ideally drawn in barrier four and ridden by dual premiership winning jockey Michael McNab, Navalha travelled kindly behind a genuine pace, set by two pacemakers involved in a tussle, and once clear inside the 400m he quickened home to score by an increasing two and half length margin.
Click HERE to see the race replay
“It was a good win and a lovely ride of Michael’s,” said co-trainer Mark Walker from his Te Akau Racing Matamata base, while his fellow co-trainer, Sam Bergerson, was on course at Riccarton. “He’s going well on the synthetic tracks and a horse that everyone likes in the stable. He’s so quiet and we’ll continue on with his campaign down south.”
In the race named CJC Stallion Tender Open Now, Navalha covered 1600 metres on the poly-track in 1:35.6 and the dominant favourite paid $2.20 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote. It was a clinical victory, aided by the tempo, and gives rise to loftier assignments in the future.
“Navalha” – 5th career win – Riccarton 24th August – Michael McNab aboard
“You’re always a bit nervous when a couple get out in front like that, but it was a mile and seemed that before the point of the turn he was coming into it nicely and good to see him extend in the straight,” said Fortuna Racing Director, John Galvin. “He gets back and shown to need a trip, so getting back to a mile today was just perfect for him. The reason we’ve gone to the synthetic (poly-track) these last couple of months is because he doesn’t handle wet tracks. The synthetic tracks have their advantages, not just for Navalha. We’ve won twice with Angel Wings, once with Hayate, and now twice with Navalha on the synthetics and right across the whole Te Akau stable, they’ve had a lot of success on that surface the last few months and now there are three synthetic tracks it’s giving us more options with these types of horses that are able to race over the winter months but don’t handle wet turf tracks. Navalha ran campaigned at Riccarton last year and actually won down the chute (1200m) on turf, so he’ll either pursue further synthetic options or race on turf once the weather conditions and footing improves. He’s also racing like he might get 2000 metres and the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) towards the end of October could suit, as will other options.”
Co-Trainer Sam Bergerson with Navalha, strapper Kendyll Lee and winning rider, Michael McNab
NAVALHA (which means “Razor” in Portuguese), a 5yo Gelding by Sebring out of the Encosta de Lago Mare, Afiado, was acquired by John Galvin on the recommendation of Mark Walker, for just A$27,500 from the Inglis Digital Sale in July 2020 after having been originally acquired by James Harron Bloodstock for A$475k as a yearling but then offered for sale subsequently.
Navalha is raced by the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate, an ownership group of 57 individuals
Navalha was strapped by Kendyll Lee
Friday Flash – 18th August 2023
|
|
Fortuna Racing’s five year old Racemare HAYATE records her 3rd career win at Cambridge 16th August
Given a perfect trip by Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, Hayate (5 m Maurice – Vamoose) won the $17,000 Cambridge Equine Hospital Rating 60 1550 metre event on 16 August at Cambridge (poly-track). Finding heavy ground too testing in the depths of winter, most recently over 1560 metres on 5 July at Rotorua, Hayate had a break of 42 days between runs and displayed plenty of fresh vigour in her performance. Drawn the ace barrier, Hayate was advantaged immediately when two horses ahead of her entered into a tussle for the lead while she sat third. The race still looked open when she ranged among a group turning for home, but the persuasion of Parmar saw her draw clear over the final furlong to score easily. Winning by two and a quarter lengths, Hayate paid $4.90 & $2.30 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race replay
HAYATE – 3rd career win – Cambridge 16th August 2023
“It was a lovely win and she was very well ridden by Parmar,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who with Sam Bergerson celebrated their first win together with Cote de Beaune on 2 August at Cambridge. “It gives us more options with her going forward, knowing that she can handle the synthetic track at race tempo and I think she’s a mare that should also cope getting over more distance, especially being that little bit stronger in this preparation. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team – I trained my first winner for John (Kapsdan) in September 2003 so we have had a wonderful 20 year association with many, many winners”
A winner on debut in May 2022, Hayate recorded her third victory for owners in the Fortuna Hayate Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), having been purchased for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.
Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course, along with several Members of the Ownership Group, to witness his charge’s victory and commented post race “The race plan from the inside draw was to try and hold the rail if she could, but obviously the first two were pretty keen to get on with the job and Parmar did the right thing, he eased, got her nicely settled, had her off the rail before the (home) turn, was in a position to challenge and she was too strong for them.
