Headline News;

Queen Elizabeth II, arguably the world’s greatest cheerleader for thoroughbred racing is no longer with us and we mourn her passing

Singapore’s most improved racehorse in 2022, King Arthur, resumes at Kranji this coming Saturday

Fortuna acquires a Lonhro two-year-old filly at the recent Magic Million online sale –  all of her shares fully committed within three hours of being promoted by us

Fortuna has six runners Friday and Saturday –  three in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

Friday

MADAME MOET contests the R65 1800 metre event at Taupo – Race 2 @ 1.02pm – Opie Bosson to ride. A last start winner in R60 grade at Matamata 7^th September she steps up in trip and grade to contest this event. A strong winner at Matamata in Maiden Grade at 1600m last January and believing that distance races can be within her reach, this race is somewhat of an “experiment” to see if she can run the 1800m out. Third up this campaign and in good form, if she can see out the trip, she can feature here

Saturday

NAVALHA runs in the R65 1200 down the Riccarton chute – Race 4 at 2.05pm with Opie Bosson aboard – winning his first two NZ starts in succession in the 2020/22 season, he struck soundness issues and ran well at a handful of starts in the 2021/22 season but without winning – ran a solid 3^rd placing at Taupo on resuming and is poised to run well here – query over track conditions but if he handles, he is a top 3 chance

LEADERBOARD runs at New Plymouth in the Interprovincial Championship – an Open Handicap over 1800m – Race 7 @ 4.08pm – Lisa Allpress to ride – battled home when resuming 1600m at Matamata at a trip too short, he is an out and out stayer who is heading to the NZ Cup – has been kept on the fresh side for this trip and will be running home strongly with just 54kgs to carry. It is a very competitive field and the distance is short of his best but can feature in the placings

Singapore

BRIGGS makes his Singapore debut in the Open Maiden 1000m Polytrack event – Race 2 @ 4.30pm NZT with Jake Baylis to ride. A strapping long striding galloper this son of Rubick has had two Singapore trials for a win and a head bobbing 2^nd – meets a field here that is not overly strong but has a slightly trick draw to contend with from the 1000m start –  represents a very strong each way chance and can win this.

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

1st Pick: LUCKY CHARM (10)
Far from disgraced in first run at the grade over 1100m. Blinker on first time this weekend, should take natural improvement and be hard to beat.
2nd Pick: BRIGGS (1)
One seen once at the trials ahead of Singapore debut. Led the field up and was nabbed on the line late but he wasn’t asked for too much late in the trial by the rider. Should get a good guide on this horse’s ability here.
3rd Pick: KINABALU PRINCE (3)
Last start third was a decent performance. Draw a slight concern but he looks among the hopes.
4th Pick: GREAT COMMAND (2)
Back to 1000m looks ideal for this speedster. Third up we should see him peak fitness wise but he may have to work a bit early from the wide draw to find the top. Keep safe.

ENTERTAINER runs in the Class 3 1000m Polytrack event – Race 4 at 2pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) – will be ridden from a handy draw by leading Singapore Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff – a 7 time winner in Singapore, he has been an enigmatic performer in 2022, being badly out of form, but gear changes last start saw him run a close up 2^nd – has not won at this trip and may be looking for further, but hard to discount and can easily run in the money here

KING ARTHUR contests the Class 1 1100m Poly event – Race 9 @  4pm Singapore time (8pm NZT) – will be ridden from gate  3 by leading  Singapore Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff – the most improved horse in Singapore in 2022 having gone from a rating of 62 to 102 currently. Resuming from a freshen up after his bold 2^nd in the Group One Lion City Cup 18^thAugust. May need this run as his prime target is the Class 1 1200 Turf 2^nd October and is giving a lot of weight to some handy gallopers – but don’t discount as is always a winning chance

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

1st Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (6)
Returned to the trials in a big way clocking an impressive 58.91. He has risen through the ratings since joining the stable and looks to have plenty of support this weekend. Gets in well with Hakim and a light weight.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (2)
Was a very brave second in the G1 Lion City Cup being beaten just under a length to Lim’s Kosciuszko. He gets back to the Polytrack where he has recorded six of his eight wins.
3rd Pick: SURPASS NATURAL (3)
He is unbeaten over this course and distance and returns first up since April of last year. May need the run but is a classy galloper when he is right. Four-kilogram claimer booked to ride.
4th Pick: KHARISMA (1)
Joint top-rated galloper in this field. Although his form hasn’t been great at his last few attempts. His best performances can see him bounce back. Form is temporary, class is permanent.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  13^th September

Madame Moet (O Bosson) worked over an easy 1000 metres, home in 41.80.

