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Friday Flash – 24th March 2023

Published 24 March 2023

Headline News

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.

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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;

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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:

Champion Apprentice Jockey		YUSOFF FADZLI
Champion Resident Jockey		WONG CHIN CHUEN
Champion Jockey		MANOEL NUNES
Champion Trainer		TIM FITZSIMMONS
Champion Owner (By Wins)		BUFFALO STABLE, LIM’S STABLE (tied)
Champion Owner (By Prizemoney)		LIM’S STABLE
Champion Three-Year-Old		GOLDEN MONKEY
Champion Four-Year-Old		LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO
Champion Polytrack Horse		LUCKY JINSHA
Champion Sprinter		LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO
Champion Miler		LIM’S LIGHTNING
Champion Stayer		HONGKONG GREAT
Horse of the Year		LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO

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“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”

“Raquel” – the Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly

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

Shares can be purchased directly off the Fortuna website HERE

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

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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

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TRIDENT makes it 3 career wins in Singapore 18th March 2023

Published 19 March 2023

TRIDENT, the 4yo Gelding by Deep Field out of Miss Fi, having his 2nd start for the 2023 season, proved too strong for his opposition in the Class 4 1400m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji Racecourse. Ridden by Benny Woodworth, a late replacement for Vlad Duric who was indisposed, he was away nicely and Benny had him in a nice forward position just behind the speed. Presented for a run on turning for home, Trident steadily gathered in the leaders, hit the front with 200m to go and then staved off a strong finishing run by Pacific Star, going to the finish line with a half length margin

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer, Donna Logan, who had produced another winner earlier in the day for Fortuna Racing in ROCKY, said after the race “Trident was beautifully ridden by Benny, he had him just in the run where I wanted him to be and fought off the challengers in the run home like a good horse – congratulations to John Galvin – the Fortuna Team is on fire today”

Trident – 3rd Singapore win 18th March 2023

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, who had already tasted success with two earlier winners in the day, Inca Belle at Tauranga and Rocky in Singapore, was watching the race from his Hamilton home and, understandably, was a very happy man ” Trident is a horse who seems to have a lot of quality about him, that was a good strong win for just his 2nd start this preparation, very well ridden by Benny and toughed it out to the finishing line. Congrats to Donna, Peter Woods and all of the training team – these sort of days with three wins for the day are what you dream about. And well done to the ownership group for supporting the tramsfer of Trident to Singapore – the decision is certainly paying dividends for them.”

Benny W00dworth returns to scale aboard TRIDENT

Winning connections after the race

TRIDENT, bred by Mrs H G & W G Bax & JML Bloodstock Ltd, was offered for sale at the 2020 Karaka Book One Sale by Blandford Lodge and was acquired by Davis Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $70,000 – initially prepared in NZ by Jamie Richards, and with the racename POLARIS, he had three starts in the Spring of 2021 for a 3rd and two 4ths – believing that he would be a 3yo who would benefit from a bit more maturity and development, Jamie recommended that his Ownership Group should consider relocating him to Singapore for his future racing career, a recommendation that was taken up by the majority of his ownership group. Trident has now had nine Singapore starts for three wins, three 2nds and has earned over S$145,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

ROCKY wins for the 2nd time in Singapore 18th March 2023

Published 19 March 2023

ROCKY, the 4yo Gelding by El Roca out of Anthology (by Encosta de Lago), produced a strong winning performance in the Class 5 1200m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse 18th March, going to the line 1.8 lengths clear of his nearest rival. Drawn well, ROCKY was slightly slow into stride, but urged up by Singapore’s 2022 Champion Apprentice rider, Fadzli Yusoff, he found himself in a good spot, one out and one back. Traveling nicely in the run, Yusoff held him together nicely as they turned and then set about gathering in the two leaders, a task he accomplished well, gaining his 2nd win in Singapore from 10 race day starts

Click HERE to see race replay

Te Akau Racing’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, who was successful two races later with another Fortuna runner in TRIDENT, was lavish in her praise for her charge. “ Lovely win, he was a bit slow away, but got into a nice spot in the run – Yusoff allowed him to find his feet and balance up as they turned for home and Rocky was too strong in the run home – Congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team, they are great supporters of our Stable.”

Rocky – 2nd win in Singapore – 18th March 2023 – Fadzli Yusoff aboard

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton New Zealand and having already enjoyed a winner earlier in the day with the Fortuna 3yo Filly, INCA BELLE, was also very contented “That was a very satisfying win for ROCKY – he had only run out of the money once in his previous nine starts, always tries hard and is still learning the game, but raced very professionally today. Well done to Yusoff who rides yet another winner for us and congrats to Donna Logan who is ultimate professional trainer”

Successful rider Fadzli Yusoff returne to scale on ROCKY

Donna Logan, 2nd from left with Rocky and connections

ROCKY was purchased by John Galvin for NZ$50,000 from the October 2021 Gavelhouse Sale, on the recommendation of the former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker

ROCKY is raced by the Fortuna Rocky Syndicate, an ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore

Fortuna Filly INCA BELLE wins again at Tauranga making it 3 wins from 3 starts

Published 19 March 2023

Keeping alive her unbeaten record, Fortuna Racing’s three year old Filly INCA BELLE (by Per Incanto – Belle Vie, by Darci Brahma) resumed with victory in the Matamata Veterinary Services $30,000 3YO 1200 metres on Saturday 18th March at Tauranga. A debut winner over 1100 metres on 8 November at Pukekohe, Inca Belle rose in class to win the 3YO 1200 metres on 26 November at Wanganui, before having a break and after finding the line in a trial on 7 March at Rotorua, she secured a hat-trick of wins with her Tauranga victory. Having won previously on good and soft footing, Inca Belle had to endure Heavy10 footing but in the end she had the resolve to prevail.

Riding by Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, who was aboard for the first two wins, Inca Belle got back in a small field, had to overcome a check when looking to work clear on straightening, but pinned her ears back to win drawing away by one and a half lengths. She ran 1200 metres in 1:15.2 and as race favourite paid $1.90 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer, Mark Walker, was on course overseeing his runners on the day “It was another good effort to win and she’s got a nice future,” said trainer Mark Walker. “She was bought quite cheaply by Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin), knows how to win, and the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes will be her main aim.” The $85,000 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) is contested on Saturday 29 April at Te Rapa.