“She looked ready to race well and Rating 60 does suit her. She’s won in the same grade before, was just looking for a decent surface and the synthetic provided that. The freshen up after her last start and blinkers off today were the training master strokes, blinkers off allowing her to relax a bit more and she got the job done really well”
Hayate and Niranjan Parmar return to scale
Raced by the Fortuna Hayate Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 60 individuals, Hayate was acquired for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.
Hayate was strapped by by Stephanie Hyde-Richards.
Friday Flash – 11th August 2023
Headline News
Fortuna 6yo ELLIOT NESS records his 3rd career win in Singapore 6th August
Ellerslie Track Reconstruction
Sam Bergerson – Young Gun
================================================
Fortuna has four runners Saturday and Sunday – two in NZ and two in Singapore
New Zealand
New Zealand
KHAFEEF runs in the One win Hurdles event at Riccarton on Saturday 12th August – Race 1 @ 11.30am and will be ridden by Dean Parker. Strong Hurdles winner at Hawera in late April, he then fell in a Hurdles event at Hastings early June – had a couple of starts on the flat since then (including one on Riccarton synthetic last Wednesday where his saddle slipped). Very capable jumper who can go keen and is unpredictable as a result – is 2nd fave @ $3.60/$1.20 and can take this out if things go right for him
BEAU GESTE races in the Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton Saturday 12th August – Race 4 @1.12pm with Dean Parker to ride. Ran out of condition with 600m to go Sydenham Hurdles last week after traveling and jumping well – very capable jumper on his day but meets some more seasoned runners in this and may just need the run – tempting odds @$21/$3.60 though
Singapore – Sunday
KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 4 1200 Turf event – Race 7 @3pm Singapore time (7pm NZ Time) with Vlad Duric to ride from the outside barrier (11) – two wins and two seconds from 6 starts says it all for this lovely 4yo son of I Am Invincible. Was very strong for 2nd last start when resuming off a break. Has taken a lot of improvement and provided Duric can negotiate a sweet passage from the wide draw, he is right in this
Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;
1st Pick: LIM’S STRAIGHT (3)
Gets a decent gate advantage over a few of his major opposition in this race. Has been super impressive since his return and well managed by Daniel Meagher, winning chance.
2nd Pick: KNIPPENBERG (1)
Carries the top weight in this weekends event which is a slight concern. Despite the big weight and wide gate, his class should take him a very long way in this event with Duric booked to ride.
3rd Pick: GALAXY BAR (10)
Hasn’t raced since his open maiden victory on the 2nd of July but has trialled since. Gets a super light weight for this weekend’s assignment against proven company, each way hope.
4th Pick: TRIBUTO (7)
Worked well during the week and a solid performance by him wouldn’t shock. Louis Beuzelin knows this horse well and can hopefully get the best out of him.
ENTERTAINER races in the Class 4 1100 Poly event – Race 12 @5.30pm Singapore time (9.30pm NZ Time) with Yusoff to ride from barrier 9 claiming 2kgs – has not won a race since September 2022 and has been mixing form of late – but has won eight times in his career, seven of those on this trip and surface – now back to Class 4m the first time he has raced in this grade for two years – is that the key? Needs a bit of luck from the draw but does have good gate speed and can feature in the finish here
Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;
1st Pick: ASIF (3)
Singapore debut for NSW galloper who was initially with Chris Waller. Two trials in the country have been solid, Nunes stays on for the race day start, respect.
2nd Pick: FADABOY (10)
Jamil sticks on this running claiming 4kg again which will see him have a featherweight once again. Last two starts have been super and the jump out to 1100m should only improve his chances to perform here.
3rd Pick: OPUNAKE (7)
Won immediately heading up to class 4 and confirmed that he is in great condition at the moment. Draws barrier 2 so expect him to roll forward from there and control from the front again, place hope.
4th Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Will appreciate the drop to 57kg here with the claiming rider on board. Back to class 4 should see him being super competitive this weekend, each way.