Wednesday 15th September

Leaderboard (C Grylls) worked together over an easy 1200 metres, home in 41.33.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  10th September

Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 600 38.5; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39; Brutus (Yusoff) – 1000/600 38; Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39;; Briggs (Aslam) – 1000/600 37; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – Steady 40; Hadeer (Jake) – 1000/600 39;

Tuesday  13th September

King Arthur (Yusoff) – 800/600 40; Deception (Simon Kok) – 1000/600 38

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Other News

Queen Elizabeth II, probably the world’s greatest cheerleader for thoroughbred racing is no longer with us and we mourn her passing

Our late Queen was truly passionate about her racing – she would often astound the “experts with her in depth knowledge of pedigrees and she would always put in a call to her Trainers before any one of her runners competed to get the “oil”. A famous story about her was that on one occasion, a policeman standing guard outside her drawing room at Buckingham Palace had to burst into the room because he could hear the Queen screaming and thought she was being attacked, only to find that she was screaming at the TV as she was watching one of her runners compete.

Her Majesty won four of the five Classic races on the Great Britain Racing Calendar, the 1000 Guineas, the 2000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger – sadly she didn’t ever win the 5^th, the Derby, but did manage to run a 2^nd and a 3^rd in that great race.

Click HERE to see the Queen’s reaction to her horse Estimate winning the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup – those of us who have had the privilege to win great races (or indeed any race) will identify with the pure joy exhibited by the Queen on this occasion.

Amazingly, the late Queen had her last winner on Tuesday 6^th of September, the day she swore in Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister and just two days before her death. Throughout her long life, she enjoyed winning more than 1800 races as an Owner or Breeder.

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Singapore’s most improved racehorse in 2022, King Arthur, resumes at Kranji this coming Saturday – see the story below from Singapore Racing writer Larry Foley

Everyone in racing loves a good omen and in a week where the United Kingdom crowns a new monarch – King Charles III – Singapore’s most improved horse – King Arthur – is hoping to continue his royal run of form in Saturday’s $100,000 Class 1 race over 1100m on the Polytrack. Remarkably, the now five-year-old started this season off a rating of 62 when he won in Class 4 Company on January 2, before being narrowly beaten (0.8 lengths) at his last start in the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m). Then, his rating increased to 102. That ascent to the top echelon of the Singapore sprinting ranks in one calendar year included another five wins and a couple of placings. Trainer Donna Logan reckons the honest King Arthur has more to offer before the 2022 season comes to a close.

A model of consistency, King Arthur (Yusoff Fadzli) will line up in the Class 1 race over 1100m on Saturday.

“We thought he was a progressive type back when he was running in Class 4 company but he’s definitely shown he’s much more than that,” said Logan on Tuesday. “His first six wins were on the Poly(track) but he really hit his straps at the top level when we got him going on the turf.”

Indeed, since his last Polytrack win in a Class 3 race on May 8, the Fortuna NZ Racing Stable star has shown his class at the top level with three exceptional turf runs; two wins at Class 2 and Class 1 company on 18 June and 17 July respectively, and his second placing at Group 1 level on August 14. This Saturday, he meets a field that includes the resuming Lucky Jinsha – who incidentally won in Class 3 company on the Polytrack (April 2) when King Arthur missed a place (fourth) for the only time in 2022 – so it will be a serious test for the son of I Am Invincible.

“There’s not many races for him coming up so this will be a real pipe-opener fresh after the Lion City (Cup),” explained Logan. “He’s always trying and he’s super honest but he’s not 100% wound up for this. So whatever happens, this race will bring him on immensely. There’s a turf race on October 2 (Class 1 race over 1200m) and that’s where he’s headed. He’s up in the weights now (59kgs on Saturday) so (apprentice jockey) Yusoff (Fadzli) will claim 2kgs off him and a lot will depend on the barrier draw (on Wednesday). But he will give his best; he always does.”

And what of that ‘oh-so-close’ run in the Lion City Cup? “I really expected him to be right in the money in that race,” continued Logan of what would have been a remarkable victory at Group 1 Weight-For-Age level given King Arthur’s swift rise through the grades. “Maybe if (jockey) Blake (Shinn) had ridden him before he may have gone a fraction later but it’s hard to fault him (Shinn). The winner (Lim’s Kosciuszko) is a top horse and we almost pinched it. He (King Arthur) will get another chance next year – we are already preparing and looking forward to it – and hopefully he can go one better.”

Logan – who is enjoying a breakout season in Singapore and currently sits just two wins behind leader Tim Fitzsimmons (47 wins) on the 2022 trainers’ premiership – has another nine horses entered for Saturday but also has one eye on turf racing returning the following week.

“A lot of our horses seem to prefer the turf so we can’t wait for the 24th (September), but in saying that, we have some solid chances on Saturday,” she said. Briggs (running in the $20,000 Maiden race over 1000m) is an interesting runner. He’s been here just over a year but got an injury very early when he was with (ex-Kranji trainer) Mark (Walker). So it’s good to see him get to the races. He’s a nice, strong and big striding type, so (jockey) Jake (Bayliss) will ride him and he should be thereabouts.”

