New Singapore Opportunity – the Charm Spirit – Thurlow 2yo – “Rhett”

Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Racecourse – Sunday 4^th December

Melbourne Cup Betting Strategy

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DECEPTION runs in the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 11 @ 10pm NZ time (5pm Singapore time) and will be ridden by Simon Kok, claiming 1kg from the Ace barrier draw. A bold 2^nd last start when contesting a Novice event, he carries just 51 kgs here and will get a soft run in behind the speed from his nice draw. Meets a tidy field here but is primed and ready to run another good race here and represents a top three chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday  25^th October

Angels Wings (M Roustoby) worked over 1000 metres in 1.03.4, home in 36.78.

Thursday  27^th October

Mohawk Brave (B King) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.21, home in 39.17.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  22nd October

Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 37.3;

Tuesday  25th^th October

Deception (Simon Kok) – 800/600 40.5;

Other News

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney

2yo Colt by Charm Spirit out of Thurlow

By Charm Spirit, who is having an exceptional run in Singapore this season and out of the dual Stakes winner, Thurlow (by Sebring), “Rhett” as we have nicknamed him, is a handsome physical type standing at 16 hands and tipping the scales at just over 500 kgs – he has a great pedigree page (see below) and you can view his pre sale Breeze Up gallopHERE and his parade HERE

10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. This includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

Contact John by return email or call/text 021 921 460 for more information. Or Click HERE to order a share direct off the Fortuna website

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December

Yes, it is that time of the year again and after two Covid affected years with attendances affected due to lockdowns, the powers that be have been kind enough to give us our freedoms back!!! and we are looking forward to hosting our usual 100 plus attendees.
Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Race course
Date – Sunday 4^th December
Time – 1pm to 4pm
Format – Meet and Greet, light refreshments, Review of 2022 Calendar Year, Parade of all of the Fortuna Matamata based horses

Special Guest – Mark Walker

John’s Melbourne Cup Betting Strategy

Wow, the first Tuesday in Melbourne is upon us. The “day that stops a nation” has a rich history and even those with little interest in racing often get involved in workplace sweepstakes and the like.

With 24 runners and form lines that are hard to read, the Melbourne Cup provides great dividends; it is not hard to get double figure odds on all but the first two or three favourites and who can forget the First four dividend of the 2012 event, paying just a touch under $1 million for a $1 unit.

John Galvin here below outlines a suggested betting strategy for the Melbourne Cup. It is a strategy that both the “experienced” and “mug” punter can apply to this great event.

The objective is to, as a minimum, get back all or some of the initial outlay and at a maximum “scoop the pool” – Suggested Capital outlay $100. Not a small amount of money for many, but, hey, this is the Melbourne Cup.

First Step
Select Nine Horses from the Twenty Four Starters and label these horses in your order of preference  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I

Second Step. Place Bets as follows
Win and Place Bets. Horses A and B  $10 to Win and $10 to Place on each. If A and/or B Wins or runs a Place, you will collect. Cost of these bets = $40

Quinella Bets. To win on this bet, you must have the 1st and second runners on your ticket in either finishing order. Select A as an Anchor and B through to I to run 2nd. Select B as an anchor and A though to I to run second.  If either A or B runs first or second and one of the anchors runs first or second you will collect. Bet $1 units.  Cost of these bets = $16.

Trifecta Bet. Here your bet is to be a percentage bet of 25%. This means that if you are successful, you will receive 25% of the declared trifecta Dividend. Select horses ABC to run 1st, ABCDE to run 2nd and ABCDEFG to run 3rd. Total Units=60, Cost of bet @ 25% = $15

First Four Bet. This is the “biggie”. Again your bet will be a percentage bet; this time for 8%. Select ABC to run 1st, ABCDE to run 2nd, ABCDEFG to run 3rd and ABCDEFGHI to run fourth.  Total Units=360, Cost of Bet @ 8% = $29.

So, how would you have done in the 2021 event if you had used this betting strategy? Notable that the first three home last year were “in” the market, so the 2021 divvies were modest by comparison with previous years

Well, the winner, Verry Elleegant, paid $16.50 for the win and $4.50 for the place so a $10 each way bet on her would have returned 210

The quinella paid $21.80 so if you had 1st and 2nd home, you would have collected a further $21.80

The trifecta paid $386 so with all the right numbers on your ticket a 25% percentage bet would have returned $96.50 for the $15 outlay

The First 4 paid $5,413 so an 8% percentage bet would have returned $433 for the $29 outlay if you had the right numbers on your ticket

I trust you get the idea; it is a great way of spreading a reasonable outlay of $100 on the day and, at the very least, having a bit of fun; at best, you may have a five or even six figure collect.

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Good morning John and Team

I’ve been in Melbourne since with the majority of the tour since Wednesday and it’s all been rain, rain and more rain!

Despite that I’m looking forward to the wonderful racing that’s in store over the next week.
Before I pass you my Derby Day pick of the day it’s probably fair to say that last week’s tip, Duke of Plumpton, who ran at Trentham on Sunday, had next up written all over him.
He settled in the rear in a strung out field over 1400m and would have been standing up the leaders 15-20 lengths on the turn but he hit the line solidly without being really extended to record the fastest all over sectionals in 6th place.

Paste him in your hat. I spoke with Kevin Myers after the race and he’s setting him for a mile at Riccarton over Cup week.

Tomorrow with the expected wet track at Flemington I’m going for a price with Grand Impact in the Coolmore. He’s unbeaten and won the Blue Sapphire in good style at Caulfield. All three of his wins have been on rain affected tracks so he won’t be worried about the expected damp conditions at Flemington up the straight six. He’s tacking the straight course for the first time but my spies told me that he had a very soft jump out there last Friday to familiarise himself. At $9 and $3, one unit over two makes sense.

Good punting both in NZ and in Australia.

P.s. For the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday I haven’t completely made up my mind but I have a strong feeling for JMac’s ride, Loft, the German import. German runners have the best strike rate this century in the race. In fact there may be another who competed but only two German horses come to mind who have run in the Cup, the winners, Protectionist (2014) and Almandin (2016).

Headline News;

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney – shares filling quickly but still some left

Singapore 2021 Champion Jockey, Hakim Kamaruddin to boost New Zealand riding ranks

Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December

Fortuna has seven runners this weekend, five in NZ and two in Singapore
 
New Zealand  – Saturday 22nd

LEADERBOARD runs in  the R83 2400 at Te Rapa – Race 4 @ 2.05pm – will be ridden by Opie Bosson. Yet to greet the judge this season but now gets to the right trip. A dead set staying type, he is on a NZ Cup path – course and distance winner – he should be running home strongly here.