INCA BELLE – makes it three starts – three wins Tauranga 28th March 2023

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, was also on course at Tauranga along with several Members of her Ownership Group “That was a great watch, she seems to have quite a bit of quality about her. She’s from the famous Belle family and quite a few of the Melody Belle owners have come into her as well,” he said. “She can’t do better than winning her first three starts and very good for a filly that was moderately priced ($50,000). She learned a bit in the race as well, after getting into a scrimmage at the top of the straight, but forced her way through and went to the line a dominant winner. She will probably have one or two races before the (Cambridge) Breeders’ Stakes, which is our main target. We were going to take her to Wellington last Saturday, but she blew a bit after her Saturday gallop the week before and Mark (Walker) said it’s a long way to take her if she’s not quite right, so he said to give her a trial and push her back a week and, as always, he seems to get these things right. She’s looked good coming through the grades, but it’s not until you get up against the big guns that you can really determine their quality.”

2022/23 Champion Apprentice JOE KAMARUDDIN returns to scale on INCA BELLE

Bred by R A Williams, Inca Belle was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and John Galvin for $50,000 at the 2021 NZB Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and is owned by Fortuna Inca Belle Syndicate, an Ownership Group consisting of 49 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong

Inca Belle was strapped by Shaun Magee.

Friday Flash – 17th March 2023

Published 17 March 2023

Headline News

Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore

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Fortuna has six runners on Saturday 18^th March, two in NZ and four in Singapore

New Zealand – Tauranga

INCA BELLE runs in the 3yo SW & P 1200m event at Tauranga – Race 1 @ 12.45pm – she will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin claiming 1kg from a good draw. Two starts for two wins is the race record for this Per Incanto Filly. Was freshened after her last win at Wanganui late November and has had two trials to prepare for this. Form hard to fault and is a very good each way chance in this

ANGELS WINGS races in the Maiden 1200m event – Race 2 @ 1.22pm – she will be ridden by Hakim Kamaruddin claiming 1kg from a good draw. Over raced at Rotorua 2^nd March and was flushed wide on the turn – this after a reasonable 4^th placing at Hastings 26 Jan. Has gone back to 1200m for this race, her work cannot be faulted, she won’t mind the forecast rain. Has been hard to follow but did run a nice 3^rd this track and distance on a Heavy track early December. Could be the smokey in this

Singapore

ROCKY contests the Class 5 1200m Polytrack event – Race 1 at 12 Noon Singapore time (5pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from an inside draw – is a galloper with ability and drops in class for this event. Good each way chance in this

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;
1st Pick: THE WILD PRINCE (6)
A horse who has been knocking on the door to win since returning to class 5. Hasn’t had much luck his last couple and shouldn’t be too far away from them here.
2nd Pick: BENBO (1)
Solid winner on debut who finds himself at the top of class 5 here instead of class 4. Good chance to capitalise and score again. Won well enough last start. Nunes on a bonus.
3rd Pick: KSATRIA (3)
Downgrades to class 5 where he has a solid record. Proven to carry weight at this grade and looks a genuine top three hope.
4th Pick: ROCKY (4)
Makes his class 5 debut in his tenth start in Singapore. Amongst this company, he cannot be left out of the multiple, keep him safe.

TRIDENT races in the Class 4 1400 Turf event – Race 3 @ 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Vlad Duric from barrier 5. This talented 2 win galloper rarely runs a bad race – he resumed 25^th Feb off a 3 month break running 4^th over 1200m – has taken much improvement and is ready to fire here from a good draw and a highly experienced rider aboard. Top three chance in this

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

1st Pick: VGOR (1)
Rises to 1400m after finding one better at his last two starts. He has been beaten by lightweights on both occasions and will still carry a bit of weight after Krisnas claim.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (5)
Nice form and course statistics for a race like this. Will be fitter after a couple of runs and the rise in distance is to his benefit. Don’t leave him out of your exotic bets.
3rd Pick: SUMMER WIND (7)
Loves to get out and get rolling early. No luck from the wide barrier last start and gets to a distance where he has one win and two minors from three appearances. One to watch.
4th Pick: LIM’S DREAMWALKER (9)
Lightweight chance who has been catching racegoers eyes in his last two starts. Can get himself stuck in traffic but with the long course in play he can be winding up late with no weight.

DECEPTION also races in the Class 4 1400 Turf event – Race 3 @ 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Harry Kasim from barrier 11. Also a 2 win galloper that rarely runs a bad race and has been luckless at times – has had two runs since resuming both with merit – has drawn out but gets back and will be running home very strongly in this event on the Long Course. Good each way chance and could well be at good odds.

OUR FINAL OFFER races in the Open Maiden 1200 Turf event – Race 5 @ 2pm Singapore time (7pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Appentice Jamil, claiming 4ks, from barrier 3 – ran a good 3^rd on a resuming run two weeks ago after a 15 month break from racing. Is a very fast galloper who has had barrier issues in the past, but if he gets away well, he is right in this.

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

1st Pick: TRIBUTO (2)
Massive run last start where he was wide the trip due to a poor draw and only just got beat. Horse to beat here.
2nd Pick: OUR FINAL OFFER (4)
Made up good ground last start and will appreciate the rise in distance to 1200m, each way.
3rd Pick: STAR GLORY (9)
Led them up last start to only be beaten just over a length. Was off the rail the entire way so the run deserves respect. Looks one of the likely leaders in the race again.
4th Pick: GEMILANG (6)
Dislodged the rider on the way to the gates and still ran a solid race. Should have taken plenty from the first race day experience and be an improver here.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed trackwork reported for Fortuna Runners this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Friday 10^th March

King Arthur(Yusoff)1000/600- 37.5; Our Fina Offer(Aslam)1000/600- 37.5; Trident(Simon)1000/600- 38; Deception(A’isisuhairi)1000/600- 38; Knippenberg(Aslam)800/600- 39; Rocky(Yusoff)1000/600- 38; Rhett Butler(Awah)600- 39;

Tuesday 14^th March

DECEPTION (Kasim )800/600- 39.5; 37.5; RHETT BUTLER(JAMIL)600- 38;

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Other News

Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore – read more below

About The Two Year Old Gelding GUN

The 2yo Gelding, GUN, is by Australia’s most expensive Stallion at Stud, Extreme Choice, out of the winning and Stakes placed Mare Murtle Turtle – he has been acquired by Fortuna Racing for A$45,000 from the March (early) Inglis Digital Sale and will be sent to Singapore to race. He will agist in New South Wales for eight to ten weeks before flying to Singapore where he will join the other Fortuna Racing runners at the Te Akau Racing training complex at Kranji Racecourse, headed up by our Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan.