Of the trainers’ title race, Logan had other things on her mind but was happy to be in the conversation. “Look, I’m rapt for the team as they put in the work and its just rewards for them,” said the only female trainer plying her trade at Kranji. But if it happens, it happens and I’m not living day-to-day thinking about it. At the end of the day, it may be whoever gets some fresh legs in their stable before the season finishes and we just continue doing our job.”

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Fortuna acquires a Lonhro two-year-old filly at the recent Magic Million online sale –  all of her shares fully committed within three hours of being promoted by us

Readers who read our Breaking News update last Monday morning would be aware of the “back story” to this acquisition – how we were outbid for her at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale in June and then due to a bizarre set of circumstances, she was re-offered at last weeks Magic Millions online Sale and this time we were successful. Within 3 hours of the update going out, all of her shares were fully committed and since then I have added another 75% to the “reserve list”  so in fact we could have sold her twice almost!!!

“Ebony” is a lovely physical type with a great pedigree page and we look forward to seeing what she can do on the racetrack – she arrives in NZ on the 18^th September. We have made a list of those clients who have missed out on getting a share in her and when we acquire our next horse, that group of clients will be given priority

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ multi last week brought no joy – Here is what Des has to say this week:

Hi John and the Fortuna Team

I don’t like making excuses so I will address the facts surrounding the three horse multi last week at Hastings. Hastings’s moisture reader may well have been a break point for many runners  and it was clear that Imperatriz, the $1.50 anchor in almost everyone’s multi was as sixes and sevens on the testing footing. I doubt whether we will see her running on a heavy 10 again this season. Under the circumstances it was meritorious 4th. I won’t be dropping her and neither should you.

The judiciary has ordered a follow up for our first leg of the multi, Little Joe, who clearly wasn’t on his game. Opie Bosson, the rider, commented on hearing “respiratory noises” and it’ll be a cautious watch next time while our other leg  Cork fought bravely behind the all the way leader, Deerfield but to my eye she was a little flat footed over the 1600m and may well be looking for 2000m next time.

Let’s turn the page and consider this weekend’s selection in Blackwood Star in race 8 at New Plymouth. She’s been very good in his last two and has hit the line solidly both times in amateur riders events. Two starts ago she was standing the leaders up at least 20 lengths at Waverley and did exceptionally well to run into second. She was ridden a little closer to the pace in a similar race at Te Rapa and momentarily hit the front half way up the straight before being outmuscled over the last 100m to wind up second again.

It’ll be a hard slog on Saturday but not as tough as it has been on this track in recent times. The sun will be out during the latter part of the week with temperatures spring-like . It is, however, the longest flat race in the country over 3210 metres and as it is the last race on the programme it’ll surely be the survival of the fittest. She’s only had 7 starts and is clearly on the improve. The 3kgs claim as such will be a massive asset, too, with promising apprentice Faye Lazet in the saddle.

The odds of $7 and $2.50 are good enough for me on an each way basis.

Good punting!

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).

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Headline News;
Fortuna opened its 2022/23 NZ Season account with two winners on 3^rd September RUBICON CROSSING at Wanganui and DANCARINA at Riccarton, recording 30 wins in total In NZ, Australia and Singapore for the 2022 Calendar Year, equalling our 2021 total for the full year.

Madame Moet wins for the 2^nd time at Matamata 7^th September

Te Akau Racing, once again, dominates at the annual NZ Horse of The Year Awards receiving 10 awards

Kevin Myers, who also trains for Fortuna, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Racing

Another Award worth mentioning was Michael McNab, who as well as being crowned Champion Jockey, was also awarded the much sought Jockey Of The Year Award

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Fortuna has two runners this weekend –  one in NZ and one in Singapore

New Zealand

KHAFEEF contests the R75 2000m event at Hastings – Race 1 at 11.50 pm and will be ridden by Ryan Elliot. This is his 2^nd start back since resuming at Hawera over 1600m, but striking an unsuitable heavy track on the day. Usually competitive in this sort of event and on a path toward the NZ Cup in November – query on Heavy track, but if handling it will be finishing off strongly at generous odds

Singapore

OLYMPIA contests the Class 5 1000 Poly event Saturday 10^th and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff claiming 2kgs. A nice 3^rd last start after getting carted off the track on the turn and down the straight – loves this trip and almost always finishes in the money – Top 3 chance and can win

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  6^th September

Mohawk Brave (C Grylls) worked over an easy 1000 metres, home in 42.3.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  3rd September

Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 600 39: Olympia (Jamil) – 1000/600 36.5; Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39; Speedy Missile (Yusoff) – 1000/600 38.5; Trident (Jake Bayliss) – 800/600 37

Tuesday  7th September

Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 600 38.5; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 800/600 38.5;; Hadeer (Jake) – 800/600 41; Super Posh (Jake Bayliss) – 800/609 41;

