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

BLAKE SHINN a happy rider returns to scale aboard TRIDENT

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.”

Winning connections equally happy after the race

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

Headline News;

Nine Fortuna Runners trialed Te Rapa 4th August – see story below

=====================================================================

Fortuna has just three runners this week –  all in Singapore

Singapore – Sunday 7^th August

ROCKY will contest the Open Maiden 1200 Turf – Race 4 @ 1.30pm Singapore time (5.30pm NZT) – will be ridden by Senior Jockey Jake Bayliss from Barrier 8 in a field of 11 – a solid 3^rd on his race day debut in Restricted Maiden Grade, he followed up with a good 5^th in the same grade two weeks ago – inclined to still be a bit green in his racing to date, he gets the blinkers and a senior rider this time – Improvement expected here from this son of El Roca and is a solid each way chance in this

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

1st Pick: ROCKY (6)
Gets the blinkers added this weekend after finishing a nice fourth last start. Bayliss should have him up there handy in the run and form is strong from his first few starts.
2nd Pick: HOLY ELEANOR (9)
Draws wide in this but one of our most consistent maidens in Singapore. Trainer has called on Blake Shinn to try and get that first win. She will look a danger for a long way.
3rd Pick: PACIFIC STAR (10)
Won his only trial clocking 1:01.37 with Wong in the saddle and he keeps the ride. Stable has a good record with horses in these grades and look for any support.
4th Pick: SHIHAB (11)
Three-year-old son of Shalaa who has three trials under his belt coming into this. Has run in some trials that have produced some good race form and gets in on a lightweight.

ELLIOT NESS races in the Class 4 1100 Poly – Race 8 at 3.30pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) – Hakim (claiming 1kg)  to ride from barrier 2. This talented galloper holds the Singapore track record this trip and surface – 2^nd this trip and surface two weeks ago and arguably unlucky not to win, he represents a top chance here to feature with a great draw and just 52kgs to carry

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

1st Pick: LORD JUSTICE (1)
Runs have been spaced in recent times but has still won his last two. Recent suggests he should be forward enough to run well here.
2nd Pick: DREAM ALLIANCE (5)
Trials have been solid ahead of debut here. One to watch for late market support.
3rd Pick: ELLIOT NESS (6)
First run back in class 4 was great and it proved another win at this class is very possible. Keep safe.
4th Pick: DR KARDO (2)
Back to 1100m on the poly track for the first time since his win, top four player.

“Elliot Ness” – 2nd Singapore Win – 9th July 2022

OLYMPIA will contest the Class 5 1100 Poly – race 9 @ 4pm Singapore time (8pm NZT) – star apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 7 – honest as the day is long, Olympia has had 9 starts in the Fortuna Racing silks for 1 win and 7 other prizemoney placings – needs a little bit of luck from the draw, but if he gets it is a great each way chance and can win

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 2^nd August

Leaderboard (M Roustoby) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.4, home in 40.69.
Navalha (S Weatherley) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.41, home in 42.89
Prince Lonhro (B King) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.87, home in 42.54
Hayate (A Handley) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.88, home in 41.97.
Inca Belle (A Handley) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.24, home in 41.79.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  30th July

Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 40

Wednesday  2^nd August

Olympia (Yusoff) – 800/600 39;; Hadeer (Jake) – 1000/600 38; God’s Gift (Bayliss) – 800/600 39.5; Rocky(Bayliss) – 800/600 40;

Other News

Nine Fortuna Runners trialed Te Rapa 4th August

Mark Walker took 70 plus runners to the Te Rapa trials Thursday the 4^th August, nine of which were Fortuna runners and overall we had a pretty good day out with two winners Prince Lonhro and Leaderboard,  Sailing Away and Inca Belle running second, Angels Wings running third and Mohawk Brave, Navalha and Hayateall finishing close up  – Madame Moet resented the heavy track conditions, over raced and finished back in the field, but nevertheless, she is ready to resume racing. Probably the most remarkable performance of the day was our stayer, Leaderboard, who is on a NZ/Wellington Cups path, taking out the 1100m Open Trial, leaving the gates like a greyhound, never headed in the run and going to the line easing down with one and a half lengths to spare. My quip to Mar Walker after the trial was “We should nominate him for the Telegraph instead of the Wellington Cup”.