RUBICON CROSSING contests the 2yo 800m event down the Riccarton chute – Race 4 @1.10pm – Lisa Allpress to ride. Impressive winner on debut at Wanganui in September. Showed great speed on debut on a Heavy track – will get a much firmer track here which will suit her natural ability. Strong each way chance

DANCARINA runs in the R75 1200 at Riccarton – Race 7 @ 2.58pm and will be ridden by Lisa Allpress from a mid field draw. This classy 4yo daughter of Sebring won impressively this track and trip in R65 grade in September before running 3^rd same track and trip when up to R75 grade 1^st October – track was quite wet that day. Will get a much better surface on Saturday and is a top 3 contender in this

MALBOROUGH BAY  contests the Group 3 War Decree Stakes over 1600m at Riccarton – Race 8 @ 3.33pm – Lisa Allpress to ride from Barrier 1. Two Riccarton starts over 1000m and 1400m have resulted in two 3rds for this son of Darci Brahma – struck a wettish track on 1^st October and was inclined to over race. Gets up to the mile this time and on a surface more to his liking – will get a soft run in behind the speed from his soft draw – meets some talented gallopers here but a bold run is expected – can feature in the First 4

KHAFEEF runs at Trentham on Sunday 23^rd, contesting the R75 2200m event – Race 6 @ 3.05pm – will be ridden by Ashvin Mudhoo – not a wet track horse, he has struck nothing other than those in recent starts. Made his Hurdles debut for a 3^rd placing 2^nd October. Holds a nomination for the NZ Cup, but is on a rating of 67 and would probably need to win on Sunday to have a realistic chance of making the Cup field. Track is a Soft 7 Thursday and drying. A hard pulling type, he always needs to be taken on trust, but has got to a dangerous place in the weights and can feature here

Singapore – Saturday 22^nd

OLYMPIA contests the Class 5 1000m event – Race 3 @ 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Singapore’s leading apprentice Fadzli Yusoff claiming 2kgs from an inside draw – this fellow always tries hard and rarely runs a bad race, but a succession of wide draws and a couple of ill judged rides have conspired to keep him out of the winners circle – gets his chance here with a lovely draw, a light weight and his favourite trip – definite top 3 chance and can win!!

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: QAIDOOM (1)
Started her career in winning style in the Open Maiden race, albeit in a lighter weight then. Had a couple of placings in the Class 4 company. Well placed here with M Ibrahim’s 4kg claim will help to reduce the burden on the back.
2nd Pick: GOLD CUT (6)
Managed to win his first win after a few strong placing in the maiden company. Was largely disappointing in the betting field but with some ability. Should be in the finish again.
3rd Pick: KNIGHT LOVE (7)
He might be small in size but made up with his tenacity. With champion Jockey on board, can continue with his good run.
4th Pick: OLYMPIA (9)
Only managed to get one win in his career so far. However, that was in the same class and distance in similar weight. Had kept his form since, and now in the good hand of leading apprentice jockey, F Yusoff. Can be competitive.

ROCKY runs in the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Singapore time (8.30pm NZT) with Yusoff in the saddle – 5 starts for 1 win and 4 minor placings have been the lot of this handsome 4yo son of El Roca. Still learning the game, he was freshened after his last start, was a strong trial winner 11^th October and gets into this race with just 50.5kgs. A progressive type he can be competitive here, but does meet a strong field of older, more seasoned runners and has an outside barrier draw to contend with – will need luck and a canny ride to feature

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  18^th October

Mohawk Brave (C Grylls) worked over 1000 metres in 1.08.13, home in 40.06.
Leaderboard (N Parmar) worked over 1200 metres in 1.20.2, home in 40.7.

Thursday  20^th October

No Fortuna timed trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  15^th October

Olympia (Aslam) – 800/600 36;

Tuesday  18^th October

Rocky (Bayliss) – 800/600 40;

Other News

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney – shares filling quickly but still some left On Tuesday 11^th October, we secured the Charm Spirit – Thurlow Colt – Lot 79 for A$80,000 from the Inglis Ready 2 Race sale in Sydney – our Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan was down from Singapore for the sale and she had identified this Colt as a “must buy” – this after inspecting every horse on the Sales ground pre sale – she had picked out five potential purchases for us to consider – Lot 79 (who was Donna’s No 1 preference) was the first to go through the ring. We were not confident that we could secure him as the vendor had paid A$65,000 for him at the Inglis Premier Yearling sale in Melbourne and our budget was A$80,000 but in the end we prevailed. This horse is to be gelded and will be sent to Singapore to race

Physical Type – a strong, athletic type standing just under 16 hands and tipping the scales at 496 kgs, he is a lovely physical specimen.

He was broken in April/May of 2022 and then given his first stable preparation, then paddock spelled for  four weeks before then being given a pre Sales preparation culminating in a Breeze Up Gallop ahead of the Sale.

Click HERE to see his Breeze up Callop

Click HERE to see his pre sale Parade

Pedigree – by the Irish Bred Group One winning CHARM SPIRIT, the Sire of over 290 winners, including 15 Stakes winners, he is out of the dual Stakes winning (in Victoria)  Mare, THURLOW (by Sebring), this is a very strong pedigree page. Interesting to note that Donna currently has two up and comers in her Stable by Charm Spirit, the Te Akau syndicated 4yo Charminton (3 wins, 3 2nds from 5 starts) and the Kylie Bax syndicated 3yo Luxury Brand (2 wins, 2 2nds from 5 starts)

Click HERE to see his pedigree.

Vetting – this Colt had his X Rays and Scope inspected by our Singapore Vet, Dr Dan Shaw, who declared his X Rays clean and he was a Grade One (highest grade) on his scope and our very good Matamata Vet, Dr Ronan Costello, was at the sales ground – he undertook a physical inspection for us and passed him with No Significant Findings, commenting that he would benefit from Gelding (which we would be doing anyway) and that he was probably still 6 months away from being fully mature (which Donna had already identified as well) – and is going to be about 6 months before he would have his first trial anyway

Ongoing Plans – after  being  gelded and receiving his Singapore vaccinations, he will agist at a farm in Victoria and will travel to Singapore late December – he will quarantine there for two weeks and then join his stablemates at the Te Akau Racing Stables at Kranji race track where Donna will get him ready for racing. Assuming that he exits Singapore quarantine early January, he could be ready to have his first Singapore trial (they are required to have two Singapore trials before racing) mid April – still a 2yo at that point, he will be eligible for any 2yo races at that time (the 2023 Singapore calendar is still being finalised) but will also be eligible (as a 2yo) for Restricted Maiden Grade racing, a grade which carries S$75k of prize money (approx NZ$90k at current exchange rate).

Note that he is also eligible for this Grade as a 3yo and once winning in that Grade he is eligible for Novice Grade (for 1 win horses), also for prizemoney of  S$75k  – notable that the Fortuna 4yo, Trident, who has had 4 Singapore starts for 2 wins and 2 2nds, has won in both Restricted Maiden and Novice grades and has accumulated S$104k in stakes to date – this is why we love racing in Singapore!!!

Donna says

“John, you have made me a very happy Singapore Trainer – I had a very open mind during inspections, but I kept coming back to this fellow – he is a lovely physical type who vetted well and who will benefit immensely from the two month break he will have in NSW before flying to Singapore – I wasn’t sure if we could get him for your budget, but the sale was quite patchy and we clearly got lucky. My two Charm Spirits in Singapore are taking all before them and there is no reason why this boy cannot do the same.”

Charm Spirit Colt in action

Terms – all up this Colt will be fully syndicated for NZ$152,000 – this includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – 10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

As I am sure you are only too well aware, Fortuna Racing has had a great run in Singapore in recent years (19 wins in 2021 and 17 so far in 2022) – we seem to be buying the right type of horse for Singapore conditions and of course, Donna Logan is currently the leading Trainer in Singapore with her team firing on all cylinders

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

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

Read the Declaration.

Terms

The all up syndicated cost is NZ $152,000 – this includes purchase price, freight to Singapore, Promoters fees, insurance through to January 2024 and just over $14,000 of working capital.

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $15,200 – 5% share  $7,600– 2.5% share $3,800 – 1% share $1,520 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Transport to Singapore, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of $14,000 approx
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st January 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 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

Applications can only be made after Investors have perused and signed the NZ Thoroughbred Racing approved Disclosure Statement. This can be obtained from the Syndicate Promoter, Fortuna Ltd (Director John Galvin).

Fortuna Ltd is an Authorised Syndicator in accordance with the Code of Practice administered by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (Inc) established under The Financial Markets Conduct (Equine Bloodstock) Exemption Notice 2016. Details of this Offer are contained in the Disclosure Statement relating to the Offer

Purchase a share in CHARM SPIRIT 2yo today from the link HERE or email john@fortuna-nz.com for more information.