Other News

Fortuna opened its 2022/23 NZ Season account with two winners on 3^rd September – RUBICON CROSSING at Wanganui and DANCARINA at Riccarton, recording 30 wins in total of the 2022 Calendar Year, equaling our 2021 total for the full year. See the stories below

Fortuna Racing’s Two Year Old Filly RUBICON CROSSING wins on debut Wanganui Jockey Club 3rd September

Fortuna Four Year Old Racemare DANCARINA makes it two career wins with a powerful performance at Riccarton 3rd September

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Madame Moet wins for the 2^nd time at Matamata 7^th September – see story below

Fortuna Racemare MADAME MOET wins at Matamata 7th September – her 2nd career win

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Te Akau Racing, once again, dominates at the annual NZ Horse of The Year Awards receiving 10 awards – see story from NZTR website below

Outstanding mare Probabeel has joined an elite club with her second successive New Zealand          Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Award. The now retired daughter of Savabeel, who is preparing for life as a broodmare, gained more than half of the 57 votes cast to retain her title. Probabeel again was named Horse of the Year at a function in Hamilton on Sunday evening and since the award was introduced in 1971 is the 10^th horse to be a multiple winner. Sunline took the title four times with Show Gate, Rough Habit, Xcellent, Seachange, Mufhasa, Mongolian Khan, Bonneval and Melody Belle the other dual winners.

Probabeel’s achievement headlined a stellar evening for the powerhouse Te Akau operation as she was also named Champion Middle-Distance performer and Imperatriz acknowledged as the Champion Three-Year-Old, Maven Belle the Champion Two-Year-Old and Belle En Rouge and Self Obsession were NZB Filly of the Year co-winners. While Te Akau’s equine stars were honoured, so too were key past and present staff members.

Former Head Trainer Jamie Richards, now plying his trade in Hong Kong, was the Trainer of the Year having won the 2021/22 premiership, Joe Kamaruddin claimed the Apprentices’ Premiership and Nicole Shailer, now in the employ of current Te Akau trainer Mark Walker, was the Stablehand of the Year.

“We finished up with 10 awards and it was really well run by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and everybody seemed to have a great night,” Te Akau chief David Ellis said. “I am incredibly proud of the whole Te Akau team, it was a very happy evening. We had a lot of our senior staff there and it was fantastic for them to see all of their hard work paying off. It’s not much fun working with horses at this time of the year when it’s cold and wet and they all do it because they love the horses. It was great for us all to get there together and celebrate.”

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Kevin Myers, who also trains for Fortuna, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Racing

Kevin deliberately keeps a low profile and it was just great for me personally to see him receive this prestigious Award

Click HERE to see a “must watch” video clip of this remarkable horseman

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Another Award worth mentioning was Michael McNab, who as well as being crowned Champion Jockey, was also awarded the prestigious Jockey Of The Year Award

For me this was a special moment – Michael has had a well documented up and down career, but some important personal decisions made a couple of years ago has seen him climb to the top of the tree. Michael rode Melody Belle to win two of her Group One successes with two of the most exuberant winning post celebrations you could ever hope to see – he also rode Leaderboard to win the NZ St Leger for us earlier this year – he is a great bloke and he is special to all of us here at Fortuna Racing

Click HERE to see Michael receiving his Jockey of The Year Award

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ pick last week failed to fire – Here is what Des has to say this week:

Tardy out of the gates and slightly  over-racing aren’t excuses for the below expectation run by the “pick” El Attitude at Wanganui last week. Although he was the 4th quickest in the final sectionals there was little to enthuse over and while it’s always advisable never to drop our selections entirely next time  (we’ve had great follow ups in the past) I’d be taking  very light footsteps with this bloke for his pending engagements. For the record, while El Attitude, on the basis of its previous run at Woodville, was my value bet of the day at Wanganui  the corresponding value  bet at Riccarton on the same day  was Extrememiss who got the job done with real purpose for the 0900 line at 13 to one. Hopefully some of you prospered.

It’s great to see quality return to the track at Hastings on Saturday isn’t it  for not only the first group one of the season, the Tarzino, but for for the under-card as well? It’s just a pity the track is unlikely to recover from its existing heavy 10 and more rain may occur also on Saturday. I’ll be spending countless hours going over the Hastings form before my subsequent release to the public on Saturday morning with my top two on the 0900 line but in the meantime I’m being ambitious and aiming for a three-horse multi for the Fortuna team.

They are : Little Joe, race one, who looked effortless last time at Tauranga with a 4.5 lengths win with the third horse, Hit the Switch, a winner at Te Rapa on Sunday, some six lengths in arrears. His price at printing time is an attractive $3. Next on the multi is our good friend, Cork in race 4. The run was a lot better than the 12th place may indicate. She jumped away very awkwardly and settled well back. She was the quickest, can you believe, on the sectional time sheet over the last 600 and the third fastest over the 400 and 200. Her price is $3.60. Finally to the big one, the Tarzino and the best horse in Nz, Imperatriz should win for fun despite a few newcomers opposing the onslaught of some of the opposition she faced in the Foxbridge a fortnight ago. I’ll take the $1.50 on a multi any day of the week!