Of these trialists you can expect to see Leaderboard, Mohawk Brave, Navalha, Hayate and Madame Moethead off to the races soon, while Sailing Home, Prince Lonhro, Angels Wings and Inca Belle will all have a three week break before resuming their preparations

Overall the Fortuna team looks in pretty good shape as the new season gets under way

Obituaries

Sadly, we have had two Fortuna stalwarts pass away in recent times.

Les Coulam had had a long battle with his health in recent years and finally succumbed. Les and Nola, married for over 50 years, lived on the North Shore where they had raised their family and had very strong community involvement. In recent years Les and Nola had success with the Fortuna runners Chance To Dance, Red Rover and Hadeer

Chris Ireson was a familiar face to many of our Fortuna clients on race and trial days as he would invariably attend – indeed just two weeks ago he attended the Cambridge trials, despite being far from well. Chris and Raewyn, who also had been married for over 50 years, lived in Rotorua and they were involved in many Te Akau and Fortuna syndicates. Chris had been in irrepressible health until about two years ago when he had some heart surgery and ongoing issues led to his recent demise. Chris and Raewyn had enjoyed success with Fortuna in many of our horses in NZ and Singapore, Chance To Dance, Ronaldo’s Dream, Federation, Brutus, Hadeer, Leaderboard and Olympia

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Coulam and Ireson families – Rest in peace Les and Chris

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ pick last week did not win but ran 3^rd producing a 102% return on investment at the 1 unit to win, 3 units a place recommendation – here is what Des has to say this week;

We ended up with 100 percent profit on the suggested return on investment with Sonofabutcher hitting the line solidly for third in the last at Te Rapa last Saturday. Possibly a tad unlucky when the jockey decided to steer him on the inner part of the track which was clearly against the normal run of play throughout the day in what clearly was tougher than normal Te Rapa winter going. Overall a game run and satisfying enough for the Fortuna followers. However, those  who subscribe to my 0900 line may well have struck real gold because while Sonofabutcher was my first pick, my second selection in the race, Macushla,   won at monstrous odds of 27 to one!

This weekend I’m turning my attention to Ruakaka, race 6, number 11,  Sulabela.

She has an awkward draw to overcome but the way I see the race she has the pace to come across and either lead or sit outside the lead. While Sulabela, a four  year old daughter of Prosir, is having her first start she’s been to Ruakaka twice, for a trials win, almost two years ago when she won effortlessly by over three lengths and then again at the end of June this year when second to the very promising Noble Win, who as you probably know was subsequently explosive in a maiden win at Pukekohe two weeks later. She had one other trial at Avondale about 15 months ago and wasn’t knocked around to finish just behind the first 4 ( amongst them a black type performer).

To be fair Noble Win had her well covered but she was part of a blistering speed duel in the early and middle part of the trial but  she fought well to the line to distance the rest. I was keen on the run and interestingly there  were 5 trials over the 1030m that day and her heat was more than one second quicker than the others including the open trial!

She’s trained on the track by Michelle Bradley. I have no idea what’s taking her so long to get to the races after showing glimpses of talent as a two year but hopefully the patient policy will pay off quickly.

The bookies haven’t missed her despite some more seasoned runners in the field. I was hoping for around $8 but they’ve come up with $6.50 and $2.40.

Let’s do the same bet as last week, one unit over three! 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).

Headline News;

KING ARTHUR – the winner of 8 races in Singapore since October 2021 will be ridden by the multiple Group One winning jockey, Blake Shinn, when he contests the Lion City Cup (Group One – 1200m) on August 14^th. Blake has recently ended a very successful 3 year stint in Hong Kong and is undertaking a 5 week riding sojourn in Singapore before returning to Australia to pursue his career there.

In more sombre news we have unfortunately had two retirements over the past couple of weeks due to injuries sustained during track gallops – firstly our Australian-based European bred 4yo No Envy and secondly our New Zealand-based six-year-old Milestone. No Envy had had one win  for us and a 2^ndplacing from just four starts from the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable and while Milestone had not had a start for us he was a two win horse in France and Australia that had done everything right in his work here in New Zealand – devastating for us and the ownership groups for both horses.