Hakim Kamaruddin to join the New Zealand jockey ranks.

Singapore Champion Jockey Hakim Kamaruddin is set to bolster the riding ranks in New Zealand. Indentured to Te Akau trainer Mark Walker in Singapore, Kamaruddin (24) joined Walker with honours last year when winning both Champion Apprentice and Champion Jockey titles.

Capturing both awards exemplified the ability of Kamaruddin, in just his second season riding, a feat not achieved since 1995 when Benny Woodworth won both titles as an apprentice in Singapore. During a four-month break earlier this year, Kamaruddin returned home to Kelantan, Malaysia, where he spent most of his time flying kites.

Mark Walker has always held Kamaruddin in high regard and the nine-time Champion Trainer (five NZ, four Singapore) welcomes the addition to his team. “It was a remarkable achievement to win both titles in his first full season of riding and just shows how much natural talent he has as a rider,” Walker said. “He should have no trouble adapting to New Zealand conditions and he’s going to be a permanent fixture here so he’ll keep improving. He’s arriving in the next week and we’ll kick him off at the trials before he gets out there on race days, but it’s exciting to have a jockey of his ability coming to New Zealand and we’re all looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

Since Walker returned to New Zealand to start training again on 1 April, Kamaruddin has been apprenticed to Te Akau’s Singapore trainer Donna Logan who leads the premiership with 54 wins this year.

John says “Hakim has ridden a lot of winners for us in Singapore and given how thin the riding ranks are here in NZ at present, particularly with riders who can ride light, he is going to be a very valuable addition.”

Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December
 
Yes, it is that time of the year again and after two Covid affected years with attendances restricted due to lockdowns, the powers that be have been kind enough to give us our freedoms back!!! and we are looking forward to hosting our usual 100 plus attendees.

Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Race course
Date – Sunday 4^th December
Time – 1pm to 4pm
Format – Meet and Greet, light refreshments, Review of 2022 Calendar Year, Parade of all of the Fortuna Matamata based horses
Special Guest – Mark Walker

Registration – it is important that you register with your numbers attending – please do that by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com or you can call or text Jessica 021 288 6997

Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 
Hi John and Team Fortuna

In hindsight our group one selection last week wasn’t hard and it was very much an easy watch as Mustang Valley literally streeted the opposition on the rain affected Hastings track in the Livamol. I hear now that the hot to trot Andrew Forsman is now seeking further spoils with her as she heads to Melbourne for a crack at the big time at Flemington in either the group one Champions Stakes over 2000m on November 5 or the group two Matriarch Stakes also over 2000m on the same day.

Any retention of water at Flemington will be to her advantage and the odds will certainly be a lot more than the $2.70 we received last weekend. Speaking of Australia I’ll be over next week for 10 or 11 days with a group of 80 to see some of the best racing on the planet, culminating of course with the Melbourne Cup.

A few on board may well be Fortuna clients and I’m sure they’ll have an unforgettable experience both on and off the track!  It’d be fair to say the spring carnival is as good as it gets with so many black type races and the influx of the very best license holders in the business.

While next week I’ll earmark one or two to follow on Derby Day at Flemington I’ll stick to the home base this week with a sneaky at Trentham in race 7.

Have a good look at Duke of Plumpton. The odds should be attractive. He’s back from racing in Australia to rejoin the Kevin Myers stable, who trained him at the start of his career.

I had a good look at his trial last Tuesday and was suitably impressed. He wasn’t really knocked around by the young rider, Toni Davies, who is booked to have her first official ride on him on Sunday. I’d say she’s well schooled under the expert tuition of Duke of Plumpton’s trainer.

In the trial Duke of Plumpton was ridden back but darted through without too much stress for a close up second. He hasn’t raced since Mornington back in August and while his form of late has been in middle distance races there’s genuine expectations by me that the 1400m with cut in the ground won’t be beyond him. He’s won first up over this distance in the past, three times to be precise both here and in Australia.

I have no idea what odds the TAB bookies will put up but I’d like to think it’d be around the 8 to 10 dollar mark.

Good punting! Des

Headline News;

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney

Jamie Richards scores his 1^st Hong Kong winner with the former Fortuna owned Handsome Rebel

Fortuna has seven runners this weekend, three in NZ and four in Singapore

New Zealand  – Saturday 15^th

NAVALHA contests the R75 1400 at Ashburton – Race 10 @ 5.16pm – will be ridden by Jason Laking. A strong winner at Riccarton R65 1200 in September, he ran 4^th R75 1200 1^st Oct on a track that was softer than he would have liked. 1400m suits and will be hard to hold out if track conditions continue to firm

Singapore – Saturday 15^th

DECEPTION runs in the Novice 1200m Turf event – Race 6 at 2.30 pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) – Simon Kok, claiming 1kg to ride from an outside draw. A talented galloper, he has had a frustrating run of bad luck in recent runs. Ridden upside down last time, he will be ridden more conservatively this time. Can feature in the top three here
Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: EJAZ (8)
His two starts have been impressive with his last start victory really catching the eye. He comes into this with a lightweight and a small field is big advantage. He is an exciting youngster. Nunes on and jumps from barrier two.
2nd Pick: WINNING STRIDE (3)
Started his career in winning style on the Polytrack last start. Looks to be a nice horse who should work his way up the classes. Duric takes over the reins and will get plenty of support from that.
3rd Pick: MONTANA FLASH (1)
Scored an Open Maiden win two starts ago and was defeated by his stablemate Trident at his next run. Has since trialed nicely and one of the few strong Logan hopes in this field.
4th Pick: DECEPTION (4)
Just the one win to his name but does have plenty of strong form around his name. Must be considered as an exotics finisher if he brings his best performance this weekend.

TRIDENT runs in the Class 4 1400m Turf event – Race 9 at 4 pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) – will be ridden by Apprentice Rosman Iskandar, claiming 2kgs, from Barrier 3. Four Singapore starts for two wins and two 2nds says it all for this 4yo son of Deep Field. Just run down closing stages 24^th Sept after being pushed wide on the turn, he gets his chance to go one better here. On paper should prove very hard to beat

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: TRIDENT (2)
Draws a good gate once again and looks to be a horse progressing through the grades nicely. Should be in the finish again.
2nd Pick: IRONCHAMP (1)
Hasn’t drawn a gate once again and will have to work early to find the top but he should be in front for a long way, maybe all the way if he gets an easy lead.
3rd Pick: IMPLEMENT (7)
Great performance in behind Mr Black Back. Race was run in good time so it should hold up, looks a big lightweight threat.
4th Pick: NO MORE DELAY (8)
If you like Implement and the form behind him, No More Delay comes out of the same race. Has been knocking on the door to win again, place hope.

KERMAJACK also runs in the Class 4 1400m Turf event – Race 9 at 4 pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) and will be ridden by Jake Bayliss. First start back from wind surgery, he is a staying type who will get better the further he goes. Will be ridden quietly and we are looking for him to be running home strongly – a close up finish would surprise

BRUTUS contests the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 11 at 5 pm Singapore time (10pm NZT). A five time winner in Singapore, he has not won since March, but been racing well of late. Jumps from Barrier 3 and Jerlyn Seow takes 3kgs off his back. Back to a rating where he can win, he represents a very strong top 3 chance here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: AFTERMATH (4)
His two most recent runs in class 4 since heading up to the grade have been solid despite poor barrier draws. Great chance to win here now he finally draws a gate and gets a senior rider in the saddle.
2nd Pick: BRUTUS (1)
Weight relief could come in handy here for Brutus who has been racing incredibly well of late in the grade without picking up a cheque. Draws well, respect.
3rd Pick: DR KARDO (5)
Last start performance was a pass mark. 1100m would be better than 1200m but with a rolling tempo in the run, he should be looming late, big watch.
4th Pick: MINI FORCE X (2)
First run for new stable, track work and preparations have been solid. Good enough to win at class 4 but just hasn’t found his best form since arriving in Singapore.