Add all these prices together and we end up with $23.80.  Worth a lazy tenner , don’t you think?

Good punting!

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).

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Headline News;

Melody Belle has her first foal
 
Mark Walker scores six winners at Taupo Midweek meeting

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Fortuna has four runners this weekend –  three resuming runners in NZ and one in Singapore
 
SOPRANO SUPREME resumes at Te Rapa on Saturday 27^th in the R75 1400 – Race 5 @ 3.08pm. Opie Bosson to ride. Enjoying a nice spell after her trip to the Queensland Carnival, she has pre-trained at Waiuku Beach, trialed nicely at Avondale and is set for a big season. This trip will be too short for her, but she will be rattling home at the end – can run into the money if the tempo is strong

LEADERBOARD resumes at Matamata on Sunday 28^th in the R75 1600 – Race 5 @ 2.25pm – Parma Singh takes 3kgs off his back – being set for a NZ Cup campaign, this trip may be too short, but he won an 1100m trial at Te Rapa 4^thAugust by 1.5 lengths easing down on the line – he is very fit and will relish the track conditions. Can finish in the money here

KHAFEEF is the 3^rd of our resumers – Sunday 28^th at Hawera – Race 4 @2.04pm – Lemmy Douglas with a 3kg claim gets to ride – won on this track 2000m in April when a Heavy 8, but then failed on a Heavy 10 at Te Rapa. Another who is preparing for a NZ Cup campaign, so this may be too short and will get a Heavy 10 track here. Caution required

ROCKY contests the Open Maiden 1100m Polytrack event – Race 5 @ 2pm Singapore Time (6pm NZT) with Jake Bayliss to ride. Winless from 3 previous starts but showing clear ability, he ran 2^nd last start behind a very talented galloper on debut, after blinkers were applied. Blinkers stay on and he is right in this – will probably start as a warm favourite and can win this

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

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  20^th August

Deception (Aiman) – 800/600 37;

Tuesday  23rd August

Rocky (Jake) – 800/600 41

Other News
 
Melody Belle has her first foal Saturday 20^th August

The now retired 14 time Group One winning race mare and dual New Zealand Horse Of The Year is now a proud broodmare after producing a lovely Filly by Yulong Farm’s Super Sire Written Tycoon

“We are absolutely thrilled with the first foal of Melody Belle,” said Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer, Sam Fairgray. “You could not get a better first foal. A super job by the mare.”

Melody Belle will be mated again with Written Tycoon when she comes into season

Mark Walker scores six winners at Taupo Midweek meeting
 
Te Akau Trainer Mark Walker put a big stake in the ground at the pivotal early Spring Taupo meeting, sending a big team of runners, producing 6 winners and several minor placings. Mark had returned from an 11 year stint in Singapore where he captured four Premierships to take over from Jamie Richards as Te Akau Head Trainer in New Zealand. Commencing his revised role on 1 April, Mark produced 24 winners at a strike rate of 5.17 at the tail end of the 2021/22 season. In the new 2022/23 season the nine time Trainers Premiership winner (5 in NZ, 4 in Singapore) has now delivered 10 wins at a Strike Rate of 5.5 for the powerful Te Akau Racing Stable. Remarkably, he is not yet the leading Trainer for the new season, that honour resting with the evergreen master Trainer, Kevin Myers with 11 wins. Kevin of course always has a lot of winners at this time of the year due to his powerful jumping team.

Early days of course, but Mark would have to be considered a warm favourite to secure his 10^th Training Premiership in the current season.

Fortuna Racing had 5 runners trained by Mark at Taupo, no winners but Malborough Bay (2^nd), Navalha (3^rd) and Mohawk Brave (4^th) all put in performances that marked them as quick improvers

Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 
Des’ pick last week delivered for us in strong style – Opie gave us a few anxious moments trundling along at the tail of the field off a moderate pace but got the job done in the end – Here is what Des has to say this week:

“Last week poor old New Plymouth had to pull the pin yet again on their meeting which left our first leg of our multi staying home! The good news, however, left our second leg, Sonofabutcher flying the flag for us and didn’t “The Butcher”  make mince meat of his rivals in the last at Ruakaka? Hopefully the eventual solo bet and the $3.50 Final Field odds price was rewarding enough for you all.

This week I’m focussing only the big race at Te Rapa, the Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate. I’m shooting for a quinella with the quality Te Akau runner, Imperatriz and the horse with the x-factor, Butler. Imperatriz is one that I reckon could win a group one in Australia or even a race like the $10m Golden Eagle in Sydney in October. She’s very special. She’s now won 8 of her 11 starts and she’s never been out of the money. She’s also unbeaten with two from two at the track. Opie Bosson is unbeaten on her as well.

While Te Rapa may we’ll be heavy it should be on the better side of a heavy 10 at the very worst. She handles any type of track but any improvement in the footing will be to her advantage.

