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Friday Flash – 3rd February 2023

Published 3 February 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales this week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type – the other a Staying Type

Knippenberg caps a wonderful day of racing 28^th Jan for the Fortuna Team with a debut win in Singapore

Cups News

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Fortuna has five runners over the weekend, two in New Zealand, three in Singapore – two of our runners are contesting Group 3 events

MALBOROUGH BAY runs in the R65 event at New Plymouth on Saturday 4^th – Race 4 @ 2.28pm and gets the services of Opie Bosson. Got no luck in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November and then disappointed when resuming at Te Rapa on New Year’s Day. Talented at best, he can bounce back here to feature in the finish and any easing of the track will assist

RUBICON CROSSING runs in the Group 3 Taranaki 2yo Classic over 1200m – Race 5 @3.06, with Michael McNab to ride – a winner on debut in September, she has featured in the finish of all of her four race day starts and can do so here again. Very good top 3 chance

Singapore

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 3 1100 Polytrack event – Race 10 @4.30 pm Sing time 9.30pm NZT) – will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 4kgs, from Barrier 7. Incredibly, “Joker” has won 7 his 8 Singapore victories at this trip and surface. Has battled in higher grades since his last win, but now back to a much more suitable Class 3 – with 4kgs off his back as well. Represents a genuine winning chance here

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Drops back in class where he last scored over 1000m by a nose in September of last year. Holds one of the best course and distance records here with seven wins from thirteen starts. The claim for Jamil a big plus.
2nd Pick: LORD JUSTICE (4)
Draws nicely in barrier two for Kasim who steers for the first time. He has rocketed his way up the grades and keeps raising the bar. Has trialled nicely in good time for this assault.
3rd Pick: GOLD TEN SIXTY-ONE (6)
In-form rider CC Wong jumps aboard this consistent gelding who races well on this surface. Finished second to boom galloper Street Of Dreams and was catching the eye late.
4th Pick: CASH COVE (8)
Did hold a nomination for our Group Three feature but has elected to tackle an easier race. Nunes sticks in the saddle on one of our leading three-year-olds. This is tougher than recent runs.

KING ARTHUR contests the Group 3 Merlion Trophy over 1200m on the Poly event – Race 11 @5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) – a nine time winner in Singapore, including 4 at this trip and distance – meets the very best horse in Singapore LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO at level weights, so it won’t be easy, but also gets the best jockey in Singapore, Manoel Nunes as pilot – definite top 3 chance and can win if things so right

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO (1)
No contest that he is Singapore’s premier galloper who competed on the world stage in Hong Kong last start. Wasn’t the fairy tale finish but the multiple group one winner has trialled in strong order for his first test on this surface.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (2)
Continues to run well in our premier sprint races over the last six months. He gets to a surface where he has a very strong record and could give the favourite a few scary moments.
3rd Pick: ROCKET STAR (3)
Draws the ace for Lerner who will drift back and find his feet early. If the speed is hot and the leaders are stopping, he could be the one finishing over the lot of them. Each way claims.
4th Pick: SURPASS NATURAL (4)
Duric jumps on this lightly raced galloper who has shown plenty of ability in his short career and will just need some luck from a wide draw. Continues to improve this gelding.

BRUTUS contests the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs from a good barrier – has won five times in Singapore and S$250k in prizemoney, but not since March 2022 – meets a good even field here, is down in the weights and has a 2kg claim with a very good rider aboard. Can feature in the finish here and a win would not surprise.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna Trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 31st January

King Arthur (Nunes) – 800/600 40

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Other News

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales this week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type – the other a Staying Type

My brief to David, Mark and Marcus pre sale was that I wanted to buy a Colt or a Filly that would be a definite Karaka Million contender and a Staying type Filly and that we had a budget of up to $120k for each

We struck early on the first day with the Smart Missile Filly (Lot 20) who is our 2yo type (for $80k) and then needed to be a bit patient waiting until day 3 before securing the Eminent Filly (Lot 446) – our Staying type for $75k). Pleasing results over all and our clients have two quite different types to choose from

Read all about Lot 20 below

About The Yearling Filly by Star Witness out of Alana’s Party – “Ali”

Definite Karaka Million Two Year Old type

Lot 20 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Sire STAR WITNESS out of ALANA’S PARTY (By Exceed and Excel) 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 an “early runner”

“Ali” – the Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly

Pedigree
ALI has a very strong pedigree. Her Sire, STAR WITNESS, a son of the mighty Starcraft, was a Group One winner in Australia (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and has been a prolific stallion to date producing 467 winners, including 22 Stakes winners. The dam ALANA’S PARTY (by Exceed and Excel) is out of the highly successful NZ racemare, The Party Stand, the winner of 6 races from 1200m to 2000m, including the Group One Bonecrusher NZ Stakes at Ellerslie – this is also the family of Callsign Mav, a dual Group One winner in both NZ and Australia

Click HERE to view Ali’s pedigree

Physical type
A strong, athletic Filly of good size, ALI is physically correct, has a good temperament, has a lovely loose, flowing walk and passed her Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select either a Colt or a Filly that was a strong chance on type and pedigree to be a genuine contender for the Karaka Million 2yo race January 2024 and that would fit within our budget of $120k. As things turned out we were able to strike early in the Sale with this lovely Star Witness Filly – she is a mid September foal, very athletic and looks like a real runner as a 2yo.”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“John Galvin had asked me to find a potential Karaka Million 2yo runner for Fortuna Racing – Lot 20 is a lovely Filly by Star Witness, a proven quality Australian Stallion – I love the fact that she is out of an Exceed and Excel Mare, he is a great broodmare Sire – this girl looks a real early runner who I think can be racing before Christmas and therefore is a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. The 2nd Dam, The Party Stand, was a very good racemare, with a very stout NZ pedigree, who won up to 2000m – this is the family of Callsign Mav, so there is good depth in the pedigree page. I thought she was great value at just $80,000 and I am looking forward to getting her into work .”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“I really loved this Filly when I first inspected her – she is very athletic, has a lovely walk, certainly looks to have the strength and physical development to run as Two Year Old, but also has the scope to train on as a Three Year Old – there is plenty of speed at the top of her pedigree page, but underlying that is a lot of traditional NZ influence in her bloodlines which is very appealing to me. We have had a lot of success in selecting Karaka Million winners over the past few years and to my eye, this Filly represents an ideal chance of making that race in January 2024”

Ongoing Preparation

Ali is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mis 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, but given that has the appearance of an “early runner” – she will be aimed at one of the early season (August/September 2yo trials.

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

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 $13,600– 5% share $6,800 – 2.5% share $3,400 – 1% share 1,360 (all pricing in NZ$)
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 $11,000
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 purchased Ali today from the ‘Add To Cart’ button on the Fortuna website page HERE

And here below is Lot 446

About The Yearling Filly by Eminent out of Queen Boudicca – “Queenie”

Definite Staying/Oaks type of Filly

Lot 446 – the Yearling Filly by the Stallion EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA (By Perfectly Ready) 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 staying type”

“Queenie” – the Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly

Pedigree

QUEENIE has an excellent pedigree. Her Sire, EMINENT, a son of the mighty Frankel, won twice at Group Level in the UK, ran 4 th in The Derby at Epsom, was placed twice at Group One Level, in the Irish Championship Stakes and the Ranvet Stakes at Royal Randwick. His oldest progeny are now aged Two. He dam, QUEEN BOUDICCA, won as a 2yo and ran 3 rd in the Group 3 Matamata Breeders Stakes and is the dam of three foals to race, including ALOISIA, who won the Group One 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield and the Group Two Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) – notable that she also ran 2 nd in the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) as a 2yo at Eagle Farm

Click HERE to view Queenie’s pedigree

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

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“Given the success we have been having with staying types, I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select a Filly with a nice pedigree page and with the physical characteristics to develop into a nice stayer. When they bought Lot 446 to my attention and I saw that she was a half sister to the Group One Caulfield Guineas winner, ALOISIA, I thought we were no show to secure her within our budget of $120k, but remarkably, she was knocked down to our bid of just $75k – sometimes we get lucky.”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Lot 446 really caught my eye when I was doing Video inspections – she is a good sized filly with a lovely athletic walk – her Sire Eminent is a well performed son of Frankel and while he has yet to make his mark as a Sire (his oldest progeny are just 2yo’s) he is throwing a lovely type of horse. This Filly’s half sister, ALOISIA (by Azamour) was good enough to win the Group One Caulfield 1000 Guineas over 1600 metres and the Group two Moonee Valley Vase over 2040m, so clearly could get over ground and notable, that as a 2yo she ran 2nd in the Group One JJAtkins Stakes over 1600m, so was very versatile. I expect that this Filly could well race in the Autumn as 2yo, but she will develop into a lovely NZ 1000 Guineas type as a 3yo and I would also expect her to be a genuine Oaks type of Filly in the Autumn of her 3yo year – she represents great value at $75k, I thought she would make double that.”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“Re Lot 446, firstly I have a lot of respect for Eminent as a Stallion – his progeny are yet to make a mark but that is because he is never going to throw 2yo types – they simply need more time. As a racehorse he was very competitive among the best of his age group in both the UK and Australia – we have two Eminent 2yo’s in the Stable right now and Mark Walker thinks a lot of them both. His Sire line of Frankel, Galileo and Sadlers Wells is one of the greatest lines of all time and this Filly has a double cross of Danehill as well for good measure. This Filly’s pedigree page on the dam side is also outstanding – Queen Boudicca is the dam of ALOISIA, the winner of the 1000 Guineas (Group One) at Caulfield, an incredibly hard race to win, she also won the Moonee Valley Vase (Group 2) over 2040m and was placed in other Group races as well. The 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th dams all threw Group winners. The Filly herself presents as a strong, well developed type who is a great mover – she clearly is going to get over ground as an older horse and I thought she was exceptional buying for just $75,000.”