New Zealand – Rotorua – Sunday 16th

SOPRANO SUPREME races in the Staphanos Classis, a Listed event over 1950 metres – Race 7 at 4.50 pm – will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin claiming 1kg – a talented galloper, she disappointed last start over 1600m at Ruakaka, possibly due to a shifty track. A two time winner on this track in the Autumn over 1950m and 2200m, the step up in trip will suit, she gets in on the minimum and aided by a 1kg claim as well. She rates a top four chance in this event

HAYATE races in the R65 over 1215 metres – Race 6 at 4.15 pm – to be ridden by Craig Grylls – a strong Maiden winner on debut at Matamata in May, this well bred daughter of Maurice disappointed when resuming at Taupo in August when we were expecting better – has been freshened since. Take on trust but gets a nice draw here and an in form rider and can feature in the finish if back to her best.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  11^th October

Soprano Supreme (O Bosson) worked over 1200 metres in 1.33.5, home in 36.5.
Hayate (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.67, home in 37.8.
Thursday  13^th October

Hayate (M Roustoby) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.1, home in 40.7.
Soprano Supreme (L Macnab) worked over an easy 1200 metres in 1.15.24, home in 43.6.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 11th October
Hayate (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.67, home in 37.8.

Angels Wings (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.02.6, home in 36.58.

Inca Belle (R Sheehan) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.2, home in 37.74.

Thursday 13th OctoberHayate (M Roustoby) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.1, home in 40.7.

Soprano Supreme (L Macnab) worked over an easy 1200 metres in 1.15.24, home in 43.6.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  8^th October

Trident (Yusoff) – C, 1000/600 39.4; Deception (Aslam) – 1000/600 36.2; Rocky (Jake) – 1000/600 38.2;

Tuesday  11^th October

Brutus (Jerlyn) – 800/600 41.3; Kermajack (Aslam) – 800/600 36.3; Trident (Jake) – 800/600 43.9; Deception (Simon) – 800/600 41.4; Entertainer (Nunes) – 800/600 40.1;

Other News

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney

2yo Colt by Charm Spirit out of Thurlow

On Tuesday of this week, we secured the Charm Spirit – Thurlow Colt – Lot 79 for A$80,000 from the Inglis Ready 2 Race sale in Sydney – Donna Logan was down from Singapore for the sale and she had identified this Colt as a “must buy” – this after inspecting every horse on the Sales ground Sunday and Monday – she had picked out five potential purchases for us to consider – Lot 79 (who was Donna’s No 1 preference) was the first to go through the ring. We were not confident that we could secure him as the vendor had paid A$65,000 for him at the Inglis Premier Yearling sale in Melbourne and our budget was A$80,000 but in the end we prevailed. This horse will be gelded immediately and will be sent to Singapore to race

Physical Type – a strong, athletic type standing just under 16 hands and tipping the scales at 496 kgs, he is a lovely physical specimen.

Click HERE to see the catalogue page which contains the pedigree page and also the Breeze up Video, a Breeze up Day Video Clip, a Parade Clip and a clip showing some of his preparation.

Pedigree – by the Irish Bred Group One winning CHARM SPIRIT, the Sire of over 290 winners, including 15 Stakes winners, he is out of the dual Stakes winning (in Victoria)  Mare, THURLOW (by Sebring), this is a very strong pedigree page. Interesting to note that Donna currently has two up and comers in her Stable by Charm Spirit, the Te Akau syndicated 4yo Charminton (3 wins, 3 2nds from 5 starts) and the Kylie Bax syndicated 3yo Luxury Brand (2 wins, 2 2nds from 5 starts)

Vetting – this Colt had his X Rays and Scope inspected by our Singapore Vet, Dr Dan Shaw, who declared his X Rays clean and he was a Grade One (highest grade) on his scope and our very good Matamata Vet, Dr Ronan Costello, was at the sales ground – he undertook a physical inspection for us and passed him with No Significant Findings, commenting that he would benefit from Gelding (which we would be doing anyway) and that he was probably still 6 months away from being fully mature (which Donna had already identified as well) – and is going to be about 6 months before he would have his first trial anyway

Ongoing Plans – he will be gelded in the next few days, plus get his Singapore vaccinations and will travel to Singapore late December – he will quarantine there for two weeks and then join his stablemates at the Te Akau Racing Stables at Kranji race track where Donna will get him ready for racing. Assuming that he exits Singapore quarantine early January, he could be ready to have his first Singapore trial (they are required to have two Singapore trials before racing) mid April – still a 2yo at that point, he will be eligible for any 2yo races at that time (the 2023 Singapore calendar is still being finalised) but will also be eligible (as a 2yo) for Restricted Maiden Grade racing, a grade which carries S$75k of prize money (approx NZ$90k at current exchange rate.

Note that he is also eligible for this Grade as a 3yo and once winning in that Grade he is eligible for Novice Grade (for 1 win horses), also for prizemoney of  S$75k  – notable that the Fortuna 4yo, Trident, who has had 4 Singapore starts for 2 wins and 2 2nds, has won in both Restricted Maiden and Novice grades and has accumulated S$104k in stakes to date – this is why we love racing in Singapore!!!

Donna says “John, you have made me a very happy Singapore Trainer – I had a very open mind during inspections, but I kept coming back to this fellow – he is a lovely physical type who vetted well and who will benefit immensely from the two month break he will have in NSW before flying to Singapore – I wasn’t sure if we could get him for your budget, but the sale was quite patchy and we clearly got lucky. My two Charm Spirits in Singapore are taking all before them and there is no reason why this boy cannot do the same.”

Terms – all up this Colt will be fully syndicated for NZ$152,000 – this includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – 10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

As I am sure you are only too well aware, Fortuna Racing has had a great run in Singapore in recent years (19 wins in 2021 and 17 so far in 2022) – we seem to be buying the right type of horse for Singapore conditions and of course, Donna Logan is currently the leading Trainer in Singapore with her team firing on all cylinders

At this stage ahead of finalising our paperwork, we are taking expressions of interest.

All you need to do is to respond to this update HERE expressing interest (please provide your preferred percentage) –  Official syndication paperwork will be finalised over the next few days and once done, those who have expressed interest will have the opportunity to peruse the Disclosure material and make a final decision to proceed at that point.

Jamie Richards scores his 1^st Hong Kong winner with the former Fortuna owned Handsome Rebel

A remarkable outcome for Jamie at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening – not so much remarkable because he trained his first winner – that was always going to happen, but remarkable because he did it with Handsome Rebel, a Fortuna syndicated horse he had formerly trained in New Zealand when in partnership with Stephen Autridge

Handsome Rebel had been acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna racing at the 2017 Gold Coast yearling sale for A$65k.A natural 2yo type, he had four 3rds in a row after making his debut in December of his 2yo year – two of those 3^rd placing were in Group 3 races at Matamata and New Plymouth – he then won a Maiden race at Matamata before running a tidy 4^th in the Group One Sires Produce at Awapuni ( the race was won by the Te Akau star filly, Avantage). Subsequently, we received an offer from Hong Kong for NZ$450k – the deal went through and “Jordie” was off to HK. He certainly has not covered himself in glory up there with just one Hong Kong win in the hands of local trainer Y S Tsui, that win in September 2020, but he was transferred to Jamie’s Stable a couple of months ago and Jamie has worked the oracle with him it would seem – Race replay can be seen HERE

Of further note, Jamie’s last winner in New Zealand was the Fortuna owned Ragamuffin on the 30^th March

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Hi John and The Fortuna Team

Sadly our selection,  Outfit,  missed out completely on Saturday but further investigation clarified what went wrong. She pulled up mildly lame (1/5) in the right foreleg. I felt because she didn’t let down there had to be something!