Only once has Butler finished further back than second in 9 starts but he’s either been first or second in all his starts on left-handed tracks and is one from one at Te Rapa. He’s won four of his 5 starts at 1200m and he simply relishes wet ground. If Imperatriz is beaten, I reckon Butler could do it but in saying that I still believe, wet track and all, her group one background should be enough to repel his expected stern challenge. I’m banking on a $4 plus quinella.
Good punting! “

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).

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TRIDENT makes it back to back wins in Singapore Sunday 14^th AugustKING ARTHUR runs 2^nd in the Group One Lion City Cup

Donna Logan surges to the lead in the Singapore Trainer’s Premiership recording 4 wins on Sunday 14^th making it 41 wins for the season

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Fortuna has one runners this weekend  –   in Singapore

New Plymouth – Saturday 20^th August Meeting has been abandoned – LEADERBOARD, who was due to race there, remains in his box at Matamata 

Singapore – Sunday 21st August

OLYMPIA will contest the Class 5 1000 Poly – Race 9 @ 4pm Singapore time (8pm NZT) – will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 3kgs. Has had nine starts in the Fortuna Silks in 2022 for one win and seven prizemoney placings – he is no champion but is the model of consistency. This is his best distance – very unlucky last start getting chopped out with 150 metres to go – strong each way chance here

Taupo Wednesday 24th August

Five Fortuna runners to be nominated, MADAME MOET, MARLBOROUGH BAY, HAYATE, MOHAWK BRAVE and NAVALHA

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  16th August

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  13^th August

Briggs (Aslam) – 1000/600 38;

 

Other News

TRIDENT makes it back to back wins in Singapore Sunday 14^th August – see full story below from the Fortuna Racing website – note that TRIDENT had three starts in NZ for Fortuna in the spring of 2021 carrying the racing name POLARIS

TRIDENT, the 4yo Gelding by Deep Field out of Miss Fi simply proved too good for his opposition in the Novice 1400 metre event on the Turf at Singapore’s Kranji Racecourse. Torrential rain had delayed the start of the race by 25 minutes and caused some gloom in the camp as the view was that the horse may not appreciate the very wet going. However, in the capable hands of Australian hoop, Blake Shinn, TRIDENT (who carries the stable name “Bruno”) was soon to put those doubts to rest. Away nicely, but from a wide draw, Shinn eased his charge into a position one off the rail and slightly worse than mid field. The tempo was very quick and connections were a bit concerned as TRIDENT seemed to be drifting back in the field prior to turning, however Shinn had sensed what he had underneath him and was content to wait for the last run at them. On turning he spied a gap between two runners, but just as he went for it, one of those runners moved out sharply, causing Shinn to check his mount and then come off heels to get clear air. Once in the clear, TRIDENT really hit his straps, mounting a compelling run down the middle of the track, going to the line a clear winner with a 2 length margin over his stablemate, Montana Flash.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, had traveled from his New Zealand base for the race day and was hosting a crew of 18 Fortuna clients and guests on track. Interviewed by presenter Pat Comerford after the race, he was an excited Syndicate Manager “I have to say we were a bit gloomy pre race with just how the weather had played out, but that was a very satisfying win – Blake Shinn had  been singing the praises of Trident to me for a little while now and for him to produce back to back wins is a great thrill – lovely ride by Blake, he is the ultimate professional in how he can judge the tempo. And full marks to Donna Logan who has handled this horse so well ever since he arrived at her barn in early February”

Click HERE to see Blake Shinn’s post race comments

Trainer, Donna Logan, who took over from Mark Walker late in 2021 as Te Akau Racing’s Head Trainer in Singapore,  produced four winners on the day and has surged to the lead in the Singapore Trainers with 41 wins in the current season. After TRIDENT’S victory, she was a very happy handler. “That was a mighty win from a very promising horse, he has not put a foot wrong in his three Singapore starts to date and was superbly handled by Blake Shinn – fantastic to have John Galvin here on course with his group of Owners – I love training the Fortuna Racing runners – they have now had 14 wins in the current season and I am sure there is a lot more to come.”

TRIDENT, bred by Mrs H G & W G Bax & JML Bloodstock Ltd, was offered for sale at the 2020 Karaka Book One Sale by Blandford Lodge and was acquired by Davis Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $70,000 – initially prepared in NZ by Jamie Richards, and with the racename POLARIS, he had three starts in the Spring of 2021 for a 3rd and two 4ths – believing that he would be a 3yo who would benefit from a bit more maturity and development, Jamie recommended that his Ownership Group should consider relocating him to Singapore for his future racing career, a recommendation that was taken up by the majority of his ownership group. Trident has now had three Singapore starts for a 2nd and two wins and earned over S$94,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong KongNotable also that Trident syndicate Member, Ian Upson (that is him on the left in the Group photo), was in Singapore with his wife Sandra – Ian is a long time Fortuna Racing stalwart and, incredibly, this was his 99^th individual win with a Fortuna horse, with the mighty Melody Belle contributing 19 wins to the tally. With the firepower that Ian has in his current team in both NZ and Singapore, the century of wins is just around the corner