As a non winner, GUN will be eligible to contest Restricted Maiden Grade events in Singapore, a Grade which carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$85,000). Once winning in that Grade, he will then be eligible to race in Novice Grade, a Grade which also carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$85,000). As a Three Year Old in the 2023/2024 Seasons, GUN will be eligible for the very lucrative Three Year Old Series run during May and June 2024

Pedigree
GUN has an exceptionally strong Pedigree page – bred and sold by James Ferguson of Bell River Thoroughbreds for A$775,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale, he is by Australia’s most expensive Stallion(Stud Fee A275k), EXTREME CHOICE, the Sire of over 41 winners from just 64 runners, including 9 Stakes winners, such as Stay Inside (winner of the Golden Slipper), She’s Extreme (Champagne Stakes – Group One) and Espiona (Coolmore Stud Stakes – Group One). His Dam Murtle Turtle was a winner as a 2yo, ran 2nd twice at Group 3 level, is the dam of four foals to race, with three of them being winners, including the Hong Kong winner, California Deeply

Click HERE to view his pedigree

Training & Race History
GUN was bought as yearling by James Harron Bloodstock, who put together a high profile ownership group to race him, clearly with “Stallion making” prospects in mind. He was prepared by Michael Freedman at Randwick – he had two trials in Sydney in the early Spring of 2022, but proved very Colty, so was gelded and freshened. He resumed with a trial 9th January 2023 finishing 2nd and followed that up with a winning trial performance 24th January and made his race day debut at Canberra 3rd February, where he ran very wide on the turn finishing in 6th place. He then raced at Newcastle 25th Feb, running more professionally, beaten just 2.3 lengths. Click HERE to see that race replay – he is in the dark green silks. His ownership group then made a decision to move him on because they were only interested in racing “Stallion Prospects”

Physical Type
Standing at 15.25 hands high and tipping the scales at 452kgs, GUN is a lovely physical type – he passed his vetting inspection (conducted by Dr Ramiro Pellegrini) with no issues– he scoped before and after exercise at Grade Two, had no vices and trotted up in very sound condition – Dr Ramiro has issued the Malaysian Racing Association Vet certificate as a “pass” and accordingly he can be admitted to Singapore as a racehorse.

GUN – Randwick 1st March 2023

Syndicator’s View

John Galvin comments on this latest acquisition

“Gun has a profile that is very typical of most of the horses we have bought off the Inglis Digital platform in the past five years or so. A very well bred 2yo that was owned by a high profile Ownership Group, clearly with a Stallion career in mind, he needed to be gelded after trialing twice – they then endeavoured improve his profile for sale by trying him as a gelded horse, but as often happens in this situation, they rushed him along and, with no win from two race day starts, they moved him on. Horses we have acquired in recent years of this profile are Federation (6 Singapore wins), Brutus (5 Singapore wins), Entertainer (7 Singapore wins), King Arthur (9 Singapore wins), Red Rover (3 Singapore wins), Ellis Ness and Deception (2 Singapore wins each) and our most recent winner (on debut) Knippenberg. GUN has had four trials and two race day starts and shown us enough from those to indicate he can be a successful racehorse in Singapore – particularly now that our acquisition of him will result in a decent break away from the track so that he can grow and develop”

Click HERE to see GUN parading 1st March

Trainers Views

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan comments about GUN
“This is a lovely horse that John has acquired – I have viewed his trials and races and can see he has a very nice action – we have also obtained rider reports from those who have ridden him and those reports are very positive – to my eye, he is a horse who has been rushed along in his 2yo preparation and who will benefit from getting more time to strengthen and mature – he will get that time as he agists in New South Wales before coming to Singapore – I am looking forward to having him in my barn and I think he is capable of being a very successful racehorse in Singapore”

Former Four Time Champion Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, now heading up the Te Akau New Zealand operation, assisted John Galvinin analysing GUN – he comments as follows;

“John and I (and now Donna Logan) have had much success in Singapore over the past few seasons buying horses out of the Australian On Line Sales with horses of just this type of profile – types that are by leading Sires, that are lightly raced and that have shown us enough from their Australian trials and races to suggest they can be very good race horses in Singapore. Obviously he caught the attention of the very best judges when he went through the ring as a yearling and sold for what was a record price for Extreme Choice at that time. His trials and races show that he was being pressured too early, but now that he is in our system, we know how to fix that with good feeding and time to mature and develop”

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

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $10,000 – 5% share $5,000 – 2.5% share $2,500 – 1% share $1,000 (all pricing in NZ$)
Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Transport to Singapore, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over$7,000 approx
Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st June 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

Shares in GUN can be ordered directly off the Fortuna Website at the link HERE or contact John directly by email or call/text 021 921 460 if you seek further information

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Here is Butch’s Saturday selection below

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. Attention turns to a massive day at Trentham tomorrow where the fillies take centre stage in the NZ Oaks. There are other quality black-type races across the card and it is to one of these we turn to find this weeks winner. Race 7 is the Lightning Stakes and high class galloper Shamus heads up a tidy field. Shamus has only tasted defeat twice in a 8 race career and has won 3 from 4 at Trentham. The rain about won’t worry him at all as he is 4 from 4 on Soft/Heavy footing. The slight concern is the 60kg impost but he is a big strong son of Shamexpress and over the 1200m the weight shouldn’t worry him. Expect him to be powering up late and I’m happy to take the $2.4 currently on offer. Best of luck, Butch”

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Friday Flash – 10th March 2023

Published 10 March 2023

Headline News

Fortuna has Two Runners in this weekend’s Auckland Cup, LEADERBOARD and SOPRANO SUPREME

Fortuna acquires Xtravagant Yearling Filly from Inglis Classic Sale – she is to be trained in Victoria by Anthony/Sam Freedman

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Fortuna has five runners on Saturday 11^th March, two in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

LEADERBOARD runs in the Group Two Auckland Cup over 3200m – Race 9 at 5.26pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from Barrier 9. He was victorious in his last race, the Wellington Cup, over the same distance. He is super fit, will run the trip as well as anything else in the race, but will need a Soft track to be at his best.