Ongoing Preparation
Queenie is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mis 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

Read the Declaration.

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $13,000– 5% share $6,500 – 2.5% share $3,250 – 1% share 1,300 (all pricing in NZ$)
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 $11,000
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 purchased Queenie today from the ‘Add To Cart’ button on the Fortuna website page HERE

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Knippenberg caps a wonderful day of racing 28^th Jan with a debut win in Singapore

KNIPPENBERG wins on debut in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

Two hours after the Fortuna Racing galloper, LEADERBOARD, had taken out the 150th running of the iconic Wellington Cup, their 3yo Gelding KNIPPENBERG (I Am Invincible – Red Fez) scored on his debut run in Singapore in the Restricted Maiden 1200 Turf event for prizemoney of S$75,000. Ridden by the evergreen veteran Ronnie Stewart, KNIPPENBERG jumped away well from a good barrier, settled into a nice rhythm one out and one back on a track that was rain affected. Traveling well in the run, Knippenberg was cruising as they turned for home, Stewart asked him for an effort from about the 300m mark and he went to the line a clear winner with a margin of 1.8 lengths in a time of 1.10.32 on a track that was quite rain affected.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, was over the moon with the result. “Make no bones about it” she said post race, “this horse is a serious galloper – he has shown us a lot from day one, we have asked him for a bit during his first preparation and he has responded in serious fashion every step of the way – he has a bright future here in Singapore. Huge congrats to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing, once again he has picked out a nice tried horse from the Inglis Digital platform – he has made a habit of that over the years and so well done to him and his team of owners,”

Knippenberg – Wins on debut – Kranji 28th January 2023

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watched the race on his cellphone while traveling on the train from Trentham Racecourse in New Zealand back to Wellington – just two hours previously his Irish bred stayer, Leaderboard had won the 32oom Wellington Cup. John reports as follows “Jessica (my wife) and I were on the train heading back to Wellington – we had the Wellington Cup trophy with us – the train was very crowded with race goers who were in a very happy mood after a big day at Trentham – everybody wanted to come and get selfies with the Cup and I announced that we had a runner in Singapore making his debut shortly and that I thought he was a pretty good chance – many jumped on their phones to have a bet and as Knippenberg strode to the lead with 200m to go, the whole carriage descended into absolute chaos with people yelling and screaming – it was a surreal experience. But Knippenberg was very, very good on debut – he has shown Donna and her team a lot since arriving in Singapore and we were quietly confident that he was going to run very boldly on debut – well done to Donna for handling this horse so well and he was given a great ride by Ronnie Stewart”

Ronnie Stewart, returns to scale after piloting Knippenberg to his debut win

KNIPPENBERG had originally raced in Australia for his breeders Phoenix Thoroughbreds and been trained for them by the Ciaren Maher/David Eustace team. Showing just moderate form from two race day starts, his owners decided to offer him for sale at the Inglis Digital Sale (June 2022) – he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500 and sent to Singapore to race. John was assisted in his selection process by Mark Walker, the former Singapore based Trainer for Te Akau Racing and now leading Trainer for them in NZKnippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 indivuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider Ronnie Stewart after the race

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Cups NewsWellington Cup victor Leaderboard will contest the Auckland Cup 3200m Pukekohe Park 11th March. John Galvin reports “Mark Walker and I have decided that “Tiger” will press onto the Auckland Cup, for which he was nominated some months ago. In the past he has not always gone that well right handed, but to be fair, he hasn’t been tried that way for a long time. Now an eight year old and with the 2 mile trip clearly his best distance, he deserves a shot and we don’t want to die wondering. He will go straight into the Cup without a lead up run – he is super fit and Mark will keep him up to the mark with dressage, trackwork, put him over a few jumps and probably an exhibition gallop on a raceday somewhere – Joe Doyle will retain the ride”

Leaderboard will be joined in the Auckland cup by his Fortuna stablemate, the 5yo Racemare, Soprano Supreme – she will contest the Avondale Cup along the way February 18th also at Pukekohe Park – Craig Zackey has been engaged to ride

Wellington Cup media coverage

The 150th running of the iconic Wellington Cup completely escaped the attention of the NZ Herald!!! however the Singapore Straits Times, from 8500 kms away, did not – See their story below from Racing journalist, Michael Lee

The Fortuna NZ Racing Stable had a good Saturday, not at one office, but two – and located 8,500km apart.

The all-conquering Kiwi outfit toasted to Group success in its own backyard first, when veteran stayer Leaderboard took out the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3,200m).Two hours later, while the champagne was still flowing at the Trentham racecourse, John Galvin’s merry bunch were cheering home their first 2023 Kranji winner. The stable’s debutant Knippenberg snared the top prize in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race (1,200m) with Ronnie Stewart astride.

No doubt, the New Zealand victory would garner more headlines, but neither the difference in class and prize money – the Wellington Cup carries a purse of NZ$300,000 (S$255,000) – nor the geographical distance mattered all that much to connections.Even if they had to watch the race “live” on television, the thrill of seeing the tangerine silks flying high at any winner’s circle in the world is priceless.Besides, racing has become such a global game.

Leaderboard’s trainer is none other than former four-time Singapore champion Mark Walker, who also looked after Fortuna’s horses in Kranji before he returned in 2022.
“John Galvin just won the Wellington Cup. I think they’ll be celebrating a fair bit in New Zealand,” said fellow New Zealander Logan, who took over Fortuna’s and Te Akau Stable’s horses from Walker.

Logan credited Galvin for his talent-scouting acumen. Knippenberg’s record of one third from two starts in the countryside in New South Wales, Australia, would have been missed by many. “Once again, John is the best at picking these horses at the Inglis Digital sale,” said Logan. “This horse ticked all the boxes for him, and he was quite certain he would make it in Singapore. But it’s still early days, so we’ll take it one race at a time.”

The I Am Invincible three-year-old did not give much away at his one barrier trial on Jan 19 either, when a rather plain third to Watery. But Knippenberg ($30) was a lot more dynamic on Saturday, sitting right on the hammer of leader and the better-fancied ($16) fellow debutant Star North (Louis-Philippe Beuzelin). He waited for the home straight to turn the tables. Star North did not shirk the fight, but Knippenberg finally wore him down and skipped away. The long stalemate between the duelling pair proved costly for the $12 favourite, Popeyethesailorman. Hopelessly snookered in behind, the Manoel Nunes-ridden, Tim Fitzsimmons-trained galloper needed fresh air more badly than a can of spinach. He had to switch across two pairs of heels to bust out. But Knippenberg was already safely home by 1 3/4 lengths. Star North was third, another length away.

The winning time was 1min 10.32sec for the 1,200m on the long course.

“He could have led but the long course was a concern. We then decided to put him behind the speed and Ronnie rode him a treat,” said Logan. “I wasn’t worried about the wet as he’s raced over such tracks in Australia.” Then prepared by Australia’s leading trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Knippenberg ran seventh on debut on a soft track at Goulburn. He then improved with a third placing over a similar surface at his next start in Bathurst – but subsequently his Owners decided to put him up for sale.

Logan was more worried about the quality of opposition her newcomer was testing his mettle against. “He had a nice draw (barrier No. 3), but there were some nice horses from Tim Fitzsimmons and Mike Clements (Mewar, 7th) in it,” she said. “I would have been satisfied if he finished in the first five, but he’s won, which is great. There’s still improvement to come out of him, though.”

While the runner-up to reigning champion Fitzsimmons was at her second 2023 winner, after Aftermath saluted earlier, Stewart was also bringing a slugglish start to an end.
“He was well prepared and he handled the surface very well,” said the Australian of his account opener. “He looks a nice horse who can go through his grades. It was a quality race and the form will hold up.”