This weekend I heading to Hastings for the main race of the day, the Livamol Classic. It’s hard to go past Mustang Valley. She’s seasoned, she appreciates wet ground and she has last season’s champion jockey in Michael McNab on board. What’s not to like about her claiming the group one. Her run behind La Crique last week was massive. She was slow away but attacked the line with great gusto over the 1600m and she’s now ready to win over 2000m. She’s never been out of the money on a heavy track. I know her price is relatively short at $2.70 but as the saying goes a small priced winner is better than a long priced loser.

If you like playing the exotics don’t leave out the progressive Soldier Boy off your quinella, trifecta and first 4 ticket. It’s a big rise in class, I know, but he has been faultless in his last two in tough going under big weights. Do not lose sight that he ran 4th in the NZ Derby this year! I’ll be playing the favourite to win but I’ll have something small on Soldier Boy on the nose with a good play on the place market.

Good Punting
Des

Jamie Richards made his debut as a Hong Kong Trainers sending three runners to Happy Valley races on Wednesday evening

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Fortuna has two runners on Saturday –  one in NZ and one in Singapore
 
New Zealand – Matamata – Saturday 8th

LEADERBOARD contests the Open 2000m event – Race 10 @ 4.09pm – Opie Boson to ride from Barrier 6. Disappointed at New Plymouth last start 1800m but did strike a sticky track which may be his excuse – on path to NZ Cup and this race suits as part of the build up. 2000m may be a bit short, but gets a top rider and track conditions to suit – should be running on strongly – place chance

Singapore – Saturday

OLYMPIA runs in the Class 5 1000m Poly – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Sing time (8.30pm NZT) – Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow, claiming 3kgs, rides from barrier 8 – Was a tearaway leader last start and could not sustain the run. Has been a very consistent performer – will be ridden more conservatively this time – can feature at odds

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday  4^th October

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore
 
Saturday  1^st October

Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 1000/600 36.5; Olympia (Yusoff) – 800/600 37.5; Rocky (Jake) – 800/600 39;

Tuesday  4^th October

Deception (Aslam) – 1000/600 36.5;

Other News

KING ARTHUR wins again in Singapore – his 9^th career win in exactly 12 months breaking the Class record in the process – see full story below;

Fortuna’s KING ARTHUR imperious again in Singapore securing his 9th career victory – 2nd October

The five year old Gelding KING ARTHUR (by I Am Invincible out of Pentasia) who had already secured eight wins in Singapore since 2nd October 2021, lifting his rating from 52 to 101 in the process, demonstrated that he deserved to sit among the current elite thoroughbreds in Singapore when taking out the Kranji A Stakes 1200m Turf event, smashing the Class record in the process. Drawn nicely in Barrier 2, the Te Akau Racing Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, had King Arthur away well and was content to lob along in 4th place one off the rail and in behind a hot pace set by two tear away leaders in Sky Eye and Illustrious. Turning for home, King Arthur was still 4 lengths adrift of Sky Eye, but Yusoff got busy on him and was able to get his head in front of a gallant Sky Eye, going to the line with a half length margin in a winning and Class record time of 1.08.51.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Te Akau Racing’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, who was hosting Te Akau Racing Principal, David Ellis, visiting from New Zealand, was over the moon. “Gee, he is well named, this horse isn’t he, he is a real super star in our stable – fabulous effort by the horse and a lovely ride by Yusoff, who just rides him so well. My heart is bursting with pride with the great result for the horse and all of the staff who just love him to bits. Its just fabulous as well to have the big boss of Te Akau Racing, David Ellis here to see this result on top of our other winner, Charmington, earlier in the day, a horse that David acquired and sent up to Singapore. And what a fantastic result for John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team of Owners – the Fortuna Racing Stable has now had 17 wins in Singapore in 2022, 7 of them courtesy of King Arthur – they have been great supporters of Singapore Racing for many years and deserve every success that they get.”

“King Arthur” – Win #9 – 2nd October 2022

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, who had been on hand in Singapore in July when King Arthur had last won, was watching the race from his home in New Zealand. “Wow, that was just awesome to watch – on paper he was the horse to beat, but they still have to do it and to be fair, he was probably still one race away from being fully fit, so to come out and win again like this is just a fabulous result for the horse, Donna Logan, her stable staff and my wonderful team of Owners. And full marks to Yusoff, he has really matured this year as a rider – he was content to let King Arthur relax even when the leaders had got away to a decent break.”

Te Akau Principal David Ellis, Fadzli Yusoff and Donna Logan post race

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after two race day starts and not meeting their expectations, they decided to put him on the market and he was purchased by John Galvin on the advice of former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000. He is raced by The Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$442,000 with nine wins, six 2nds and two thirds from 22 starts in Singapore.

David Ellis returns from a successful visit to review the Singapore operation

Te Akau principal David Ellis has returned from a 6 day visit to Singapore to review the Te Akau Racing Stables operation and conduct talks with Senior Officials from the Singapore Turf Club. David attended the race meeting on October 2^nd and was on hand to join the celebrations with two Stable runners, firstly the Te Akau Racing syndicated Charmington winning for the 3^rd time in Singapore and Fortuna Racing’s King Arthur, who took out the feature race on the program, giving him 9 victories in exactly 12 months.

David was delighted to see Te Akau Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan in the hunt for the premiership. “I can’t speak highly-enough of the job that she is doing and the quality of our Kranji team,” he said. “Everybody involved in Singapore racing loves Donna, she is very popular. For her to be in front in the premiership after only being there for four years and just her first year at the helm of the Te Akau operation is an enormous credit to her.”
“All of our stable runners presented in great order and it is clear to me that all of our horses in Singapore are in great hands.

“It was a big thrill for me to see a horse that I purchased and syndicated by Karyn, Charmington, win for the 3^rd time from just five starts and Fortuna Racing’s King Arthur was just super in winning the big race on the day – John Galvin’s Fortuna Racing Team is just flying in Singapore with 17 wins for the year and in hot contention to be the leading Owner for the 2022 year – John has supported Te Akau with its Singapore operation from day one in 2010 which is great to see”

David also met with Senior officials from the STC and came away from those meetings with a renewed sense of optimism about the future of Singapore Racing.

“It’s no secret that the Turf Club has had its difficulties during the Covid lockdown period but with crowds now returning on race days things are slowly turning to normal and key appointments to the senior management team herald a renewed approach to racing administration and growth initiatives at the club  and a brighter future ahead – we are expecting some major announcements from the STC shortly. I am going to continue our support for the Singapore operation and will be looking to buy suitable candidates for Singapore racing from the upcoming Ready To Run Sale”

Jamie Richards made his debut as a Hong Kong Trainer sending three runners to Happy Valley races on Wednesday evening

The three runners, Rattan Kingdom, Flying On The Turf and Fortune Master finished 2nd, 5^th and 8^th respectively – this writer spoke with Jamie Thursday morning and he expressed satisfaction with his initial debut “Two of my runners were favourites but rail was out in the widest position and luck didn’t quite go our way, but overall I am happy with how we are going” he said

Richards arrived in Hong Kong late last season to set up his stable after numerous years at the helm of Te Akau Racing in New Zealand, where he trained with remarkable success at home and across the Tasman in Australia.