KING ARTHUR runs 2^nd in the Group One Lion City CupThe winner of 8 races from 19 starts in Singapore including the 3 previous previous in a row KING ARTHUR stepped up to Group One level in Singapore on the 14^th of August – although it was a big step in grade the camp were quietly confident that he could produce a solid performance and perhaps even a winning one. Australian Jockey Blake Shinn who was completing a four week riding stint in Singapore after leaving the Hong Kong riding ranks to return to Victoria, jumped him away well from a good barrier, settled one back and one off the rail in the run, was presented at the top of the straight, kicked clear and looked to be going like a winner but was rundown in the final stages by Lim’s Kosciusko, beaten ¾ of a length in the end by a horse who has now won 10 of just 13 starts in Singapore.I was there on the day hosting a group of 18 Fortuna supporters in one of the Corporate Suites – we all had a great day particularly with Donna training 4 winners, including the Fortuna runner TRIDENT in race 6, KING ARTHUR losing no admirers in running 2^nd in the Group One and then ENTERTAINER turning around a recent run of poor form by running 2^nd in the last with that man, Blake Shinn in the saddle. Fortuna Members there on the day were Iain and Shawn Leishman (Malaysia) TH and Gina Ng (Singapore), Greg McQuillan (Australia) and Ian/Sandra Upson, Graham Stewart, Mike Bruce, Ian Sherwin and Angela Potroz (New Zealand) – Peter Woods (Donna’s husband) was a guest along with Tim/Amanda Hopkins and a special guest was Hollee Bohr – Hollee is Singapore based rider Jake Bayliss’ partner – Hollee rides trackwork in Australia and knowing how she and Jake like to analyse race day form, I had invited her to produce a tip sheet on the day with 2 or 3 selections per race – it turned out to be an inspired request as Hollee tipped out 5 winners from 11 races to our Group!!!!

Donna Logan surges to the lead in the Singapore Trainer’s Premiership recording 4 wins on Sunday 14^th making it 41 wins for the season

This is an incredible story – thrown into the deep end in late 2021 by being appointed Te Akau Racing’s Singapore Trainer, Donna (who had been training on her own account in Singapore since 2018) grasped the nettle and while it took her a wee while to gain real momentum, the winners have flowed and flowed in recent weeks – see the story below from the Te Akau website

My four beats your two was the hand trainer Donna Logan played on Sunday night at Kranji racecourse in Singapore.

One behind premiership leader Tim Fitzsimmons beginning the meeting, Logan saddled four winners: Speedy Missile, Legacy Fortune, Trident and Charminton, to arrest the lead with 41 wins this season. Training since 2018 in Singapore, Logan officially joined Te Akau Racing on 1 January, taking over from Mark Walker, who returned home to train the Te Akau team at Matamata, and has hit her straps with 28 victories in the past 13 weeks. In addition, stable apprentice Fadzli Yusoff (a3) now leads the premiership against his peers after winning aboard Speedy Missile and Charminton for Logan, and including victory on Senor Don (Senor Candy) in the $100,000 Rocket Man Stakes (1600m). A total of 14 of his 16 wins this season have been for the Te Akau Racing Stable.

“It was fantastic to get four winners, three seconds (including a quinella) and a fourth,” Logan said. “Yusoff is leading apprentice now and is still a very humble person. He turned up for work this morning as though nothing had happened. He’s riding out of his skin, absolutely superbly. “I’ve had Blake Shinn here at the stables and he’s given all of our apprentices a pep talk. I said to Blake yesterday, you might have taught that one (Yusoff) too much.”

Making it two wins and two seconds from four starts, Charminton (4 g Charm Spirit – Sarzana) won the $50,000 Class 4 1200 metres for Yusoff. Purchased by David Ellis for $50,000 at the 2021 Inglis (October) Online Sale and syndicated among Te Akau stable owners, Charminton tracked nicely in fifth before bursting to lead inside the final 150 metres. “He’s done nothing you could fault the horse for and really stepped up,” Logan said. “He’s won $86,000 in stakes money, so not a bad effort for four starts.”