SOPRANO SUPREME also runs in the Auckland Cup over 3200m – Race 9 at 5.26pm and will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn from Barrier 8. Prepared for this race, she is a natural staying type, but has struck two very firm tracks in her last two starts – she is another who will need some rain to soften the track – if the rain comes, she will be right in this

Singapore

ELLIOT NESS contests the Class 4 1100m Polytrack event – Race 3 at 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from an outside barrier in a nine horse field. Off the scene since August, due to surgery, he has trialed well recently – a talented galloper, he holds the course record this trip and surface. Meets an even field here, but can feature first four with some luck from the draw

BRIGGS resumes in the Class 4 1000 Poly event – Race 6 @ 2.30pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Matthew Kellady from the Ace draw. Bled at his last start in September, but has staged a nice recovery – has been well prepared for this resumption, but is very much a starting point for him as he will be looking for more ground

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 1 1100 Poly event – Race 11 @ 5pm Singapore time (10pm NZT) with Stable Apprentice Jamil to ride – an eight time winner in Singapore and over S$300k in Stakes to his name – seven of his eight wins have come at this trip, but has not greeted the judge since Sept 2022 – has a featherweight to carry(48kgs) and a great draw (2) – if he can bring his best form to this event, he can feature

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 7^th March

Soprano Supreme (J Bayliss) worked together over 1400 metres 1.02.75, home in 36.5.

Leaderboard (O Bosson) worked with a companion over 1600 metres in 1.21.2, home in 38.2.

Thursday 9^th March

Leaderboard (M Roustoby) galloped over an easy 1600 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.10.4, final 600 in 38.2.
Soprano Supreme (S Weatherley) galloped over 1600 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.09.4, home in 38.1.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 4^th March

ELLIOT NESS(AWAH)1000/600- 38; KING ARTHER(ASLAM)1000/600- 39.5; RHETT BUTLER(JAMIL)400- 43;

Tuesday 7th March

Rocky(Awah)1000/600- 39.5; King Arthur(Yusoff)1000/600- 37; Briggs(Kellady)800/600- 39; Entertainer(Yusoff)800/600- 39; Trident(Simon)1000/600- 40; Rhett Butler(Awah)600/400- 38;

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Other News

Fortuna has Two Runners in this weekend’s Auckland Cup, LEADERBOARD and SOPRANO SUPREME

Incredibly, given that we have never had a runner in an Auckland Cup before, we have two runners in the 2023 rendition, this year being run at Pukekohe – I have always loved the Staying events and the tough, big hearted types who contest them and so, in recent years in particular, we have been active in trying to buy Staying types, either as tried horses (such as Leaderboard) or as yearlings (such as Soprano Supreme).

Leaderboard has run the 3200m trip three times, for a 3rd in the NZ Cup (2021), a 5th in the same event (2022) on a firm track and a super win in the Wellington Cup on a heavy track – his work during the week has been very, very strong and if he can get his toe in the ground as a result of any rain, will get an opportunity to feature again in one of the great races on the NZ Racing Calendar.

Soprano Supreme has yet to run the 3200m trip, but the way she won over 2400m at Te Rapa in November, suggest the distance will not be a problem – has had two recent runs at Pukekohe in the Karaka Cup (2200m) and the Avondale Cup (2400m) but struck a Good 4 track each time – like Leaderboard, she would appreciate some softening of the track.

Both horses have big ownership groups, Leaderboard with 70 syndicate Members and Soprano with 58 and around 24 of these Members have shares in both horses, so, win lose or draw, it is going to be a great Ownership experience on the day for our clients and we wish them all the very best of luck.

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Fortuna acquires Xtravagant Yearling Filly from Inglis Classic Sale – she is to be trained in Victoria by Anthony/Sam Freedman

Want to be involved in a Filly who will be trained and raced in Australia out of the Anthony/Sam Freedman barn in Victoria??? – here is your chance – prizemoney in Australia is booming

The Freedmans have trained one other horse for us, the UK import, NO ENVY, who won a race for them and us in pretty quick time, but then had to be retired due to a tendon injury. Since then I had been keen to acquire a yearling to race in Australia from the get go and this lovely Xtravagant Filly gave us a great opportunity to do just that. Note that she is registered for the Inglis Race Series, which in 2024/25 will carry A$12.55m in bonus prizemonies for Inglis Graduates, including A$5m to be spread over 50 selected Maiden races at A$100k per race – read more details on the Inglis Race Series below

About The Yearling Filly by Xtravagant out of Secret Spice – “Spicy”

Sprinter/Miler type of Filly – will be trained in Victoria by Anthony/Sam Freedman – note she is registered for the Inglis Race series with total Bonuses on offer of A$12.55m in the 2024/25 season

Lot 43 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Stallion XTRAVAGANT out of SECRET SPICE (By Sakhees Secret) has been acquired by Fortuna Racing from the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale – this after Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, assisted by Bloodstock Agent, Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Melbourne Trainer, Anthony Freedman, who along with his son, Sam Freedman, will train this filly commented after doing pre sale Video inspections “Athletic type of good size, lovely walk, physically correct, will need a bit of time to fully mature but will make a lovely Spring 3yo”

“Spicy” – the Xtravagant – Secret Spice Yearling Filly

Pedigree

Spicy has a very strong pedigree. Her Sire, Xtravagant was a top class Sprinter/Miler, winning six times from 12 starts – A Champion New Zealand 3YO and dual Group One winner, Xtravagant was a breathtaking racehorse with phenomenal speed. His eight-length win on debut as a two-year-old was incredible, then his record breaking victories in the Guineas and the Waikato Sprint against older horses (beating five individual Group One winners) were of the highest class. Xtravagant has made a heady start to his Stud career, with 36 individual winners, including the Stakeswinners Lavish Girl, Xtravagant Star and He’s Exceptional.

Her dam, Secret Spice won seven times in Singapore and Malaysia and her dam, Caparison, won 5 times and was Stakes placed.