The 33-year-old is synonymous with training exceptional talents such as Melody Belle, Probabeel, Te Akau Shark, Xtravagant, Gingernuts and Avantage. He was crowned New Zealand Champion Trainer four times (2015/16 [with Steven Autridge], 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22) and set single-season wins and prize money records in the process.

The winner of more than 50 Group Ones, Richards is aware of the challenges he faces in an entirely new environment – while lucrative – that is renowned for its unforgiving nature.

“It’s very different (here in Hong Kong), from a training perspective the heat and humidity play roles and from a handicap and acceptances point of view it’s very different too with trump cards, preferences and the like, so it’s taken a little bit of getting used to but we’ve got Jonesy as our assistant trainer and he has a good handle on all of that,” he said. “There’ll be plenty to learn over the next 12 months and couple of years but in time hopefully we can sort it all out.”

Currently with 51 horses registered in his stable, Richards’ highest rated horse is Buddies who sits on a mark of 88 after transferring as a Group Three winner from the Tony Cruz yard. Palamos, whom Richards previously trained in New Zealand, is one of several four-year-olds in his care along with Starfire Gems, a 63-rated son of Japanese sire Maurice.

“It’s been plenty of different lunches and dinners with all of the owners and working that side of things out but I’m really pleased with the support that the owners have given us and now it’s time to do the job for them,” Richards said.

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Hi John and Team Fortuna

OUR tracks have really taken a beating this season. To see Hastings cancelled was a no-brainer bearing in mind the big wet that hit the area and good old  Matamata is the saviour for the group ones this weekend. It’s a great result on another count to see the group ones move north to this venue  when  you consider the amount of group one horses that have been trained on the course by champion trainers both present and past. Rather fitting I reckon to see the the centre finally gets its first group one race in its 103 years of existence.

I’ll be focussing on Matamata for our horse to follow this Saturday but a quick word on the quinella selection last week, the Fortuna pair, Dancarina and Navalha at Riccarton. Dancarina was slow to begin and was taken hold of by her rider to obtain cover and Navalha was also restrained behind runners in the early stages to find a decent spot in the running. Both did well to finish third and 4th respectively but I reckon they are crying for a decent spring track. To be brutally honest the Riccarton track was favouring the wet trackers. It was a tad shifty to the naked eye.

Both horses will keep until next time.

Back to Matamata with some terrific betting races. Mark Walker is for a field day and the one I’ve settled on is the beautifully bred Outfit ( Tivaci-Costume) in race 4. She tended to lay out Te Rapa but ran the third quickest last 200 despite finishing 11th. The astute stable has opted for blinkers on Saturday and with Opie Bosson engaged a form reversal is highly likely. She’s always been held in high regard by the stable and I can see this four year old mare going through the classes.

The price of $7.50 and $2.50 is indicative of the class she’s facing and each  way all day as they say is the best attack.

Good punting!

David Ellis makes a trip to Singapore to visit the Te Akau Racing Stables  and attend the Oct 2^ndRaceday

Donna Logan surges back to the top of the Singapore Trainer’s Premiership

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Fortuna has seven runners over the weekend –  four in NZ and three in SingaporeNew Zealand – Riccarton – Saturday

NAVALHA contests the R75 1200 – Race 4 @1.14pm – Jason Laking to ride from Barrier 2. Strong last start winner, same trip and venue 17^th September. Up in grade and meets a good field here but represents a top 3 chance.

DANCARINA also contests the R75 1200 – Race 4 @1.14pm –Stable apprentice Joe Kamaruddin to ride from Barrier 12. Blew them away closing stages this  venue 1000m 3rd September. Very good each way chance

MALBOROUGH BAY runs in the Inglewood Stud Guineas Trial, a 3yo Set weight and Penalties event over 1400m – Race 5 @ 1.48pm – Joe Kamaruddin, claiming 1kg, to ride. A bold debut winner as a 2yo in May, he has had two runs as a 3yo for a 2^nd at Taupo 1300m and a close up 3^rd 1000m Riccarton 3^rd September. A talented galloper on target for the 2000 Guineas, he meets some smart types here, but represents a top 3 chance

Woodville – Sunday

KHAFEEF makes his Hurdles debut in the Maiden Hurdles 3200m event – race 2 @ 1.52pm – Shaun Fannin to ride – widely touted by the stable as “the best jumper in the stable” – he gets his chance hear to prove that assessment right. Hard to predict an outcome on his first go at this discipline but if he jumps kindly and relaxes in the run, he can feature

Singapore – Sunday

BRIGGS contests the Maiden 1200m Poly – Race 2 @ 12.30pm Sing time (5.30pm NZT) – Leading Singapore jockey Manoel Nunes rides from barrier 1 – Ran 3^rd on debut two weeks ago after drawing wide over 1000m. Has taken big improvement from his debut run – top 3 chance here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters say about this race ;

1st Pick: STREET OF DREAMS (3)
Easiest race this horse has contested so far in his four start career. Trials have been promising, looks set to win.
2nd Pick: BRIGGS (1)
The rise to 1200m and race day experience should assist his chances. Must lug the top weight though which looks to be the only worry for him.
3rd Pick: HOLY ELEANOR (6)
Now an eight-time runner up, she rarely runs a bad race. She deserves to win one as she rarely finds herself out of the finish.
4th Pick: THE STAR (4)
Fresh up here stepping out for career start number four. Another who faces a much easier field than what it has in the past and should be among the top place getters, respect.

KING ARTHUR contests the feature race on the programme – the Class 1 1200m Turf – Race 11 @ 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) – Leading Singapore apprentice jockey Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, rides from barrier 2 – the most improved horse in Singapore in 2022, he has taken a lot of improvement out of his resuming run 1100m Poly 17^thSeptember. Never easy to win these sorts of races, but is the class form horse in the field and should be hard to beat

ENTERTAINER also contests the Class 1 1200 Turf – an impressive last start win Class 3 1000m Poly means he gets his chance here in the hands of Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow, claiming 3kgs. Loves to lead and with a featherweight to carry, is bound to give a sight and could be hard to run down. Top 3 chance       

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters say about this race ;

1st Pick: KING ARTHUR (2)
Runner up in the G1 Lion City Cup two starts ago. Didn’t lose any admirers on the Poly last start and should strip fitter from that. Stable seem to have him going well and looks a main threat. Draws very well and leading apprentice claims weight.
2nd Pick: GRAND KOONTA (1)
Continues to run well off a high rating. Because of that he has been allocated 59.5kgs on the weight scale but he was one of the eye catchers in the Group One last start, so a top three finish is well within his reach again.
3rd Pick: ENTERTAINER (5)
Well weighted here after just scoring last start on the Polytrack. He has never missed a place in three attempts at this course and distance. Comes from our leading stable and could be some value with a good run from barrier one.
4th Pick: MURAAHIB (3)
Gets back on the turf for the first time since November last season where he has some healthy course and distance stats. Should appreciate the rise back to 1200m. Each way claims

“King Arthur” – Career Win #8 – 17th July 2022 – Fadzli Yusoff aboard

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  24th September

Kermajack (Jerlyn) – C, 1000/600 39; Olympia (Jamil) – 1000/600 36; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 38; Briggs (Jake) – 1000/600 38; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 1000/600 39;

Tuesday  27th September

Olympia (Jamil) – 800/600 39; Our Final Offer (Jamil) – 1000/600 48; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 800/600 38.5; Entertainer (Yusoff) – 800/600 39; Briggs (Nunes) – 800/600 38;

Other News

David Ellis makes a trip to Singapore to visit the Te Akau Stables in Singapore and attend the Oct 2^nd Raceday

On Thursday 29^th of September Te Akau Supremo David Ellis departed for a well overdue visit to the Te Akau Singapore operation – as we all know Covid 19 restrictions created havoc across the board particularly with international travel. A lot has happened in Singapore racing since David was last there with Mark Walker having returned to New Zealand after an 11 year stint and Donna Logan appointed to the head trainer role as of first of January this year. The Singapore Turf Club (STC) has not been without its difficulties either, with Covid 19 restrictions causing a period without racing in 2020 and then crowds free racing for almost the next two years – thankfully the crowds are now back on course.