Dennis Ryan, Editor of Race Form also provided coverage of both of the Group races at Trentham on Cup day – se that story below;

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Guest Selector – Andrew CastlesButch is on fire with his selection– he still sits on four wins from five selections with his selection last week getting scratched
Here is what Butch selects for us this week“Dear John and Team – They say nothing clouds your judgment of a race like having a share in a runner! I’ve found that to be true over the years but this week I’m happy to tip one I have a small interest in. Vadamos 3yo Freeze Frame was very impressive winning over 1200m on a rain affected track last time and the step up to 1400m Saturday at New Plymouth should be ideal. He has the services of Opie and is drawn to get a soft run just behind the speed. I expect him to be very hard to beat in race 3 where the TAB have put up $2.7 about his chances. New Plymouth Race 3 No 1 Freeze Frame – Best of luck. Butch”

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In closing, if like me you enjoy a great cup of coffee then look out – the Greenies have you in their sights – see story below – you couldn’t make this stuff up!!!

The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi study, published in the publication The Conversation,called for limiting consumption through an “adapted diet” in order to combat the effects of coffee preparation. “Limiting your contribution to climate change requires an adapted diet, and coffee is no exception. Choosing a mode of coffee preparation that emits less GHGs (greenhouse gases) and moderating your consumption are part of the solution,” the four researchers wrote.

The study noted that coffee users should avoid using hot water when rinsing their coffee cups to reduce “carbon-intensive electricity production.”

Fortuna acquires an Eminent Filly from the NZ Bloodstock 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale

Published 31 January 2023

Genuine Staying Filly with a Group One winning Pedigree page

Lot 446 – the Yearling Filly by the Sire EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA (By Perfectly Ready) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 3 of the Karaka Book One 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 “Given the success we have been having with staying types I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select Filly with the physical characteristics to develop into a nice stayer and with a nice pedigree page. When they bought Lot 446 to my attention and I saw that she was a half sister to the Group One Caulfield Guineas winner, ALOISIA, I thought we were no show to secure her within our budget of $120k, but remarkably, she was knocked down to our bid of just $75k – sometimes we get lucky ”

Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “Lot 446 really caught my eye when I was doing Video inpections – she is a good sized filly with a lovely athletic walk – her Sire Eminent is a well performed son of Frankel and while he has yet to make his mark as a Sire (his oldest progeny are just 2yo’s) he is throwing a lovely type of horse. This Filly’s half sister, ALOISIA (by Azamour) was good enough to with the Group One Caulfield 1000 Guineas over 1600 metres and the Group two Moonee Valley Vase over 2040m, so clearly could get over ground and notable, that as 2yo she ran 2nd in the Group One JJAtkins Stakes over 1600m, so was very versatile. I expect that this Filly could well race in the Autumn as 2yo, but she will develop into a lovely NZ 1000 Guineas type as a 3yo and I would also expect her to be a genuine Oaks type of Filly in the Autumn of her 3yo year – she represents great value at $75k, I thought she would make double that .”

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 – $13,000 per 10% share, $6,500 per 5% share, $3,250 per 2.5 share, $1,300 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Promoter Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of over $11,000

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

KNIPPENBERG wins on debut in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

Published 31 January 2023

Click HERE to see the race replay

Knippenberg – Wins on debut – Kranji 28th January 2023

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watched the race on his cellphone while traveling on the train from Trentham Racecourse in New Zealand back to Wellington – just two hours previously his Irish bred stayer, Leaderboard had won the 32oom Wellington Cup. John reports as follows “Jessica (my wife) and I were on the train heading back to Wellington – we had the Wellington Cup trophy with us – the train was very crowded with race goers who were in a very happy mood after a big day at Trentham – everybody wanted to come and get selfies with the Cup and I announced that we had a runner in Singapore making his debut shortly and that I thought he was a pretty good chance – many jumped on their phones to have a bet and as Knippenberg strode to the lead with 200m to go, the whole carriage descended into absolute chaos with people yelling and screaming – it was a surreal experience. But Knippenberg was very, very good on debut – he has shown Donna and her team a lot since arrving in Singapore and we were quietly confident that he was going to run very boldly on debut – well done to Donna for handling this horse so well and he was given a great ride by Ronnie Stewart”

Ronnie Stewart, returns to scale after piloting Knippenberg to his debut win

Knippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 indivuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider Ronnie Stewart after the race

Fortuna Racing’s 8yo Gelding, LEADERBOARD, wins the 150th running of the Wellington Cup

Published 31 January 2023

It was an amazing day of racing 28th January for the Fortuna Racing Team with their Irish bred stayer, LEADERBOARD, taking out the time honoured and iconic Wellington Cup at odds of $51. LEADERBOARD’S lead up form into this race had not been inspiring, but overnight the rain had tumbled at Trentham and Leaderboard is a horse who just loves to get his toe in the ground. See the story below from Jeff Dore

Outsider Leaderboard (8 g Street Cry – Flower Fairy, by Dynaformer) pulled off a terrific victory in the $300,000 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m) on Saturday at Trentham. Third and fifth, respectively, in the New Zealand Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m), Leaderboard recorded his most recent victory in the New Zealand St Leger (Listed, 2600m) last March at Trentham, and although finishing 12^th in the Marton Cup (Listed, 2200m) on the same course three weeks earlier his staying prowess carried the day.

Ridden by Irishman Joe Doyle (26), who commenced riding in NZ in November and already recorded feature success aboard Devastate (Vadamos) in the Wellington Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m), Leaderboard was no further back than seventh before cruising into contention from the 800m and quickened best of all on the outskirts of the track. “He felt great during the week,” said Doyle, who rode Leaderboard in an exhibition gallop between races at Matamata during the week. “We knew we needed the rain to come, but thankfully it did and it was pretty straightforward, the race. He travelled beautifully. We didn’t go a mad gallop, we went even and he just kept fighting up to the line. You know, they’re the horses you want to ride and I’m very grateful to be riding for such good people. Every horse I ride I try to give a good ride and when it works out on days like today it’s very special. So I’m very fortunate and very grateful to the people in New Zealand. Anytime they (Te Akau) have a runner they always have a chance. You know the horse is going to be fit and in the best condition it can be.”

Click HERE to see the race result and replay

On rain-affected footing that downgraded to Heavy 10 following race four, Leaderboard ran the two miles (3200m) in 3:33.0 and drifted in betting to pay $50.30 & $9.50 on the NZ TAB tote. His sire Street Cry (Machiavellian) also left Winx, world record holder of 25 Group One races, Champion US mare Zenyatta, Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, so stamina runs in the blood and Leaderboard has his share.

Leaderboard striding clear closing stages in the 2023 Wellington Cup

Owned by Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Manager; John Galvin), Leaderboard was purchased in October 2018 at the Tattersalls Sale in U.K by International Bloodstock agent, Hubie De Burgh, for 70,000 Guineas on behalf of Fortuna, and following seven career wins, has earnings of $340,000.

“We bought him at a Tattersalls Horses In Training sale with a race like this in mind, so to achieve the goal is outstanding,” John Galvin said. “It’s a fantastic result for us and he represents a big syndicate of people from all over New Zealand and one Member from Australia. He had already put together a couple of good runs at the distance and although the immediate form wasn’t overly inspiring, our confidence grew when the rain came. He didn’t get a start in the Wellington Cup last year because of a foot abscess, but we knew he’d get the trip today as he was rock hard fit. Both Mark (Walker) and I had told Joe (Doyle) not to give up on him because he can be a bit lazy at times, but Joe got him going at the 800m, got him to the outside, and as he turned for home I thought it was all done and dusted. And while he was challenged to his inside by a couple in the closing stages he found another gear and just outstayed them”

“The train ride back to Wellington was amazing because Jessica and I had the Cup with us and were completely surrounded by people wanting to take photographs and selfies. And we told our fellow travelers on the train that Knippenberg was running for us in race five in Singapore, so everyone had bets on their phones and he duly got up and won on debut, so the whole carriage descended into chaos with yelling, screaming, and cheering. It was incredible scenes, even when we arrived at Wellington Station it took us 20 minutes to get from the platform to the taxi rank because so many people wanted to be photographed with the Cup”

“I love Mark as a trainer. He constantly thinks, plots and schemes about his horses and with Leaderboard, since he ran at Trentham in the Marton Cup in early January, he’d given him some dressage, did interval training, put him over a few tyres and galloped him, just to get his head in the right place. Mark said the horse was absolutely fit, but just needed a wet track. So as the rain started to tumble yesterday it lifted the confidence and certainly a few of us got on at great odds and had a nice collect.”

“As I said in my acceptance speech, I am a boy from the Hutt (raised in Naenae), I went to my first Wellington Cup when I was 16 years old and always dreamed of winning a Wellington Cup but never had a runner until today, and while I’ve had some great thrills with Darci Brahma, Tell A Tale and Melody Belle to name just a few, today was something really special. To my mind the Wellington Cup is one of the classic races on the New Zealand calendar and to win it the way we did today was just incredible.”