Click HERE to view Spicy’s pedigree

Physical type

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

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“Having raced the dam, Secret Spice, we were keen to have a close look at this Filly, she had very clean x rays, flew through her Vet inspection without issue – she will need a bit of time to grow into herself and presents more of a 3yo type, but that suits our philosophy and style – we had a budget of A$60k to buy her and she was knocked down to us for A$40k, so represents great value”

Trainer’s view (Anthony Freedman)

“Asked by John Galvin to inspect this Xtravagant Filly at the Inglis Classic Sale, my assessment of her was that she is a tall leggy type who will need a bit of time, may run as an Autumn 2yo, but should develop into a lovely 3yo. She has a graceful walk and a great temperament. I am looking forward to having her in our stable”

Selectors view (Marcus Corban)

“This Filly is a lovely first foal out of a very good racemare – she has a smooth, fluid action at the walk, won’t be an early type but will develop into a nice athletic 3yo – this Filly represents great value at her purchase price”

Ongoing Preparation

Spicy is now spelling at the Freedman spelling farm on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement early April) and will then be prepared for racing at the Stables of Anthony/Sam Freedman. Her first stable preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and Anthony and Sam will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her. She may well have a start or two as a 2yo in the Autumn of 2024, but the lucrative 3yo Fillies races in Melbourne in the Spring of 2024 will be her prime objective. Note that prizemoney in Australia is going from strength to strength, particularly in NSW and Victoria, hence our decision to have this Filly trained in Australia

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

Read the Declaration.

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000 – 5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800
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 $8,000

Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $500 per month – 5% share $250 per month – 2.5% share $125 per month – 1% share $50 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

Purchase a share in Spicy today off the Fortuna website HERE or call/text John 021 921 460 for more information

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Connections of a winner of a designated Maiden will receive the $100,000 bonus if the horse is an Inglis graduate and paid up for the Inglis Race Series.

The new concept will see the Inglis Race Series jump to $12.55m in the 2024/25 Australian racing season as all existing races – Inglis Millennium, Inglis Sprint, Inglis Banner, Inglis Nursery, Inglis Bracelet and Inglis Challenge – as well as the Inglis Pink Bonuses will remain.

As part of the Inglis Xtra Bonus Series, 50 Maidens will be selected to carry the bonus with a focus on NSW and Victoria, while bonuses are also planned for Queensland.

The Maidens will range from 900m to 2000m and be for eligible 3YO and up horses.

Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch believed the new Maiden Series would incentivise every buyer, starting at the Classic Sale this coming weekend.

“As we mentioned with the introduction of the Pink Bonus 12 months ago, we are always looking at ways to develop our Race Series,” Hutch said.

“This initiative gives investors through our sales the opportunity to win more prizemoney, more often.

“The respective racing authorities have done an incredible job driving increases in prizemoney, particularly at the top end – there will be 89 races for $1m or more in Australia in 2023 – and we wanted to enhance our Race Series with a concept that complemented those top-level increases.

“The hardest race for a horse to win is their Maiden and not all horses get to the top level so we believe this new concept will give every buyer and owner an opportunity to win extraordinary prizemoney at the entry level of racing.

“Effectively, owners will have the opportunity to win ‘Inglis’ prizemoney every week of the year and the plan is for these races to be everywhere, from major country carnivals to midweek metro to provincial and everything in between.

“$100,000 is going to be an enormous carrot for owners of eligible horses and we are expecting the designated Maidens to be targeted and bonuses to be won regularly through the 2024/25 season and beyond.’’

The Inglis Xtra Bonus Series will be for horses born in 2021 and beyond that are paid up for the Inglis Race Series.

The specific races themselves will be confirmed once the 2024/25 Australian racing season schedule is released next year.

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ANTHONY AND SAM FREEDMAN RACING STABLES – VICTORIA/AUSTRALIA

The Sam and Anthony Freedman operation does not train a large number of horse, by comparison with other leading Victorian Stables – currently they have 75 horses in work over their two Stable operations, Flemington and Pinecliff.

In the current season to date they have trained 36 winners at a strike rate of around 15% (6.6)

In 2021, we sent our UK import, the Stayer NO ENVY, whom we had acquired at the Tattersalls Horse In Training Sale, to the Freedmans to be trained and he won a race very quickly for them, however subsequently damaged a tendon and had to be retired. Our experience with them was very positive with high quality horsemanship and regular communications and updates.

See the links below about their people and their facilities

https://www.freedman.com.au/anthony-freedman

https://www.freedman.com.au/sam-freedman

https://www.freedman.com.au/the-team

https://www.freedman.com.au/facilities

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Other Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 2yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 7% left

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video. An August foal she looks like she will run as a 2yo, but has the size and scope to develop into a strong, powerful 3yo. Lots of residual value with this pedigree

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 19% available

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – she should be up and running as a 2yo before Christmas and as such, represents a genuine chance to qualify for the 2024 Karaka Million

The Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 17% available

I really love this one – a genuine staying type by physique and pedigree page Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – she will be given plenty of time to mature and develop, but may well debut as an Autumn 2yo and will certainly develop into a strong 3yo type who will run a trip

The Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly “Raquel”

$800 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 23% available

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – type and pedigree suggest she will be a middle distance 3yo type – but she is very forward, is already being broken in and so may well run as an Autumn 2yo in 2024

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Dynastic let the team down by failing to finish 2^nd or 3^rd in Butch’s Power Play last week, however Sharp N Smart did win and Mark Twain ran out of his skin to finish 4^{th – so close but no cigar in the end}

Hi John and Fortuna Team – A great days racing in store at Pukekohe Saturday with a couple of Group One’s and the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup. With rain tipped for Pukekohe today the track will likely be rain affected to some extent which makes trying to find a winner at this early stage tricky! I could just suggest you back Tokyo Tycoon again but that’s not very brave. I was taken with the win of Insatiable when clearing maidens at Taupo in what has turned out to be a strong form race. He didn’t have much luck on debut but proved far to strong over the 1200m of Saturday’s contest at the second time of asking. The well named son of All Too Hard looks to have plenty of upside and I am happy to have something on him in race 2 at $3. Best of luck – Butch”

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Friday Flash – 24th February 2023

Published 24 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna launches a new syndicate – a yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of a Redoute’s Choice Mare

Flood Relief Donations

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Fortuna has six runners on Saturday, four in NZ and two in Singapore