During his six-day visit David will be meeting with Donna Logan and Donna’s husband and invaluable right hand man, Peter Woods stable staff, Singapore-based clients and also having significant conversations with senior management at the Singapore Turf Club about its plans for ongoing investment and development of its racing programme. David will also attend the race meeting on October 2^nd where the Premiership leading trainer, Te Akau’s Donna Logan, will present 14 runners on the day, including two in the feature race the Class 1 1200 Turf, the Fortuna runners, King Arthur and Entertainer

Donna Logan surges back to the top of the Singapore Trainer’s Premiership

With just two months to go to the end of the Singapore racing season it is a seesaw race at top of the trainers premiership with both Donna Logan and Tim Fitzsimmons trading blows. In the early months of the season Fitzsimmons had got out to a commanding lead as Donna was getting her feet under the table in her new role as Te Akau head trainer, but steadily she clawed the lead back and hit the front. However a period of Polytrack only racing during September saw Donna produce a lower number of runners to the races each week and Fitzsimmons regained the lead on the 17^th of September with a two win margin. But then on the 24^th of September Donna produced three winners with Tim going home empty-handed for the day and Donna now sits on 50 wins with Tim on 49. Of the other contenders Michael Clements sits in third place on 39 wins and so it would seem given the relatively short period to run until the end of the season that it’s going to continue to be a two horse race.

See the table below, remarkable that Donna has 52 2nds and 51 3rds to go with her 50 wins

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Hi John and Team Fortuna

Here we go for this week. I think you are in for a good day at Riccarton. In fact I’m going with you

Last week’s selection, Follow Your Dreams at Ruakaka, clearly had a tough run. He was caught wide in 4th or 5th spot and worked even wider entering the  straight. Realistically he was a sitting duck despite challenging for the lead and in a race where it suited the back runners with such a strong pace the tie up over the last 200m wasn’t totally unexpected. The biggest surprise was the amount of money on him. On the morning of the race Follow Your Dreams was paying $7 but this quote amazingly halved at the jump!

With the forecast for group one racing at Hastings looking “very  un-spring like”  I’ve decided to focus on the meeting at Riccarton on Saturday which looks certain to have more favourable underfoot conditions. While it may appear to be a support race day for Hastings it holds far more appeal as a lead in to the upcoming Cup carnival at Riccarton. I see wonderful betting races at Riccarton all day. I think the Fortuna team will play a significant hand, too, and I reckon there’s a Fortuna quinella in the offing in race 4.

Firstly, Navalha, TAB no.7: From day one this horse looked promising and obviously age has been his friend. He’s now 5 and his win on the track a fortnight ago was very impressive when running just 0.25 of a second slower than the open sprinters on the day after being clearly on the wrong foot at the start. He’s up in grade but drops 3kgs on that last run. Any further improvement in the track conditions will also be an assist.

Secondly, Dancarina (no.14): She’s by the same sire as Navalha, in Sebring and again maturity has been a positive with her even though she showed real promise from the outset. Her last win, like her stablemate, was impressive over 1000m and clearly the step up to 1200 will suit. She was  super quick over 1000m in 57.07 and finished the last 200m in 11.25. It was seemingly an effortless performance with the expectation there’s a lot more to come.

Get this. In the next race that day, open sprinter and stablemate Burgundy Rose covered the same ground  in 57.56, almost a half second slower!

I can’t separate the pair.

The bookies at press time had them both around the $4-$5 mark. Two wins bets suit the pocket this week  but the quinella is definitely a genuine option.

Fingers crossed for the team.

Good punting!

MOHAWK BRAVE contests the R75 1200 – Race 5 @3.13pm – Stable Apprentice Parmar Singh claiming 3kgs to ride from Barrier 7 on a Soft 5 track. Classy type who won 3 times as a 3yo and ran 4^th in the G1 Levin Classic – Bold 4th when resuming at Taupo 24^th August. Well placed here and is a top 3 chance

SOPRANO SUPREME runs in the R75 1600 – Race 8 @ 4.58pm – Opie Bosson to ride. Genuine staying type who finished off strongly 1400m Te Rapa 27^th August. Is looking for more ground but 1600m will suit well 2^nd up – Can feature in the first 3 in this

Singapore

TRIDENT contests the Class 4 1400m Turf – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Singapore Time (7.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Premiership leading jockey, Manoel Nunes from Barrier 2. Three Singapore starts for a 2^nd and two wins says it all for this 4yo son of Deep Field. Good draw, top rider, but takes on older more experienced runners in what is a good form race – needs to step up to this challenge, but is more than capable of doing so

HADEER contests the Class 3 1200m Turf – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Singapore Time (8.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Jake Bayliss  from Barrier 1. Has not won for 12 months almost to the day after winning 3 in a row in the Spring of 2021 – now back to a rating where he can win again, strong rider, great draw. Represents a top 3 chance in this

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters say about this race

1st Pick: WEALTH ELITE (11)
Weighted incredibly well here to run a great race. Has been running good times lately and is coming out of race where he couldn’t get any clear running at a crucial stage.
2nd Pick: FROM THE NAVY (7)
Trialed the house down Tuesday morning under a hold. Looks to be going well enough to make an impression here this weekend.
3rd Pick: QUARTER BACK (1)
Ran a strong second to Illustrious after being caught wide throughout. That form should hold up, top three hope with a nice claim to assist him this weekend.
4th Pick: HADEER (4)
His best would see him winning a race like this comfortably however, he seems to have been off his game a little the last two starts. Hopefully he can turn it around this weekend at his favorite track and distance with the ace draw.

BRUTUS runs in the Class 4 1200m Turf – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Singapore Time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by leading Singapore apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from an outside barrier. A five time winner in Singapore, he has been winless since March, but has been close up recent starts – back to a Rating where he can win but has a horror draw to overcome

DECEPTION also runs in the Class 4 1200m Turf – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Singapore Time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Singapore apprentice, Simon Kok, claiming 1kg, from barrier 9. This beautifully bred son of I Am Invincible had had 12 starts in Singapore for just one win, but rarely runs a bad race – has had 2 recent starts in Group Company, where he ran well but without luck – resumed from a break last start on the Poly running 5^th but will be well suited going back to the Turf here – represents a top 3 chance here

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Monday  19^th September

Mohawk Brave (R Khan) worked over 1000 metres in 1.01.32, home in 36.76.