==========================================
Fortuna Track work – Matamata
No Fortuna timed trackwork this week
Fortuna Track work – Singapore
Saturday 5th August
RHETT BUTLER(ASLAM)1000/600-38; ENTERTAINER(YUSOFF)1000/600-38; KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)1000/600-38.5;
Tuesday 8th August
KNIPPENBERG (AWAH)800/600-40; ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)800/600-40
=======================================================================
Other News
Fortuna Racing’s ELLIOT NESS records his 3rd career win in Singapore 6th August 2023
Six year old ELLIOT NESS (Written Tycoon – Walk with Attitude) lived up to his hot favourite billing when producing a strong winning effort to take out the Class 5 1100m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji Racecourse 6th August. Ridden by Te Akau Racing Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, Elliot Ness bounced away well from his No 2 Barrier and settled in 2nd place outside the leader. Always traveling well, Yusof kicked his mount clear after turning for home, establishing a winning break which he sustained to the line, finishing the race with a 3/4 length margin in a time of 1.04.99.
Click HERE to see the race replay
ELLIOT NESS had not greeted the judge since July 2022, but had spent most of the latter part of 2022 in rehab after undergoing knee surgery to remove a chip
Trainer, Donna Logan, was effusive in her praise of both horse and rider after the race. “That was a classy performance by Elliot Ness and he was given a great ride by Yusoff from his nice barrier draw. It was a great effort all round – well done to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing and his ownership team – John was up here in Singapore last week to see the Fortuna runner, Rocky, win and now they get another winner today.”
“Elliot Ness” – 3rd Singapore Win – 6th August 2022
Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was also very happy with the win. “Look, on paper, he presented as a really strong chance today – he had run a very strong 2nd placing off a wide draw this grade and trip at his last start, but they still have to deliver on the day and today was his day. Lovely professional ride from Yusoff and full marks to Donna Logan and her team for having this horse in such great order.”
ELLIOT NESS (who raced with the name PROHIBITION in Australia) was originally purchased as a Yearling at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for A$675,000 as a Stallion prospect for an Ownership Group comprising the China Horse Club and other high profile owners. Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden in Sydney, he trialed twice in May 2020 for a 4th and a 6th placing and after determining that his trial form indicated that he was not up to Stallion making ability plus the fact that he was very Colty and needed to gelded, he was put up for sale unreserved and John Galvin acquired him at the May 2020 Inglis Online Sale for just A$35,000. He has now won three times and had sixteen other prizemoney placing from 23 starts and has Stakes Earnings of just under S$150,000 for his Ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from NZ, Australia and Hong Kong
====================================================
Ellerslie Track Reconstruction
Racing participants in New Zealand have a certain spring in their steps at the moment with the $20m increase in Stakes from 1 August and at our Premier racetrack, Ellerslie, the new Turf is being laid and the course is due to have its first race day in the middle of January – click HERE to see footage of progress with Ellerslie CEO, Paul Wilcox commenting
=====================================
Sam Bergerson – Young Gun
Newly appointed Te Akau Racing Co-Trainer, Sam Bergerson, was featured in a recent edition of Love Racing’s “Young Gun” series – see this great footage of Sam HERE
=============================================
Guest Selector
Guest Selector
Our latest Guest Selector is Gary Williams – Gary lives in Auckland (although he writes this week’s edition from sunny Fiji) – Gary has had some wonderful Ownership experiences, with shares in gallopers such as Tinseltown (Avondale and Counties Cups), Pasta Post (Rotorua Cup) and the mighty but ill fated Xcellent (NZ Derby, 3rd Melbourne Cup) – he has also enjoyed significant success with his Fortuna runners, via Leaderboard (Wellington Cup), Khafeef and the Singapore runners Red Rover and Marcus Antonius
Here is what Gary has to say about Saturday’s racing at Riccarton
Bula John and the Fortuna Team
Grand National Day has always fascinated me ……as a young Southern kid I watched in awe as southern horses such as No Offence, Koral, Enceeoh etc won the big steeples. Sadly no jumpers in the South now but wagering on the day may help sustain the day a little longer.
Hours of study resulted in me finding 3 x good bets with a bit of value. Maybe 10’s and 3’s.
The TAB has gone miserable on Berry The Cash in the Grand National Hurdles – Race 4, posting odds of $4 – just silly for its inexperience but he can feature
I’ve liked Southerner Prince Alby [Race 8] since he returned from Aussie. Yes he’s up against some in-form Northerners and his quote at $6/$2 , but surely he will be at least $10/$3 on the Tote come raceday. Each way all day.
Then in the last [ Race 10], I like the veteran Deels Done. Getting on in age, but he likes Riccarton in August and with 3kg off he in with a big Top 3 chance. The TAB has him at $13 and $4 , but should be more on the Tote !
Good Luck – stay warm and bet with your shoelaces and NOT your shoes !
Gary