New Zealand

Otaki

MALBOROUGH BAY races in the R65 1600m – Race 6 @ 3.38 pm and will be ridden by Jason Laking from Barrier 6. A winner on debut at Matamata in May of his 2yo year, since performing well during a South Island campaign including a 3^rd in the Listed War Decree Stakes at Riccarton and then getting no luck in the running in the 2000 Guineas, he has fallen into a hole with his form, producing two rather average results since resuming, although was good closing stages of his last start at New Plymouth. He finds an even field here and the prospect of an easing in track conditions at Otaki will assist his prospects – can feature here

Matamata

Madame Moet contests the R65 1200 – Race 3 @ 1.35pm – Sam Weatherly to ride from an outside draw – has been a difficult customer at times, but both her career wins have come at this venue – this trip may be too short for her and her draw makes it difficult – any easing of the ground will suit her – has a chance of running a place if things go right on the day

NAVALHA runs in the R75 1400 – Race 5 @2.43pm with Craig Zackey aboard. Impressing with a strong finishing run on resuming at New Plymouth Friday 17^th at this trip and grade, he looks to improve on that effort here. Has a mid field draw and can be tardy away, but does look to be a good each way chance in this

RUBICON CROSSING takes her place in the feature race of the day the Group Two Matamata Breeders Stakes and will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn. A winner on debut in the Spring, she is well performed at Stakes level running placings three times, but was slightly disappointing with her last start 4^th in the Taranaki Classic – wide draw (again!!) but blinkers go on and tactics will be to be bold from the jump. Meets a very good field here and would need take a big step and be right on top of her game – can run into the money if things go right.

Singapore

TRIDENT contests the Class 4 1200 Turf event – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT and will be ridden by Simon Kok claiming 1kg, from a mid field barrier. Seven Singapore starts for two wins, three seconds and a fourth says it all about this 4yo son of Deep Field. Is resuming but trialed very nicely 10 days ago. Can give this a shake and is a good each way chance.

Here is what the STC tipsters say about this race

1st Pick: BUURAQ SIXTY-ONE (5)
Has a fantastic track and distance record having only run out of the top three once (6:2-2-1). Nunes booked to ride and draws a fabulous gate, looks the pick of the lot on paper.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (2)
Returns here for first up run. Has been a model of consistency so far in his career with five top two finishes in seven starts. Don’t underestimate him.
3rd Pick: BE YOU (3)
Raced wide after being ridden cold. Despite being caught in a sticky spot, he still rattled home to only be beaten 3.1 lengths. Should be better here with a race under his belt.
4th Pick: FROM THE NAVY (1)
Definitely a horse has proven in class 4 carrying weight, the question is simply whether he’ll need a run or not. Top four hope first up.

ENTERTAINER races in the Class 3 1000 Poly – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs from an outside barrier – an eight time winner in Singapore with over S$300k in earnings, “Joker” is back to a winnable grade, although did disappoint at his last start (but did have excuses) – will find it difficult from this draw at this trip, but if he flies the gates, watch out

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday February

Rubicon Crossing (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.6, home in 36.8.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 18^th February
Elliot Ness(Yusoff)1000/600- 39.5;

Tuesday 21st February
Our Final Offer(AWAH)1000/600- 38; King Arthur(Yusoff)10000/600- 39.5Briggs(Louis)1000/600- 37; Trident(Simon)800/600- 39;

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Other News

Fortuna launches a new syndicate – a yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen (by Redoute’s Choice)

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

Definite Middle Distance/Staying type of Filly

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

“Raquel” – the Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly

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.

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

Ongoing Preparation
Raquel is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mid March) and 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^st April 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

Shares can be ordered online from the Fortuna website HERE or contact John directly by email response to this newsletter or call/text 021 921 460

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Other Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 3yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 8% left

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 27% available

The Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 34% available

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

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Flood Relief Donations

Several of our clients, hearing of different initiatives that have been instigated by the Thoroughbred industry, have asked how they may assist with Flood relief – obviously there are lots of ways that can be done, however there are three clear pathways via Thoroughbred industry initiatives and I have included details of those below

For horse welfare (all breeds): Donations for NZTR/Dunstan Horsefeeds/NZTBA appeal horse feed and medical supplies:
NZTR account: 01-0517-0063944-07
Reference: Cyclone Appeal

Kingsclere Stables/Thoroughbred Industry: Hawke’s Bay Relief Fund (this is the Roger James/Robert Wellwood initiative)
BNZ Matamata – 02-0360-0059698-25

Te Akau Racing Donations to NZ Red Cross
Email: Karyn@teakauracing.com

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

No luck with Butch’s selection last week – Here is what he selects for us this week

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. Hard work this week with the unknown around track conditions, particularly at Matamata with rain forecast. I could have gone with the easy option and tipped Tokyo Tycoon to remain unbeaten by winning the Fairview Matamata Slipper but at $1.7 that doesn’t do much for the bank balance. After saying all of that I am going to step outside the square this week and tip a Quinella!! Race 2 at Matamata sees a couple of promising horses engaged and both of them cop a wet track. No 1 Freeze Frame and No 5 Ask Mum both look like they will progress through the grades. While they both relish rain affected tracks some of the hardest to beat in the race don’t and if the track got out to a Slow7 or Slow8 would likely be scratched. With that in mind if you are going to bet I would suggest locking in the $8.90 currently on offer with the TAB!. Butch”

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Wellington Cup Magic Moments

Rick and Anne Middleton (Warkworth) with “The Cup”

Sandy and Jan Kelman (Temuka) waving the flag for the “Mainland”

Friday Flash – 17th February 2023

Published 17 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna Yearling Shares available

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

New Zealand

New Plymouth – Friday 17th

NAVALHA contests the R75 1200m – Race 3 @ 1.37 pm and will be ridden by Craig Zackey from Barrier 4. Freshened since a Riccarton campaign where he won down the chute, he has trialed nicely and is primed for this race. Meets a good field here but can be competitive in this – good each way chance

Pukekohe Park – Saturday 18th

SOPRANO SUPREME runs in the Group 2 Avondale Cup over 2400m – Race 7 @ 3.54pm – she will be ridden by Jake Bayliss from an inside barrier and carries the minimum of 53kgs. An out and out staying type, she won at 2400 Te Rapa 26^th Nov on a Soft 6 surface, ran 3^rd 2300m Trentham early December and 5^th this track 2200m on a Good 4. Will love the trip, drawn to get a Soft run, appreciates sting out of the track. Market has her at $14 and $4.20 – is a good place chance in this at odds and a winning performance would not surprise