Soprano Supreme (L MacNab) worked over 1200 metres 1.02.2, home in 36.64.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  17th September

Brutus (Jerlyn) – 1000/600 38; Deception (Aslam) – 1000/600 37.5; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 1000 40; Kermajack (Louis) – 800/600 38

Tuesday  20th September

Brutus (Jerlyn) – 800/600 38.5; Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 800/600 37; Olympia (Jamil) – 800/600 38; 38; Trident (Nunes) – 800/600 39; Deception (Simon) – 800/600 40.5;

Other News

Fortuna scores a double 17^th September – NAVALHA at Riccarton and ENTERTAINER in Singapore – both very satisfying wins – Navalha had not greeted the judge in eighteen months and after winning seven times in 12 months in Singapore, Entertainer had struggled with his form since last winning in January 2022

See the Navalha story below; 

NAVALHA wins at Riccarton 17th September 2022
Published 18 September 2022

Given a gun ride by Opie Bosson, NAVALHA, the five year old gelding by Sebring out of Afiado (Encosta De Lago) won the $30,000 Rating 65 1200 metres on Saturday at Riccarton. After running home strongly for third when resuming in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 24 August at Taupo, Navalha was ideally placed to rate an each-way chance and showed appreciation for the course at his first attempt. In a trailing position near the rail during the run, Bosson angled Navalha into daylight on straightening at the 400m and he went on to score dominantly bringing up his 3rd career win. In the race sponsored by NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series, Navalha ran 1200 metres in 1:10.9 on Soft6 footing and drifted in betting to pay $3.40 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“It was a very good ride and great win by Navalha,” said trainer Mark Walker. “He’s a horse that’s had niggling issues with feet and different things, but good to get another win and it won’t be his last now that he’s striding out nicely.”

NAVALHA won his first two races when he first came to New Zealand from Australia in the 2020/21 season, but then ran into a series of setbacks which curtailed his racing programme, resulting in just five race day starts during the 2021/22 season for minor placings only.

Fortuna Racing’s Director John Galvin was at New Plymouth races on the day, but was cheering his charge home via the big screen at that venue. “That was extremely satisfying to watch – there is no question that Navalha is a telented galloper, but soundness issues have conspired against him, however Mark has been very patient with him and full kudos to Mark for deciding to send the horse to Riccarton as he does appreciate the better tracks and Mark was also of the view that he would be well suited by the Riccarton chute. It was a super ride by Opie as well.”

NAVALHA (which means “Razor” in Portuguese), a 3yo 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 his previous owners for A$475k as a yearling.

Navalha is raced by the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate, an ownership group of 57 individuals and was strapped by Hannah Lowry.

And the Entertainer story here:

ENTERTAINER wins in Singapore – 17th September 2022 – his 8th career win

Published 18 September 2022
ENTERTAINER (5yo Gelding by Zoustar out of Laughing) bought up his 8th career win in Singapore when producing a very stylish victory in the Class 3 1000m Polytrack event at Singaore’s Kranji racetrack in the hands of Singapore’s leading apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff. Away nicely, Yusoff took his charge to an uncontested lead and on turning for home was full of running. However at the 3oom mark, a stern challenge emerged in the form of Darc Bounty with Louie Beuzelin aboard, making a rails run. This runner surged past Entertainer on the inside putting half a length on him, but “Joker” (as he is known around the stable) still had a bit in reserve and under a vigorous ride from Yusoff, had the last laugh going to the line with his head in front of Darc Bounty.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Entertainer makes it 8 wins in Singapore – 17th September 2022

Trainer Donna Logan, for whom Entertainer’s win gave her a double on the day and her 47th win for the season was over the moon “ That was just sensatioinal to watch, I thought we were beaten, but the horse showed great courage to fight back and it was a super, super ride by Yusoff, Congrats to John Galvin and his big crew of Owners – the Fortuna Stable here in Singapore is going great guns – that is there 16th win for the 2022 season”

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, attending the race day at New Plymouth in New Zealand, was on a flight to Auckland when the race was run. “We landed about 15 minutes after the race was run, I turned my phone on, saw the result and then watched the replay and could hardly believe what I was seeing – I was sure we were going to run a brave 2nd but Joker found another gear – and gee, hasn’t Yusoff come on with his riding skills in 2022 – he handled the horse beautifully. And full kudos to Donna and her team – they do an incredibly professional job for us”

John also paid tribute to Blake Shinn, who had ridden Entertainer into 2nd place on the 18th of August, turning around a long run of indifferent form by the horse. “It’s no secret that we were scratching our heads with this horse – after winning so well in January, his next few runs were very out of character, but during Blake’s stint in Singapore, he deduced that Joker was getting too worked up pre race and suggested we apply a set of ear muffs – they really worked the oracle when Blake rode him into a close up 2nd placing in August and it was apparent yesterday, how well the horse has responded to the gear change.”

Entertainer was acquired by Mark Walker on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the Inglis Digital sale in December 2019 for A$20,000 – he has now won eight races from twenty three starts in Singapore and accumulated S$293,000 in prizemoney, a great return on investment for his ownership group

Entertainer is raced by the Fortuna Entertainer Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 51 individuals from NZ, Australia and the USA

Entertainer was also featured in the lead article of the Racing Page in Singapore’s leading newspaper, the Singapore Straits Times on Monday 19^th September – see below;

Mark Walker carrying all before him in the new season with 33 winners as of 21 Sept – Strike Rate of 5.09

Unquestionably Mark has had a brilliant start to the new season recording 33 wins in just seven weeks – this is quite remarkable particularly given the extremely difficult weather conditions that have made it very challenging for all trainers. However Mark and his team have shrugged that off and just gone about their business in their usual professional manner – 5 wins from 8 races at Matamata this Wednesday is testament to that.

I speak with Mark a lot of course, as readers would appreciate and in his usual modest manner, he always deflects praise from him personally, he talks of the quality of the horses that David has bought for the stable and the high quality of the staff. While all of ths stable staff at Matamata and at Riccarton deserve praise for their efforts, Mark is very well supported by Assistant Trainer, Sam Bergerson and traveling Foreman, Hunter Durrant, both outstanding young men with bright futures ahead of them.

Looking at the Trainers Table, it is notable that Kevin Myers sits in 2^nd place with 16 wins at a strike rate of 5.44 – “Dummy” always comes to the fore in the winter months of course, but having said that, he has been a top 10 trainer for many seasons now and last Sunday at Te Rapa, Kiddo gave him his 3^rd career win in the Great Northern Steeples. Kevin of course trains Khafeef and Beau Geste for Fortuna and its great for me to see our two NZ Trainers at one and two on the Trainer’s list

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ selection last week gave us a great sight but in the end fell victim to rider error – here is what Des has to say this week;

Blackwood Star had the toughest of experiences for us last week in the ultimate 3200m plus  staying trip at New Plymouth on Saturday. Sadly she missed the start by three or four lengths and settled last.  At one stage she was a conservative  20 lengths from the pace but when the pack tightened a   fair bit down the back straight the young jockey, instead of casually nursing her mount into her work, let the brakes off  and sprinted from last to first in less than 250m to slip clear well before the turn. Exhaustion naturally kicked in for the brave mare  over the last furlong and she understandably had nothing to give when the challenges came thick and fast in the straight.

Clearly it was an error of judgement by the young jockey but one I’m sure she  will learn from. One thing’s for sure, Blackwood Star would have slept well on Saturday night.

This weekend I am focusing on Ruakaka for a nice each way bet. I can see value on 4 or 5 races at Ruakaka but I’ve settled on the local, Follow Your Dreams in race 4.

Like most Ruakaka-trained runners he saves his  best for the home track and has won  twice there with a host of placings as well. He was game in running second to his well performed stablemate , Zelinsky, at Ruakaka about a month ago, beating the well performed Pris De Fer and Crystalise who ran two and one at Te Rapa last Sunday. With the in form promising apprentice Kelsey Hannan on board again I sense Follow Your Dreams will sit close to the pace with only 51kgs – a drop of 8kgs when he  settled too far back when third on the track at her last start – and outmuscle his well performed rivals, who although have more experience, are less seasoned.

The odds are appealing on a one over two units  at $7 and $2.50.

Fingers crossed – Follow Your Dreams will get us back in the black!

Good punting and good luck with the in form Fortuna team this weekend

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).