Jessica and John Galvin with the Wellington Cup

Deputising for trainer Mark Walker, inspecting yearlings ahead of the sales that commence on Sunday 29 January at Karaka, assistant trainer Sam Bergerson said: “Mark (Walker) got him really fit. We got plenty of work into him and the rain was always going to help him. I’m stoked for everyone at home and I’m stoked for John (Galvin), who is a massive supporter of our stable. Joe (Doyle) got him into a lovely spot, a lovely rhythm, and he galloped him on Wednesday at Matamata, and afters he said, gee, this horse is as fit as a fiddle. So we were quietly confidently, but we never knew with him because he can throw in a shocker at times. He presented well, travelled down well and Mark had got him really fit. We’d thrown the book at him in terms of work and different tricks. He’d had a bit of trouble with his feet and different things, but to get him right for today and a result like that is huge. John has had a lot of good horses in the stable [including dual Horse of the Year Melody Belle] and it’s great to get another great result in an iconic race like this.”

Leaderboard is raced by the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate, an ownership Group of 73 individuals, 72 NZ based and 1 based in the Northern Territory, Australia

Leaderboard’s Wellington Cup winning connections

Leaderboard was strapped by Olivia Hill.

Fortuna acquires a Star Witness Filly from the NZ Bloodstock 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale

Published 29 January 2023

Definite Karaka Million Two Year Old type

Lot 20 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Sire STAR WITNESS out of ALANA’S PARTY (By Exceed and Excel) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination

John says “I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select either a Colt or a Filly that was a strong chance on type and pedigree to be a genuine contender for the Karaka Million 2yo race January 2024 and that would fit within our budget of $120k. As things turned out we were able to strike early in the Sale with this lovely Star Witness Filly – she is a mid September foal, very athletic and looks like a real runner as a 2yo.”

Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “Lot 20 is a lovely Filly by Star Witness, a proven quality Australian Stallion – I love the fact that she is out of an Exceed and Excel Mare, he is a great broodmare Sire – this girl looks a real early runner who I think can be racing before Christmas and therefore is a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. The 2nd Dam, The Party Stand, was a very good racemare who won up to 2000m – this is the family of Callsign Mav, so there is good depth in the pedigree page. I thought she was great value at just $80,000 and I am looking forward to getting her into work .”

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 – $13,600 per 10% share, $6,800 per 5% share, $3,400 per 2.5 share, $1,360 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Promoter Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of over $11,000

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

Friday Flash – 27th January 2023

Published 27 January 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna’s now retired racemare Melody Belle is to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall Of Fame in May 2023

Fortuna Yearling purchase at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, the Filly by Super Seth

Buyer Analytics: who are the best judges?

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Fortuna has five runners over the weekend, three in New Zealand, two in Singapore

LEADERBOARD contests the time honoured Wellington Cup at Trentham on Saturday Race 9 @ 5.09pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from Barrier. Recent form is hot great, but has run this distance twice for a 3^rd and a 5^th, so he will get the trip. Does prefer a soft track which is a possibility on Saturday and should be putting in at the finish when many of the others are done Probably needs rain to be truly competitive here

MALBOROUGH BAY runs in the 330 Set Weight and Penalties event at Taupo on Sunday 29^th – Race 6 @ 3.32pm and will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin, claiming 1kg, from Barrier 1. Got no luck in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November and then disappointed when resuming at Te Rapa on New Year’s Day. Talented at best, he can bounce back here to feature in the finish and any easing of the track will assist

NAVALHA contests the R75 1100m – Race 9 @ 5.20pm and will be ridden by Opie Bosson from Barrier 10 – a winner at Riccarton in the Spring, he has been freshened and trialed nicely at Tauranga – this may be a bit short for him and he can be tardy away and has drawn out – will take improvement from this outing but can be in the finish if he is away well and gets luck in running.

Singapore

DECEPTION resumes after a solid year in 2022 with two wins – he contests the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 7 @3pm Sing time (8pm NZT) – will be ridden by Simon Kok from Barrier 8. This strapping son of I Am Invincible has won twice in Singapore and rarely runs a bad race. Drawn out a bit but likes to go back anyway and this race is run on the long course – can feature in the finish here

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: WAR PRIDE (1)
All signs through his track work and trials point to the fact that he’s ready to fire first up. Drawn out slightly but gets the services on Nunes this weekend.
2nd Pick: BE YOU (2)
Can be a handful on race day but if he puts it all together, he can win a race like this. Draws to find a nice spot in running and trialed well leading up to this.
3rd Pick: DECEPTION (5)
Another fresh up this weekend. Was really hitting some nice form towards the end of last season and hopefully and can pick right up where he left off.
4th Pick: STRONG N SMART (4)
Recent trial was solid enough. Stable going well at the moment, keep safe in quartets.

KNIPPENBERG makes his raceday debut in the Restricted Maiden 1200m Turf event – Race 5 @2pm Sing time (7pm NZT) – this 3yo son of I Am Invincible has shown a lot of class to date with his trackwork and trials performances and is ready to translate that class into a strong performance on debut – on debut as is the case with several other runners – we have asked a lot of him as he prepared for this race and he delivered – expect a bold performance on debut

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Fortuna Track work – MatamataTuesday 24th January

Navalha (N Parmar) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.2, home in 37.18.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 24^th Jan
Our Final Offer (Awah) – 1000/600 40; Deception (Simon) – 1000/600 42

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Other News

Fortuna’s now retired racemare Melody Belle is to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall Of Fame in May 2023 – see story below by Dennis Ryan – editor of Race Form

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Fortuna Yearling purchase at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, the Filly by Super Seth – shares filling steadily but still some left – $1960 per each 1% and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – Click HERE to read full details on Fortuna website

Yearling Filly by Super Seth out of Dark Heather

And talking of Sales, Fortuna will be active at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale commencing Sunday 29th – post Covid, the International buying bench will be back in strength – there is a great catalogue on offer – watch this space for our “Breaking News” updates which will come shortly after we make any purchases

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Buyer Analytics: who are the best judges in Australasia? This report from an independent analyst company and as you will see NZ’s very own David Ellis comes out on top Here we aim to highlight the Top 4 buyers that we observed in our 2015–2021 yearling dataset.

David Ellis (Te Akau) — 17.02% stakes winners to purchases

On raw numbers, founder and principal of Te Akau racing in New Zealand — David Ellis — performed as the top purchaser of yearlings globally on our buyer dataset between 2015–2021. We identified 188 yearling purchases, an average spend of $212,872 AUD and with a stakes return of 32 winners (17.02%)
Stakes Winners: Summer Monsoon, Age of Fire, Swing Note, Gold Fever, Embellish, Melody Belle, The Real Beel, Avantage, Sword of Osman, Weaponry, Prise de Fer, In a Twinkling, Al Hasa, Markus Aurelius, Aotea Lad, Probabeel, Festivity, Aromatic, Campionessa, Amarelinha, Seajetz, Cool Aza Beel, Kahma Lass, Noverre, On the Bubbles, Synchronize, Imperatriz, Sword of State, Bright Blue Sky, Wild Night, Lord Cosmos, Dynastic, Need I Say More — Spirited Express (H.K)

James Harron Bloodstock (14.89% stakes winners to purchases)
The team at James Harron Bloodstock enjoyed a very successful return of 21 stakes winners from 141 yearling purchases, with 14 Group winners. Aside from MV Magnier, they were the top average spenders on yearlings within our dataset, but that strong opinion was validated by successful returns. They returned 14.89% stakes winners and 9.93% Group Winners from their buys. 74.47% of purchases were winners, which was the top performing result in our dataset.

Stakes Winners: Attention, Defcon, I Am a Star, Capitalist, Pariah, Gunnison, Khan, Dracarys, Espresso Martini, Sangria, Stronger, King’s Legacy, Argentia, Kalashnikov, Cerberus, Glistening, Crosswinds, Cannonball, Leviathan — Healthy Happy (H.K.), Acatour — Great Honour (H.K.), Detective — Bombay Blitz (H.K.)

McEvoy Mitchell Racing 11.16% stakes winners to purchases
The McEvoy Mitchell Racing team consisting of Tony McEvoy, Calvin McEvoy and Wayne Mitchell performed as our second highest rated buyer on our yearling dataset 2015–2021. In that period we identified that they had purchased 207 yearlings, returning 24 stakes winners for a ratio of 11.59%. All this at an average sales price of $184,797. 89 yearlings from the sample had won at a Metro level, for a 43.0% ratio.