================================================
Fortuna has six runners this week – all in Singapore

Singapore – Sunday 24^th  July

OLYMPIA races in the Class 5 1000m Polytrack event – race 1 at 12 Noon Singapore time (4pm NZT) – a solid consistent performer who rarely runs out of the money, he has had a freshen up since his (unlucky) last start – Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow takes 3kgs off his back from a mid field draw – looks well placed here and is a good top three chance

ROCKY contests the Restricted Maiden 1200 Turf event – Race 2 @ 12.30 Singapore time (4.30pm NZT) at just his second career start – this handsome 3yo son of El Roca finished strongly for 3^rd in an Open Maiden event 2^nd July after racing a bit greenly on turning for home – rising star Fadzli Yusoff rides with a 3kg allowance from Barrier 4 – hard to get a good line on form across this field, but Rocky has taken a lot of improvement from his debut run and is right in this representing a top 3 chance

ENTERTAINER races in the Class 3 1200 Polytrack event – Race 5 @ 2pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Yusoff claiming 3kgs from Barrier 9 but is E1 and will need a scratching to get a start. The winner of 7 races in Singapore, he has been enigmatic in recent starts, not showing his usual form. Back to Class 3 will help but needs to be taken on trust

BRUTUS races in the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) – to be ridden by that man Yusoff, claiming 3kgs, from Barrier 7 – Back in Class 4 after unplaced in 3 runs in higher grades, he seems to be very well placed here having won well in this grade in March off a similar rating – is a strong each way chance in this

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

1st Pick: BRUTUS (1)
Drops to class 4 again here and should be very competitive amongst this company. Clear horse to beat on paper.
2nd Pick: CHICAGO STAR (2)
Looked to have turned a corner last start running a strong third in his third run back this campaign. Seems to be heading in the right direction.
3rd Pick: SUN RECTITUDE (6)
Class 5 winner last start on speed. Should be amongst the leaders again her and carries no weight up in grade.
4th Pick: AUGUSTANO (3)
Caught wide most of the way last start and still made good ground late. He is a nine-time winner in Singapore and is getting back down slowly to a winnable mark, respect.

HADEER contests the Class 3 1200 Polytrack event – Race 11 @ 5pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) – Jerlyn Seow takes the mount claiming 3kgs from barrier 5 – caught wide last start without cover – has been racing well without winning – has yet to win on Polytrack but has placed – can feature here with a soft run from the draw

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

1st Pick: ILLUSTRIOUS (4)
Dominant six length winner last start and steps up in grade. A repeat of last start would have seen him in the finish again, must respect.
2nd Pick: NOWYOUSEE (1)
Made up plenty of ground last start to run in the money with the top weight. Has won a trial since, keep safe.
3rd Pick: HADEER (3)
Yet to win on the poly but steps back to a very winnable race. Last start a complete forgive, wide draw brought him undone.
4th Pick: PROOF PERFECT (8)
Steps up in grade but has won last two starts in impressive style. Should handle the rise in grade.

ELLIOT NESS runs in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack event – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Singapore time (9.39pm NZT) – Yusoff to ride from barrier 6 and claiming 3kgs – strong last start winner in Class 5 and is the track record holder this surface and trip – represents a real threat in this field and can win

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 20^th July

Hayate (L Truesdale) worked over 800 metres at three quarter pace, home in 40.46.

Navalha (C Grylls) worked over 800 metres at three quarter pace, home in 43.44.
Mohawk Brave (R Khan) worked over 800 metres at three quarter pace, home in 40.89

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 16th July

Brutus (Jamil)– 1000/600 37; Olympia (Jamil) – 1000/600 37.5; Elliot Ness (Yusoff) – 800/600 38; Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 38; Briggs (Aslam) – 800/600 38; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 1000/600 38

Tuesday  19^th July

Brutus (Yusoff) – 800/600 37; Rocky (Yusoff) – 900/600 39.5; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 1000/600 38;Wednesday (CC Wong) – 800/600 42;

Other News

KING ARTHUR wins again in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

KING ARTHUR (I Am Invincible-Pentasia) took his promising career to another level Sunday 17th July when winning the Class 1 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji race course in stylish fashion, cracking through the Class Record in doing so. Recording his 8th career win and, remarkably, 7 of those wins coming from his last 10 starts, the 4yo was having his first start at Class 1 level, had drawn barrier 7 in an 8 horse field and was ridden, once again, by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yuoff, claiming 3 kgs. The speed was hot from barrier rise and Yusoffeased with King Arthur settling into 6th place and on the rail. Eased off the rail before the turn, Yusoff looked to get his mount to the outside, but was held in a pocket by Gold Star – keeping his cool, Yusoff, still 5 lengths adrift of the race leader, Celavi, spotted an inside run, ducked and weaved, got his charge into the clear and once there, he was just too strong for his opposition, going to the line 3/4 length clear of the fast finishing Big Hearted in a time of 1.08.50