Ridden by Blake Shinn and carrying 57.5kg, Trident (4 g Deep Field – Miss Fi, by Makfi) beat stable-mate Montana Flash (4 g Star Turn – Dukemore), with Jake Bayliss aboard, in the $75,000 Novice 1400 metres. Te Akau principal David Ellis purchased Trident for $70,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Blandford Lodge, for owners Fortuna Racing (Mgr: John Galvin). His sire, Deep Field was a highly regarded Group 2 winner in Australia, by the ill-fated emerging stallion and sire of sires Northern Meteor (Encosta de Lago), while beautifully bred dam-sire Makfi (Dubawi) left NZ Horse of the Year Bonneval and New Zealand Filly of the Year Sofia Rosa. Trident, then named Polaris, debuted last October with a really good effort for fourth at Taupo, and repeated that with a solid third at Matamata, then a fourth in November at Te Aroha, and transferred to Te Akau’s Kranji operation following a spell at Te Akau Stud.
“Trident’s win was great for Fortuna Racing who had 18 clients over to see their horses race,” Logan said. “Trident won, King Arthur finished second in the Lion City Cup (Gr. 1, 1200m) and Entertainer also finished second for them. “Trident has won over $94,000 in three starts, which is a lot of money for a young horse, and he looks more than capable of winning a $50,000 Class 4 race at his next start.

“Legacy Fortune is raced by a very good Thai owner, who is a good stable supporter, and he’s had five starts for me, producing two thirds and a win. He’d won in Ireland before he came here.
“Speedy Missile is one I inherited from Mark (Walker) for long time Te Akau owners Ronald Lau and Dato Terry Lee and his daughter Theresa. “And Ben Kwok races Montana Flash, who finished second to Trident.

“King Arthur was really good in the Group One, it was his first time in that company and at weight-for-age, just going down to Lim’s Kosciuszko the superstar horse in Singapore. It was a great effort by King Arthur, who has won eight of his 20 starts, and posted six seconds, two thirds, and has now won $387,000 in prize money. He was a $24,000 purchase, so it’s a very good result really.

Overall, Logan could not be happier with proceedings. “The team morale is outstanding and we just want to keep the momentum going,” she said.“I said to Dave (Ellis) that I’ll be over for the Ready to Run Sale in November at Karaka, get a chance to meet some of our Te Akau owners and hopefully buy a couple of nice horses to race in Singapore.”

Obituaries

Sadly, two wonderful Fortuna Racing stalwarts have passed away this week

Iain Fletcher from Wanaka left us earlier in the week after a short illness – Iain was a retired farmer from Central Otago who had had a lifelong interest in thoroughbreds and had been in many of our horses over the years, including Hidden Promise, Darci’s Dream, Windborne, Chance To Dance, Federation, Red Rover, Entertainer, Elliot Ness, Mohawk Brave and Madame Moet – altogether Iain enjoyed wins from 24 individual runners and 58 wins in total – Iain was a life long bachelor – our sympathies go out to Iain’s extended family.

Later in the week we heard of the passing of Lorraine Scoullar – Lorraine had been diagnosed with cancer about three years ago and had bravely endured ongoing treatments over that time but sadly lost the battle. I had got to know Lorraine and her husband Don very well over the years, particularly through their association with the Melody Belle syndicate. Lorraine just loved Melody Belle to bits and even when she was suffering the ill effects of her cancer treatment, she would insist on doing her best to get to her race days. Lorraine and Don live in Tawa (Wellington) in their retirement. We extend our deepest sympathies to Don and Don and Lorraine’s children and extended family.

Finally, we acknowledge the passing of Sylvia Fenton – Sylvia was the much loved Mother of our good friend and business associate, Karyn Fenton – Ellis. Karyn is well known to many of us of course and I am sure you will join with me in extending our condolences to Karyn and David, and their daughters Lydia and Julia-Rose

 

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

In the winter it’s almost unbelievable to think your horse may finish just over a half length from the winner and only run 5th!! Sadly that was the outcome with Teen Titan in the last on the expected holding track at Tauranga last Saturday. Perhaps in hindsight if the horse was able to get off the fence and make a centre charge he may well have won. But in racing as we know there are always “ifs” and “buts” and there will also be another day for Teen Titan.

The trend with my Fortuna item each week has indeed worked pretty well on the “another day” scenario.Cholula, who I labelled as a good value bet at Hawera at her preceding start, got the job done at 14 to one at Woodville on Friday. I’m sure some of you stuck with her!

This week the weather bomb will make things  interesting and neither New Plymouth nor Ruakaka have escaped the big wet leading up to their respective meetings. I’m doing a multi this week and sticking to a pair that haven’t totally let us down on the punt yet! Sonofabutcher in the last at Ruakaka coupled with Cork in the Interprovincial at New Plymouth. The “butcher” is to be ridden by Opie Bosson who will get the best out of this subsequent unlucky runner. We were on last time and I’m sure it would have been closer than it’s eventual third if I wasn’t forced to run in the part of the track that wasn’t conducive to winning runs for most of the day at Te Rapa.

Cork was in a black type race last time and she hit the line solidly. It’s a good field on Saturday but of slightly lesser quality to her last run. The track conditions are made to order. She’s the bet of the day.
Bookies have her at $2.70 at print time while out other leg should be around $3.70 on my book. That’s almost 10 to one on a multi if that’s the case.

We’ve only published one multi for the Fortuna clan before and we grabbed the win.  Let’s hope for a repeat!

Good punting!

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).========================================================================================