Singapore

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1200 Poly – Race 3 @ 1pm Sing time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice S Shafrizal from barrier 5 – breaking Maidens last August, this 4yo son of El Roca has had four starts since including two fourths and a 3^rd at his last start in January – gets a good draw here and has an absolute featherweight to carry – can feature here and is a good each way chance at odds

KNIPPENBERG races in the Novice 1200 Poly – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Sing time (8.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Ronnie Stewart from barrier 3 – a dominant winner on debut in Restricted Maiden grade on the Turf in a time just outside standard on a wet track, he gets the Poly here. Has a lot of natural ability and has taken good improvement from his debut run. Looks a very strong candidate on paper to run in the top 3 and can win

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

1st Pick: KNIPPENBERG (6)

Won his Restricted Maiden just outside of standard time and drew away from that field. Draws well for Stewart and will take natural improvement second up. Looks handy from the barrier.

2nd Pick: HOLE IN ONE (5)

Was runner up to stablemate Bestseller last start and trainer indicated he is still improving, and the finished product is yet to come. Has shown ability winning last year and could be the surprise runner in the field.

3rd Pick: TALING PLING (3)

Has had a name change since winning when named Mykyta in a Restricted Maiden. Came from well back and clocked very fast final sectionals. He looks to be a nice three-year-old.

4th Pick: BESTSELLER (4)

Scored a nice win in this level when carrying no weight under stable apprentice Rozlan. He finds a Novice again being only a one-time-winner and will probably press forward again from the wide draw

DECEPTION contests the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Simon Kok from barrier 9 – this 4yo son of I Am Invincible has won twice from 17 starts but is always there or thereabouts in his races – gets back in the run, but has a powerful finish and has only 53 kgs to carry. Good each way chance here

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 15^th February

Soprano Supreme (J Bayliss) worked together over an easy 1400 metres, home in 40.67.

Navalha (T Harris) worked over an easy 1000 metres, home in 38.7.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 11^th February

Our Final Offer(Aslam) 1000/600- 37.5; Deception(Simon)1000/600- 37.5; Trident(Simon) 1000/600- 40;

Tuesday 14^h February

Deception(Saimon)800/600- 42; Entertainer (Yusoff)1000/600- 39.5; Elliot Ness(Yusoff)1000/600- 38; Rocky(Yusoff)1000/600- 39;

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Other News

Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 3yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 8% left

From Karaka Sale

Star Witness – Alana’s Party Filly

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 27% available

Eminent – Queen Boudicca Filly

The Eminent- Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 34% available

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

No luck with Butch’s selection last week Here is what he selects for us this week

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. We are heading to the deep South this Saturday in search of a winner. Ascot Park Invercargill hosts their flagship meeting of the year and I think there is a very smart horse engaged in race 8. No 1 Sokanon is $3.5 into $2.7 with the TAB Bookies on the back of smart wins in both race day appearances this prep. An easy winner in similar R75 company over this trip on Boxing day there is no reason why he can’t make it 3 in a row. Having won 3 from 5 starts this 5yo son of Darci Brahma looks to have more in store and I think he will be too classy for this lot Saturday. Butch”

Friday Flash – 10th February 2023

Published 10 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna Karaka Yearlings

Te Akau Stud Visits to view Yearlings

Fortuna Client Gary Williams (and now a winner of the Wellington Cup) reminisces

Mark Walker records his 1000th NZ training success at Taupo during the week – for the record, Mark’s total Singapore wins were 685, so he is closing in on 2000 total career training wins very quickly

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Fortuna has just one runner this weekend at Hastings today

MOHAWK BRAVE contests the R75 1400 – Race 2 @ 1.01pm – Parmar Singh to ride claiming 2kgs from barrier 7. He has yet to produce his very strong 3yo form as a 4yo, but is running honest races. Parmar is reunited with him after the two of them combined to win 3 races last season. Good each way chance and can greet the judge here with the right run

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 8th February

Soprano Supreme (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1400 metres, home in 37.07.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 4^th February

Briggs(Aslam)-1000/600 39; Rocky(Yusoff) 1000/600 37.5 ; Trident(Yusoff)1000/600 38 ; Our Final Offer(Aslam)1000/600 39.5 ;

Tuesday 7^th February

Briggs(Aslam) 1000/600- 39; Elliot Ness(Yusoff) 800/600-40 ; Makkem Lad(Awah) 800/600-39 ; Knippenberg (Aslam) 1000/600- 40; Our Final Offer (Aslam) 1000/600- 40; Trident (Yusoff) 1000/600-40 ;

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Other News

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales last week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type (Star Witness) – the other a Staying Type (Eminent)

The Star Witness – Alana’s Party yearling Filly “Ali”

The Eminent- Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly “Queenie”

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

Yearling Inspections – Te Akau Stud

Finally after 3 long years of disruption, lock downs, travel bans etc, etc and a return to normality we are able to reintroduce our very popular yearling inspections at Te Akau Stud

These run weekly for as many weeks as we have people wanting to visit – the upcoming schedule is as follows

Dates

Thursday 16th Feb

Thursday 23rd Feb

Thursday 2nd March

Meeting Place

Te Akau Stud is a magnificent 4000 acre+ sheep/cattle and thoroughbred property situated at Te Akau in the western Waikato – it is around a 35 minute drive from Ngaruawahia and our normal practice is to meet at the BP Station, situated on State Highway 1 at the southern end of Ngaruawahia at around 10.15 am – we meet inside for a coffee and then travel in convey out to the farm – we usually double people up in just a few vehicles – the road to the farm is quite winding and has dodgy GPS coverage. We aim to arrive at the farm around 11.15, inspect the yearlings in the paddock and then return to Ngaruawahia with an ETA of around 1pm.

All of our recent yearling purchases from both the Gold Coast and Karaka Sales are on the farm spelling ahead of their breaking in

To register all you need to do is respond to this email giving me your preferred date and providing your cell phone number.