Stakes Winners: She Shao Fly, The Astrologist, Xtravagant Star, Twin Stars — Chiu Chow Spirit, Zoushine, Xilong, Pretty Brazen, Game Keeper, Vinco, Westport, Secret Blaze, Kinky Boom, Classic Weiwei, Despatch, Vinland, Azazel, Nistaan, Over Exposure, Manuel, Fox Hall, Hey Doc, Jackson, Concealer, Stoker, Winning Partner

China Horse Club — 10.81% stakes winners to purchases

We identified China Horse Club as the assigned purchaser on sales dockets, either as individual buyer or as part of a partnership on 333 yearling purchases across Australia and New Zealand between 2015–2021. Founded by Teo Ah Khing as a premier lifestyle offering for the Chinese and Asian market, the operation has enjoyed considerable success since formation with 45 Group 1 wins globally. Credit likely goes to John Warren and Michael Wallace, whom we would understand who have the predominant purchasers of bloodstock for CHC in that period. (Apologies if I missed anyone)
Yearlings purchased performed +7.81% above the market average, returning 36 stakes wins from the 333 buys, for a ratio of 10.81%. Average purchase price however, was higher than other buyers featured here, with an average spend of $370,337 AUD across yearling purchases.
Stakes Winners: Calanda, Russian Revolution, Invader, Goldrush, Emmaus, Siem Riep, Yellow Agate, Taking Aim, Assimilate, Plentiful, Queen of Diamonds, Madison County, Dagmar, Eawase, Paths of Glory, New York Central, Justify, National Flag, Hightail, McLaren, Improbable, Fearless, Bulletin, Prime Star, Market Analysis, Nashville, Aim, Americanrevolution, Tiger of Malay, In the Congo, Volcanic Rock, Life is Good, Cobhfield, France — Encouraging (H.K.), Untamed — Super Buddy (H.K.), Irish Bet — Hong Kong Bet (H.K.)

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Butch is on fire with his selection at Trentham last Saturday, Tavattack, delivering – he is now four wins from five selections
Here is what Butch selects for us this week

“Dear John and Team – Patience is a virtue and we will need plenty of it as my best of the weekend runs in the last race at Taupo Sunday! Wewillrock (Race 9 No 2) is a lightly raced 4yo son of El Roca who has won 3 of his 7 starts and resumes here off an 8 month break. A trial winner over 1000m at Foxton on 17 January he has been responsible for some strong trackwork at Hastings leading into this. I expect a couple of the hardest to beat on paper to be scratched so would advise taking whatever price the TAB put up as early as possible. This is a good horse with plenty of upside- he should be winning Sunday! Best of luck. Butch”

Friday Flash – 20th January 2023

Published 20 January 2023

Headline News;

Fortuna acquires an outstanding Yearling Filly by freshman Sire, Super Seth at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Mark Walker surges to 100 wins for current season in record time

Vale Sir Patrick Hogan
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Fortuna has three runners this coming week, one in New Zealand, two in Singapore

New Zealand

SOPRANO SUPREME contests the Rating 87 Karaka Cup at Pukekohe Park on Karaka Million evening Race 1 @ 4.09pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle. A strong finishing 3^rdplacing over 1600m at Tauranga Friday 13^thhas set her up nicely for this trip. Will love the trip, gets a nice draw, has a very competent rider here and well suited at the weights – Strong each way chance and can win

Singapore

KING ARTHUR resumes after a stellar year in 2022, with seven wins and an increase in rating from 62 to 106, in the Kranji Stakes A 1200m Turf event for S$100k – Race 11 @5.30 pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) – will be ridden by Fadzli Yusoff claiming 2kgs from Barrier 11. Meets a field of very good sprinters here, but is the highest rated runner in the field – has had two trials ahead of this event and will strip in great order. Is giving a fair bit of weight to some up and coming types here and has a tricky draw to contend with, but always goes well fresh. Each way but needs luck

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

Golden Monkey
Looks primed to have a big season after a dominant three-year-old season. This is a nice steppingstone towards the Derby later in the year and Nunes jumps aboard. Tricky barrier to overcome but class should get him over the line.
King Arthur
One of our leading sprinters who has been allocated 59.5kgs. That has been eased with Yusoff’s 2kg claim but will need luck from a wide draw. His course and distance stats are great, and he must not be forgotten as a danger to the favourite.
Fame Star
Proven group winner who races well around this mark. He will have his eyes on some feature races this year but with Seow’s claim and nice barrier that allows him to roll forward he will look a danger turning for the judge. Each way claims.
Grand Koonta
He has been one of our highest rated gallopers for some time and although he doesn’t win too often, he does catch the eye in the finish. His C/D record is ultra-impressive with four wins from five starts and a second placing.

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1200m Poly – Race 6 @ 3pm Sing time (8pm NZT) and will be ridden by senior rider Mohammed Zaki from Barrier 6 – produced some good performances during his first campaign in 2022, while still showing a degree of immaturity. Seems to have grown up a bit this time in. Carries just 50kgs in this and is a very dangerous lightweight. Very good each way chance and can win – watch tote

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 17th January

Soprano Supreme (A Handley) galloped over 1400 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.04.3, final 600 in 36.2.

Thursday 19th January

Angels Wings (J Kamaruddin) worked in company over 1000 metres in 1.03.5, home in 36.32.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 17^th Jan
King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39;; Briggs (Awah) – 1000/600 40.5; Our Final Offer (Awah) – 1000/600 39;

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Other News

Fortuna acquires an outstanding Yearling Filly by freshman Sire, Super Seth, at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

About the Super Seth – Dark Heather Yearling Filly

Fortuna Director John Galvin attended the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, conducting inspections throughout the Sale and on Friday 13th, we got lucky and acquired a lovely Filly from the first crop of the Stallion, Super Seth, out of the unraced Cape Blanco Mare, Dark Heather. Dark Heather is a half sister to Heatherly (by Lonhro), who won 6 times, including the Group 2 VRC Rubiton Stakes, two other Listed races in Melbourne and was 2nd in the Group One VRC Moir Stakes and had three other Group and Listed placings as well.

Sire Super Seth (by Dundeel) who stands at Waikato Stud for a fee of $35k was a super racehorse. His imposing career on the racetrack was headlined by a dazzling victory in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, with the son of Dundeel striking a chord early when winning his first two juvenile starts, including a 6 length victory on debut. He returned as 3-year-old to win the G3 McNeil Stakes before defeating boom Queenslander Alligator Blood in the Caulfield Guineas. Resuming after a spell, he then added the Gr.3 Manfred Stakes to his winning record before finishing runner-up against the older horses in the G1 Futurity Stakes.

This was Super Seth’s first crop of yearlings being offered at this sale and he was well received by buyers, with seven lots selling for an average of A$230k and a top price of A$450k – notable that leading Stables such as Anthony/Sam Freedman, Chris Waller, Peter/Paul Snowden, Lindsay Park and Busuttin/Young snapped up 5 of the 7 Super Seth Lots on offer

Super Seth – Dark Heather Yearling Filly

Note that since we purchased, our new Filly has had a significant pedigree upgrade – that because in Race 1 at Rosehill on Saturday 14th January, the 2yo Colt, Red Resistance (Russian Revolution – Heatherly), won in impressive fashion on debut – Heatherly, a Group 2 winner, is a half sister to Dark Heather, the dam of our new filly. If our Filly had gone through the ring at Saturday evening’s session, she would have made a lot more money.

Our new Filly (now given the Stable Name “RUBY”) is an early August foal, is bound to run as a 2yo, but also has the scope to develop into a lovely 3yo – don’t miss this one!!!

RUBY is registered for the Magic Millions Race Series – here are the races she will be eligible to be nominated for on Magic Million’s Race Days on the Gold Coast

January 2024 – the A$3m Magic Millions Classic for 2yo’s 1200m
May 2024 – the A$1m National 2yo Classic 1000m
January 2025 – the A$3m Magic Millions Guineas 1425m
January 2025 – the A$3m 1100m 3yo Sprint
Subsequent years she will be eligible for any of the A$1m races for older horses on the Magic Millions Carnival Day

Note that only horses that have been acquired at a MM Sale and have been enrolled for the Race Series are eligible to be nominated for these races. Of course, given the prizemoney on offer, all of these races are well sought after and all runners that wish to accept are graded by ratings points

Click HERE to see this lovely Filly parading

Click HERE to see Ruby’s pedigree.

This Filly was on Mark Walker’s pre sale list – Mark had inspected all of the Parade Videos ahead of the sale and then given that list to David Ellis and Marcus Corban, who conducted physical inspections at the Sales ground, eliminating those that did not meet their physical criteria. Those left on the list then had their X Rays and scopes read by Waikato Equine Vet, Dr Jack O’Brien, which led to further eliminations and those left were then physically inspected by Jack – our Filly passed muster at every step.

New Zealand’s leading Trainer Mark Walker had this to say about this Filly

“John, I picked this Filly out when I was doing Video inspections of the whole catalogue – a lovely Chestnut, she had a great athletic walk – as a really early foal she is of good size and I expect her to be a runner as a Two Year Old but has all the scope in the world to develop into a strong Three Year Old. By the first season Sire, Super Seth, whose progeny have certainly caught the eyes of a number of good judges, she has a strong pedigree on the dam side. I thought she may make north of A$150k, so you have done well to secure her for just A$110k. I am really looking forward to having her in my barn.”

David Ellis and Marcus Corban were present at the sales and conducted physical inspections. David says;

“I was really taken with the progeny of first season Stallion, Super Seth, at this sale – all of his lots were impressive individuals. This Filly out of Dark Heather really caught my eye during inspections. Of good size, she had a lovely deep girth, a strong flowing walk, a lovely head, is a great colour and exhibited real class. She is from a family that has had significant black type success over at least the last four generations – she will be a great addition to our racing stable and I think she can be up and running as a Christmas – New Year 2yo in the 2023/24 racing season”

Marcus Corban (who comes from a background of 38 years working with the late Sir Patrick Hogan at Cambridge Stud) and is a great judge of type and pedigree, offered the following comments

“John, David and I looked at this Filly together at the Sales and when we compared notes, we had both given her a big thumbs up. Physically, she ticked all the boxes and boasts a very strong pedigree page, with lots of black type over recent generations – she also has the “magic cross” – that is a double up of Sadlers Wells and Danehill which is highly sought after all over the world. John, you have done well getting this Filly for your budget and she is going to make a great addition to the Fortuna Racing Team.”

As readers may be aware, we always buy to budget and given that the Sales average was close to A$300k, our budget (A$120k) seemed to be a bit “meagre”, but as always, we remained patient – this lovely strong Filly was very much in our sights and we are more than happy to own her. We have had great success out of this Sale over the years with every single one of our purchases to date being winners.

A very early foal (13th August 2021) we think she can be a runner as a 2yo but has plenty of scope to develop into a lovely 3yo. She will be on a plane to NZ at the end of January, she will go to Te Akau Stud for 6 – 8 weeks in the paddock ahead of being broken in and will then have her first stable preparation in the hands of Mark Walker and we would be expecting her to have her first trial in the Spring of 2023

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$196,000 – this includes purchase price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters fees, insurance through to January 2024 and just over $12,000 of working capital.

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $19,600 – 5% share $9,800– 2.5% share $4,900 – 1% share $1,960 (all pricing in NZ$)
Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Transport to New Zealand, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of $12,000 approx
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

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 the Super Seth Filly today direct from the Fortuna website link HERE or call /text John direct 021 921 460

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Mark Walker surges to 100 wins for current season in record time

Yes, in just 5.5 months, Mark, who already holds 5 NZ Training Premierships from his time as Head Trainer for Te Akau Racing before his 11 year stint in Singapore (where he attained another 4 Training Premierships), has scorched through the 100 win Mark in his first full season as head of the NZ operation – see the story below from NZ Racing Desk

NZ Racing News reports:

Te Akau trainer Mark Walker made history at Tauranga on Friday when recording the fastest ever century of winners in a season. Heading into the meeting with 98 wins to date this season, Walker quickly added to his tally when securing the quinella in the Ray White Tauranga 1200 courtesy of Millefiori and Wairau Cove. One race later, Walker brought up the 100-win milestone with Pure Imagination in the Ray White Greerton 1200.

“It was good to get another win with him today,” Walker said. “He promised quite a bit early on and he’s had a few heart fibrillations and things go wrong. “He’s a lot happier now and it was a deserved win, off a lovely ride by Craig Zackey.”

Ellis was overjoyed by the stable’s record-setting milestone on Friday.

“What a great achievement by Mark (Walker) to reach 100 wins in such quick time this season and it’s hugely rewarding for everyone involved,” Ellis said. “Everyone that works for Te Akau gives 110 percent and without that type of commitment you just can’t get these sorts of results. “He’s included 15 stakes winners within the century and it looks as though there are some nice chances of increasing the black type winners tomorrow at Trentham.”

Te Akau had also established the previous fastest 100 wins in a season when Jamie Richards achieved the feat on 28 January 2021, bettering the previous record by nearly three months, during a record-breaking 160 wins for the season, and Walker has followed suit.

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Vale Sir Patrick Hogan

Yes, the great man has left us once and for all – the accolades have flowed from all corners of the globe of course for a man who, along with Lady Justine Hogan, left an indelible stamp on the Thoroughbred World – Click HERE to read the full story

Interestingly enough, while I got to know Sir Patrick very well via racing circles over the past 20 years or so, my first meeting with him back around 1990 had nothing to do with racing. I had a business colleague who was providing financial advice to Sir Patrick and he called upon me to give input to Sir Patrick in my specialty field at that time, which was estate planning. We had a great meeting at Cambridge Stud and as the meeting came to a close, I mentioned to Sir Patrick about my lifelong interest in racing and how over the previous couple of years I had raced my first horse, TempleQuay, who had won five races for me. He picked up on that and said “That’s interesting, let me show Sir Tristram to you” and so without further ado, he took us over to the stallion barn, got the mighty Sir Tristram out of his box, paraded him and told us the Sir Tristram story. Notable that at that time Sir Tristram was not only the leading Stallion in NZ, but also in Australia.

Sir Patrick was real gentleman to the end, he will be sorely missed.

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Butch went against the Fortuna runner, Rubicon Crossing, last week, selecting Codigo, to beat her – the two of them fought out the finish and galling though it was for us to see Rubicon Crossing run 2^nd, it was a great result for those who followed Butch’s lead – he is now three wins from four selections – well done Butch – I think we will keep you on!!!

Here is what Butch selects for us this week

“Dear John and Team While all the focus Saturday will be at Pukekohe, it is to Trentham we go in search of a winner. The Alan Sharrock trained Tavattack (Race 7 No 3) looks ready to strike. A very good run resuming at Otaki will have him primed for a big effort up to 1400m, a distance he has won at twice. Kelsy Hannan is riding well at the moment and her 2kg claim will see Tavattack go around with just 54kg. Opened at $3(which didn’t last long) the $2.8 is still well worth a play. Best of luck. Butch”

Fortuna acquires a Super Seth Yearling Filly at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Published 16 January 2023

Note that since we purchased, our new Filly has had a significant pedigree upgrade – that because in Race 1 at Rosehill on Saturday, the 2yo Colt, Red Resistance (Russian Revolution – Heatherly) won in impressive fashion on debut – Heatherly, a Group 2 winner, is a half sister to Dark Heather, the dam of our new filly. Click HERE to see result and replay. If our Filly had gone through the ring at Saturday evening’s session, she would have made a lot more money.

Our new Filly is an early August foal, is bound to run as a 2yo, but also has the scope to develop into a lovely 3yo – don’t miss this one!!!

Registered for the Magic Millions Race Series – here are the races she will be eligible to be nominated for

January 2024 – the A$3m Magic Millions Classic for 2yo’s 1200m
May 2024 – the A$1m National 2yo Classic 1000m
January 2025 – the A$3m Magic Millions Guineas
January 2025 – the A$3m 1100m 3yo Sprint – note this is a new race
Subsequent years she will be eligible for any of the A$1m races for older horses on the Magic Millions Carnival Day

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

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

Super Seth – Dark Heather Yearling Filly

I had been at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale since Monday 9th and on Friday 13th, we got lucky and acquired a lovely Filly from the first crop of the Stallion, Super Seth, out of the unraced Cape Blanco Mare, Dark Heather. Dark Heather is a half sister to Heatherley (by Lonhro), who won 6 times, including the Group 2 VRC Rubiton Stakes, two other Listed races in Melbourne and was 2nd in the Group One VRC Moir Stakes and had three other Group and Listed placings as well.

Sire Super Seth (by Dundeel) who stands at Waikato Stud for a fee of $35k was a super racehorse. His imposing career on the racetrack was headlined by a dazzling victory in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, with the son of Dundeel striking a chord early when winning his first two juvenile starts, including a 6l victory on debut. He returned as 3-year-old to win the G3 McNeil Stakes before defeating boom Queenslander Alligator Blood in the Caulfield Guineas. Resuming after a spell, he then added the Gr.3 Manfred Stakes to his winning record before finishing runner-up against the older horses in the G1 Futurity Stakes.

This was his first crop of yearlings being offered at this sale and he was well received by buyers, with seven lots selling for an average of A$230k and a top price of A$450k

Super Seth – Dark Heather Yearling Filly

Click HERE to see this lovely Filly parading

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

This Filly was on Mark Walker’s pre sale list – Mark had inspected all of the Parade Videos ahead of the sale and then given that list to David Ellis and Marcus Corban, who conducted physical inspections at the Sales ground, eliminating those that did not meet their physical criteria. Those left on the list then had their X Rays and scopes read by Waikato Equine Vet, Dr Jack O’Brien, which led to further eliminations and those left were then physically inspected by Jack – our Filly passed muster at every step.

As you know we always buy to budget and given that the Sales average so far is over A$300k, our budget (A$120k) seemed to be a bit “meagre”, but as always, we remained patient – this lovely strong Filly was very much in our sights and we are more than happy to own her. We have had great success out of this Sale over the years with every single one of our purchases to date being winners.