I look forward to hearing from you if you wish to attend one of these days

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Fortuna Client Gary Williams (a lifetime racing enthusiast and now a winner of the Wellington Cup) shares some great racing memories with us

John, I felt moved to write this note to you after that Wellington Cup win, clearly you have a touch of genius about you, firstly you dialed up the rain and secondly, you have turned a potential Steeplechaser into a Wellington Cup Winner!!!

I have won over 25 Group ONE races …20 in Harness and 5 in Gallops plus several Group 2 and 3 races in Gallops ….I have worked out I won 10 Cups in NZ and Queensland plus a 3rd in Melbourne Cup. List includes Avondale Cup, Counties Cup, City of Auckland Cup, Te Aroha, Rotorua and Taupo Cups….and now a Wellington Cup. I was thrilled, just sad my Dad wasn’t here to see it.

Here’s why the Wellington Cup means so much to me since I was a foetus!!

Being raised in Mosgiel/Wingatui in a horse community it seemed to be the BIGGEST race in NZ. Wingatui/Otago horses had a good record in it. In 1959 local businessman George Barton won it with Ark Royal. Earlier in 50’s Owner/trainer Joe Brown had won it with Reformed…..Joe’s son was my good friend for a few years as kids, we played rugby together and I hung out at their house and stables. Then another primary school class mates Dad, Mick Brown, won the Cup in 1961 with 8 yr old Great Sensation, then repeated it in 1962, became high profile and won it as a 10 yr old for 3rd time!! We listened to that 3rd win beside a river in Oxford, Canterbury while on our annual holiday for family.

This inspired my Dad to decide to go to the Wellington Cup the next year and he took me too. Probably the only time my Dad ever flew in plane, that annual visit to the Cup. First year he took me, 1964, our neighbour and Dad’s customer Gordon Thomson won a minor race with Minglow [ the dam of Champion mare Showgate ]. The next year 1965 Eifell Tower won ridden by EJ Didham who lived over our back fence. Eiffel Tower then became a champion steeple chaser !!!

Another jockey RJ (Bob) Skelton lived near…he won the Wellington Cup 5 times from memory. Dad took me a few more times in late 60’s, then became sick, but still loved the horses and Cup and Christchurch during NZ Cup week was his other ‘happy place ‘.

In about 1977 our neighbour put Showgate in the Cup and got second to Good Lord. I was playing in Plunket Shield cricket for Otago and got to field on boundary to listen to race. Once I started working I often flew across to the Cup from Nelson. One year my runner, Tinseltown won the Summer Cup there on Cup day when it rained on the day. I think Tinseltown had 2 x shots at the Wellington Cup, possibly favourite too, but the hard ground and top weight not to his liking as a small horse. Another runner of mine, Pasta Post, was also favourite but they overwatered the track that year and it was a mess…distance a query too…he won the Group 1 Easter Mile at his next start then broke down !

Trentham has given some sad moments too……my neighbour and friends champion Mare, Showgate, broke down winning Trentham Stakes as did our Xcellent…same race 25 years or so later. Last race for both. !

So the 2023 win was a huge thrill for me……Leaderboard needs at least 3200m and soft ground…..he still has some miles/wins in those legs. Steeplechasing time of year ticks those two boxes. Please order the rain in summer again for 3200m races too…..maybe his feet now feeling the best ever ????

Thrilling stuff John …….I am over the moon

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Talking of success for our clients, I had a lovely phone call during the week from Des Gillian. Des and Lorraine now live in a retirement village in Auckland and are long standing Fortuna clients, taking small shares in several horses. Des told me that they have had 23 Fortuna winners over the past 23 months!!! Mainly involved in Singapore horses, Entertainer, King Arthur, Trident and now, Knippenberg have all delivered in spades for them with the very good Singapore prizemoney providing a nice supplement to the pension, Des tells me.

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

2^nd last week was Butch’s lot with Freeze Frame – notable that the winner paid $53 which led to a $1500 Trifecta and a $16k First 4!!!!

Here is what Butch says this week

“Dear John and Team – A fantastic card assembled at Te Rapa Saturday with the Herbie Dyke Stakes and BCD Group Sprint both providing as good a Group One fields as we can get in NZ. Early in the day I have found one that in my opinion should be winning. Master Brutus (race 2 no 1) was beaten the barest of margins over this 1200m trip on Karaka Million night. The winner on that occasion was Maven Belle – rated a genuine winning chance in the BCD Group Sprint! Ideally placed in a MAAT 1200m race Master Brutus will go forward from a wide gate and likely sit outside the speed. I expect him to be too classy in what is a tidy enough field. He is $2.20 with the TAB and with the form around Maven Belle I think that’s worth taking. Best of luck. Butch”

Fortuna Racing acquires a lovely Grey Filly by Reliable Man from Karaka Sale Book 2

Published 3 February 2023

Genuine Staying Type Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the Sire RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoutes Choice ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 3 of the Karaka Book Two Sale

She will now spell at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in and will then be prepared for racing in New Zealand by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata

John Galvin says “At the 2022 Sale we had acquired a lovely Reliable Man Filly – given the race name , Matariki, unfortuately 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”

Reliable Man – Scene Queen Yearling Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “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. ”

This Filly will be syndicated by Fortuna to its clients and the general public – Syndicate paperwork still being prepared but shares will be available down to 1% and we are taking expressions of interest NOW – $8,000 per 10% share, $4,000 per 5% share, $2,000 per 2.5 share, $800 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Promoter Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of over $10,000

Ongoing costs start 1 April 2023 at $44 per month per each 1% share

Click to HERE to see her sales page on the NZB website – you can see her pedigree and parade video at this link

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest

Uncategorized

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

Trident – 3rd Singapore win 18th March 2023

INCA BELLE – makes it three starts – three wins Tauranga 28th March 2023

Headline News Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore

Fortuna Track work – Matamata No timed trackwork reported for Fortuna Runners this week Fortuna Track work – Singapore Friday 10th March

About The Two Year Old Gelding GUN

About The Yearling Filly by Xtravagant out of Secret Spice – “Spicy”

Yearling Inspections – Te Akau Stud

Genuine Staying Type Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the Sire RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoutes Choice ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 3 of the Karaka Book Two Sale

Headline News

Fortuna acquires the Two Year old Gelding “GUN” from the Inglis Digital March sale – he will race in Singapore

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed trackwork reported for Fortuna Runners this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Friday 10^th March