A very early foal (13th August 2021) we think she can be a runner as a 2yo but has plenty of scope to develop into a lovely 3yo. She will be on a plane to NZ within the next two weeks, she will go to Te Akau Stud for 6 – 8 weeks in the paddock ahead of being broken in

And as you will no doubt be aware, any purchase out of this sale is eligible for the Magic Millions Race Series – a Series that is going from strength to strength – see below more details on that

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

Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2024, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k

10% share $19,600, 5% share $9,800, 2.5% share $4,900, 1% share $1960 with ongoing costs from 1 April 2023 @$44 per month per each 1% share

Paperwork will be finalised over the next few days but we are taking expressions of interest and now is your chance to “express interest” in this filly and if you do, you will be guaranteed a share (subject to you perusing and approving our final paperwork) – you may recall that we sold out our Lonhro Filly “Ebony” within 3 hours last September and our 2022 Magic Millions purchase Rubicon Crossing (who won on debut) sold out very quickly also – simply register interest by responding to this update via the link HERE advising the percentage that you would like to put your hand up for

See below the info on the Magic Millions Race Series – our Filly will be enrolled for this Series

Magic Millions announce major prizemoney and programme enhancements to their race day Carnival from 2024

As readers are no doubt aware, The Magic Millions race day run in the middle of January (14^th Jan this year) features a complete card of races for which only horses acquired at the Magic Million Yearling sales are eligible. The Magic Millions Raceday, already the only raceday in the Southern Hemisphere to stage eight million-dollar plus races on one card, will receive additional funds beginning next year. This raceday started seven years ago with A$10 in prizemoney and in 2023 Raceday prizemoney has increased to $11.75 million

In a major press release Monday 9^th Jan the following announcements were made

2024 – Total Magic Millions Raceday prizemoney will increase to $14.25 million.
2024 – Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas prizemoney increasing to $3 million each.
2024 – The new $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000 metres) to be run on the Gold Coast during the Magic Millions National Sale in May.
2025 – The introduction of Friday night racing will include a new $3 million slot race exclusively for 3-year-old sprinters over 1100 metres, to be held the night before the renowned raceday.

The full Press Release can be seen HERE

Friday Flash – 13th January 2023

Published 13 January 2023

Headline News;

Magic Millions announce major prizemoney and programme enhancements to their race day Carnival from 2024

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Fortuna has two runners this week, both in New Zealand

SOPRANO SUPREME contests the Rating 87 1600 at Tauranga today – Race 8 @ 4.35pm and will be ridden by Michael McNab on what will be a testing track. A fast finishing 3^rd in the Manawatu Cup in December had Soprano on track to race in the Karaka Stayers Cup at Pukekohe 21^st January. However she has done so well since her last start that Mark Walker decided she should have a lead up run over a shorter trip ahead of that race. May well be too short for her today, but she will be rattling home at the finish and is a chance of a top 3 finish

RUBICON CROSSING runs in the (Listed) Wellesley Stakes over 1100m at Trentham on Saturday 14^th – Race 3 @ 1.47 and will be ridden by Craig Grylls from the outside draw in a field of eight runners. She ran a bold 2^ndin a similar event. Meets a smart field of 2yos here and will need some luck from the draw, but has the gate speed to cross and can take a sit if need be. Represents a good top 3 chance here

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 10th January

Navalha (T Harris) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.08.2, home in 37.7.

Wednesday 11^th January

Rubicon Crossing (H Durrant) galloped over an easy 1000 metres, final 600 in 41.2.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 7^th Jan

Elliot Ness (Jerlyn) – 800/600 40; Trident (Jamil) – 1000/600 40;

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Other News

Magic Millions announce major prizemoney and programme enhancements to their race day Carnival from 2024

As readers are no doubt aware, The Magic Millions race day run in the middle of January (14^th Jan this year) features a complete card of races for which only horses acquired at the Magic Million Yearling sales are eligible. The Magic Millions Raceday, already the only raceday in the Southern Hemisphere to stage eight million-dollar plus races on one card, will receive additional funds beginning next year. This raceday started seven years ago with A$10 in prizemoney and in 2023 Raceday prizemoney has increased to $11.75 million
In a major press release Monday 9^th Jan the following announcements were made

2024 – Total Magic Millions Raceday prizemoney will increase to $14.25 million.
2024 – Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas prizemoney increasing to $3 million each.
2024 – The new $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000 metres) to be run on the Gold Coast during the Magic Millions National Sale in May.
2025 – The introduction of Friday night racing will include a new $3 million slot race exclusively for 3-year-old sprinters over 1100 metres, to be held the night before the renowned raceday.

The full Press Release can be seen HERE

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Guest Selector – Andrew Castles

Butch made it two from three with Bruno Magile winning the last at Kumara last Saturday, aided by a clever ride from Lily Sutherland and paying $4.80 on the tote

Here is what Butch selects for us this week

“Dear John and Team – this week I am, unfortunately, taking on a Fortuna runner at Trentham. I think Codigo (race three number one) is a very smart two year old and can make it two from two on Saturday. His debut win from a wide gate at Matamata was very good when narrowly beating the talented Filly, She Turns Heads – they ran nearly 1 second quicker than the other two-year-old race on the card. Aided by the ace draw. I expect this classy son of Ardrossan to be too quick for what is a tidy field. The $2.80 on offer will run through my multiples. Best of luck. Butch”

Friday Flash – 6th January 2023

Published 6 January 2023

Headline News;
Mark Walker on fire – 100 winners for the season to date now in close reach

Singapore Racing for the 2023 Season gets under way Saturday 7^th January

John to attend Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast commencing 10^th January

Fortuna buying strategy for 2023 takes shape

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Fortuna has three runners this weekend, two in NZ and one in Singapore

LEADERBOARD contests the Marton Cup (Listed) 2200m at Trentham Saturday 7^th Race 7 @ 4.48pm – Michael McNab to ride. His last start saw him put in a dogged effort to run 5^th in the NZ Cup at Riccarton, Then freshened, he trialed nicely over 100m at Matamata 23^rd December. On a path toward the Wellington Cup 28^th Jan. This trip is probably too short for him but he enjoys it wet and may strike a wet track on Saturday. Should be rattling home strongly if the rain comes

MOHAWK BRAVE runs in the R75 1500m event at Pukekohe Park Sunday 8^th Jan – Race 7 @ 4.08pm – Opie Bosson to ride. Has struck form of late with an unlucky 3^rd at Hastings and a strong finishing 2^nd off a wide gate at Otaki. Draws well here in gate 4 and has that man in the saddle – represents a very good each way chance here

ENTERTAINER resumes in the Kranji Stakes A event 1100m Polytrack – Race 11 @ 5pm Singapore time (10pm NZT) Stable apprentice Jamil to ride, claiming 4kgs – an eight time winner in Singapore, he has won 7 times at this trip and surface, but not in this grade. On paper he should find this grade a bit rich, but will carry just 48.5kgs with the claim, has an inside draw and loves to lead – if he can get a soft lead, he has a chance of featuring in the finish here

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

1st Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (4)

One of our most improved gallopers in the past 12 months. He can sit off a nice cruising speed and finish it off in nice style as well. Nunes on and draws well in barrier 5. His trial last week was exceptional.

2nd Pick: ROCKET STAR (2)

This gelding always catches the eye and has had his fair share of issues that has plagued his career. He is one for one at this distance and gets Duric in the saddle. He will get back but watch him fly late.

3rd Pick: ENTERTAINER (12)

Impressive course and distance record which has dropped away in the past six months. He is aided by a 4kg claim and a nice inside draw. If he can get a nice run, he might finish in the money at odds.

4th Pick: SURPASS NATURAL (3)

Gets a horror draw from barrier 12 so the apprentice rider will have to be very tactical and try for some cover. He can rattle off some good sectionals off a hot speed.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 31 Dec

Brutus (Jerlyn) – 800/600 39; Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 37; Kinppenberg (Yusoff)– 800/600 37; Rocky (Yusoff) – 1000/600 38;

Wednesday 3^rd Jan

Brutus (Jerlyn) – 800/600 39; Trident (Jamil) – 1000/600 39.5; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 37.5; Briggs (Awah) – 800/600 40.5; Knippenberg(Aslam) – 800/600 37; Rocky (Aslam) – 800/600 38.5;

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Other News

Mark Walker on fire – 100 winners for the season to date now in close reach

Yes, incredible though it sounds, Mark Walker appears to be unstoppable in his quest for a 10^th Training Premiership with 95 winners (including 15 Stakes winners) for the current season to date with still almost 7 months of the season to run. Amazingly, Mark is 56 wins clear of the 2^nd placed Trainer, Stephen Marsh. And to put things in perspective, at the same time last season, Jamie Richards was leading the 2021/22 season premiership with 57 wins.

Mark, as always is very modest about his achievements and will deflect praise to David and Karyn for buying so many talented gallopers and also to his stable staff, who put in a devoted and determined effort and, no doubt these things are true, but there is also no doubt that Mark is completely dedicated to his profession and brings many years of experience and horse knowledge to the task at hand.

We are certainly very lucky to have such a “Master Craftsman” at the Te Akau helm.

Singapore Racing for the 2023 Season gets under way Saturday 7^th January

A gap of 6 weeks since the last race day at Kranji in late November has seen all horses have a freshen up and many have been back in work for the last four weeks or so. There is a real buzz among Trainers, Riders, Stable Staff and Owners as some significant announcements around prizemoney and race scheduling were made toward the end of the season. Singapore Trainers were very active at the three Ready To Run Sales held in Australia and NZ October and November with a significant number of new horses acquired for Singapore racing.

Our Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, had an exceptional first season at the helm of the Te Akau operation, finishing in 2^nd place and, as with other Singapore Trainers, Donna was very active at the 2yo sales and has a number of young horses joining her team. Donna kicks off the new season with 6 runners on Saturday

As readers would be well aware, Fortuna Racing has been active in Singapore since 2010 and despite the traumas of Covid, we have had two very good seasons in 2021 (19 wins) and 2022 (18 wins. Our Stable Star, King Arthur, has now won 9 times in Singapore and accumulated around S$450k in prizemoney. Entertainer has won 8 times and also has accumulated well over $300k and they are well supported by Brutus, Deception, Trident, Elliot Ness and Rocky, all Singapore winners. Briggs and Our Final Offer are yet to open their Singapore account, and we have two brand new horses yet to have their first starts, the 3yo Knippenberg and the 2yo “Rhett” by Charm Spirit out of Thurlow.

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John to attend Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast commencing 10^th January

This sale has built and built in popularity in recent years, no doubt helped by the hugely successful Magic Millions Race Day run at the same time with over A$11m of prizemoney on offer, with all races being restricted to graduates of previous years sales. Fortuna has not been a been a big buyer at this sale but all of our purchases from this sale over the years have won for us, Handsome Rebel, Meteoric Lass, Dancarina and our acquisition from last year’s sale, Rubicon Crossing

No question that yearlings at this sale are not “easy” to buy, and as you know we always “buy to budget” however, as we proved last year with Rubicon Crossing, it is possible (with no little dedicated research) to fund one or two that sneak under the radar. We are aiming to buy another nicely bred and well conformed Filly this year. My 12 year old son, James, is coming along on this trip as my apprentice – it is certainly time for him to be learning about this most important part of our business – thoroughbred selection and acquisition

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Fortuna buying strategy for 2023 takes shape

Given the upcoming Magic Millions Sale, not to mention the NZ Bloodstock Karaka Sale coming up at the end of January, I thought it worthwhile to outline our overall buying strategy for the 2023 calendar year.

As readers are no doubt aware, Fortuna Racing is a “boutique” syndicator, usually restricting our purchases to around 12 per annum and we like to mix these purchases up with yearlings, Ready to Run 2yos, tried horses (aged 2 or 3) from the Digital Sales for Singapore and staying types from the UK sales.

So the physical sales I plan to attend over the next few weeks are as follows;

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale 10^th to 16^th Jan – target – a Yearling Filly

Karaka Yearling Sale 29^th January to 3^rd February – target – a Yearling Colt or Filly who has the potential to run as a 2yo, plus two other Fillies that have staying type pedigrees.

Inglis Classic Sale – Sydney 12^th to 14^th February – target – a Yearling Filly (this sale will also feature the sale of our very first Breeding Syndicate Yearling – the filly by Xtravagant out of Secret Spice – lot 43)

Then we have the Inglis Digital Sales – these are run twice a month throughout the year and have been a happy hunting ground for us over the last three of four years in buying “tried” horses that go to race in Singapore. We have had significant success with the like of Federation, Red Rover, Brutus, Hadeer, Entertainer, Elliot Ness, Deception and King Arthur, all of whom are multiple winners, each with six figure earnings off relatively low purchase prices. Sure, we have had two or three failures as well, but on balance, it has been a highly successful buying strategy and we are going to continue the process during 2023 with the aim of buying two or three suitable candidates during the year.

UK Sales – traditionally, we have bought at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale in October, where we bought Leaderboard (2018), Khafeef (2019), No Envy (2021), all of whom have won for us. The objective here is to buy types with stout UK/Irish pedigrees that we think can make “Cups Type” stayers. We were not successful in making an acquisition at the 2022 sale – we bid on three that we had identified but got outbid by the big spending Australian syndicators/trainers who have incredibly deep pockets.

Last year in May, we acquired an unraced 2yo Colt by Churchill out of a Monsun mare at the Guineas Breeze Up Sale (this is like a Ready To Run Sale). Now named My Finest Hour, we left him in the UK to be prepared by the young Newmarket Trainer, Harry Eustace. The strategy here was to have Harry prepare him as a UK Derby prospect in the first instance and then, depending on how he went as a 3yo, then look to bring him down to Australia and have him prepared for staying type races in that jurisdiction. Now a 3yo (as of 1 Jan), he is yet to debut, but has shown us a lot of promise in his early preparation.

This strategy seems to have a lot of merit and so we are looking to repeat it in 2023 at that May sale

Magic Millions National Yearling Sale – Gold Coast – June 2023 – target – a Yearling Filly

Ready To Run Sales – traditionally, there are three of these in Australasia, the Magic Millions 2yo Sale, the Inglis Ready2Race Sale and the NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale – these are all held during October and November and this year we bought a Colt by Charm Spirit for Singapore racing at Inglis and a Filly for NZ Racing at Karaka – and we will probably follow a similar pattern in 2023.

To summarise, there are plenty of options available for our clients – as always, as soon as we buy something, we publish details in an email update to all on our mailing list (in excess of 1200 people) and on our website.

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Guest Selector – Butch Castles

Butch was unable to make it two in a row for us with his New Years Day selection running a competitive 4^th for us although I did note that the first 4 paid a whopping $24k so there may be one or two readers who scored a bit of that.

Here is what Butch selects for us this week

“Dear John and Team – It doesn’t matter where the winner comes from as long as it wins!! I have ventured South to the iconic Kumara Nuggets meeting for this weeks tip. It has been an up and down week on the Coast with the meeting Thursday abandoned after a horses slipped in the first but with rain and a Soft7 track Friday morning it should be all systems go for Saturday at Kumara.

Kevin Myers is synonymous with racing on the Coast circuit and it is to him we turn to invest our hard earned. I did the tapes from Greymouth on Tuesday and found Race 8 No 1 Bruno Magile. Ridden back Tuesday he had no luck in the straight on a track that was probably firmer than what he would prefer. The run resuming at Hawera was very good and with the 3kg claim of Lily Sutherland he will be very hard to beat. I think the bookies got his price wrong at the original quote of $4.8 which has now trimmed up to $3.8 but even that represents good shopping!! Butch”

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In closing, there has been a lot of publicity and a strong stench from the cryptocurrency sector of late – Readers may be aware of my long background in the Financial Services sector so I sought some input so as to explain to Readers just how Crypto-Currency works … an analogy in layman’s terms.

A merchant found a lot of monkeys that lived near a certain village. He went to the village, saying he wanted to buy these monkeys, at $100 each. The villagers thought that this man must be crazy – How can somebody buy stray monkeys at $100 each ?

Still, some people caught some monkeys, and gave them to this merchant, and he gave $100 for each monkey. This news spread like wildfire, and people caught monkeys, and sold them to the merchant. After a few days, the merchant announced that he would buy monkeys at $200 each. Even the lazy villagers ran around to catch the remaining monkeys ! They sold the monkeys at $200 each.

The merchant then announced that he would buy monkeys for $500 each ! The villagers start to lose sleep ! They caught six or seven monkeys, which was all that was left, and got $500 for each. The villagers were waiting anxiously for the next announcement.

Then the merchant announced that he was going on holiday for a week, but, when he returned, he would buy monkeys at $1000 each ! He also said that his employee would be in charge, and would take care of the monkeys he had bought, pending his return. The merchant went on holiday.

The villagers were frantic and very sad, as there were no more monkeys left for them to sell it at $1000 each, as was promised by the merchant. Then the merchant’s employee contacted them, and told them that he would secretly sell them some monkeys at $700 each. The news spread like wildfire ! As the merchant promised on his return that he would buy monkeys at $1000 each, they would achieve a $300 profit for each monkey.

The next day the villagers queued up near the monkey cage. The employee sold all the monkeys at $700 each. The wealthy bought monkeys in large lots. The poor borrowed money from money lenders, and bought the rest of the monkeys.

The villagers took care of their monkeys, and waited for the merchant to return. However, nobody came ….. They ran to find the employee ….. He was not to be found! The villagers then realised that they had been duped, buying the useless stray monkeys at $700 each, and were now unable to sell them !

This Monkey Business is now known as Crypto currency !