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 32nd Training success in 2022 for Te Akau Racing Stables was blown away by the result “That was amazing to watch, King Arthur was a bit further back in the running than I expected, got held up for a few strides on turning, but once clear, he was just too big, too strong – full marks to Yusoff once again, he kept his cool when in a spot of bother in the run home and got the job done again”

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was a happy chappy post race “That was an outstanding result for the horse – to be fair, he was the favourite and had the right credentials to be successful in the race, but they still have to do it – I thought he was dead and buried with 300m to run, but Yusoff, who is riding out of his skin, kept his cool, found the right passage and once in the clear, it was ‘shut the gate’ time”

KING ARTHUR will now be aimed at the S$300,000 Group One Lion City Cup over 1200 metres, Sunday 14th August

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after not meeting their expectations, they decided to put him on the market and he was purchased by John Galvin on the advice of former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000. He is raced by the Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$330,000 with eight wins, five 2nds and two thirds  from 19 starts in Singapore.

New Fortuna Jackets

As readers would be aware, we have had a change in design of our racing silks and accordingly, have designed a new range of Polo Shirts, which were available a few months ago and now we have taken delivery of our new winter jacket range – see pictures below

These are available to clients at cost $125 each including delivery to your door, Mens, Womens and Childrens styles and in all sizes.

Polo shirts are $50 and again there are Mens/Womens styles and all sizes, including Childrens – see the design below

Just contact Jessica – jessica@fortuna-nz.com and she will assist you.

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ pick last week, Brucie, ran 2^nd at Trentham and 1 unit to win, 3 units a place returned a 70% return on investment (if you had got on early enough at fixed odds) – a lot better than bank interest for sure – here is what Des has to say this week;

IT appears many punters thought the same as me with Brucie on Saturday. At print time here we were paying $6.50 and $2.50 and the suggested bet of one unit over three made commonsense. At start time Brucie started a warm favourite and ended as the off course substitute.  He was game in defeat in running second and grabbing the odds early meant we ended around the 75% profit.

This week I’m heading to New Plymouth and fingers crossed, despite the awful weather most of the country has experienced in recent days, the track that’s been prone to bad luck in recent months, will have the opportunity to fully complete its 8-race programme!
My hopes are pinned on Cholula in the UPB Ltd 1800, race three.
She’s no world beater but her runs lately have looked better than average.
I liked the way she stuck to her guns last time at Hastings, coming from about 8th or 9th nearing the turn to finish 4th and registered the third quickest final sectionals.

She was a tad unlucky the start prior, too, when she was held up by a tiring runner near the 600m at Waverley.
Cholula has now had 4 runs and a trial this term and her fitness levels should be spot on for what will be a testing assignment.
The 1800m should be right up her alley, too.
Last year, at her 6th start, she went to New Plymouth and bolted in by 7 lengths over 1800m on a heavy track and here’s another eye opener, despite having first use of the track, she ran a quicker time over the same journey on the same day as fellow winners Zeefa Zed and the highly talented Ladies Man!

For good measure, Faye Lazet, who has been riding Cholula in recent starts and who was on board in the runaway win last year, retains the ride with the very important 3kgs claim.

I reckon the early bird odds of $11 and $3.50 are very tempting, don’t you?
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).

====================================================================================

KING ARTHUR (I Am Invincible-Pentasia) took his promising career to another level Sunday 17th July when winning the Class 1 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji race course in stylish fashion, cracking through the Class Record in doing so. Recording his 8th career win and, remarkably, 7 of those wins coming from his last 10 starts, the 4yo was having his first start at Class 1 level, had drawn barrier 7 in an 8 horse field and was ridden, once again, by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yuoff, claiming 3 kgs. The speed was hot from barrier rise and Yusoff eased with King Arthur settling into 6th place and on the rail. Eased off the rail before the turn, Yusoff looked to get his mount to the outside, but was held in a pocket by Gold Star – keeping his cool, Yusoff, still 5 lengths adrift of the race leader, Celavi, spotted an inside run, ducked and weaved, got his charge into the clear and once there, he was just too strong for his opposition, going to the line 3/4 length clear of the fast finishing Big Hearted in a time of 1.08.50

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 32nd Training success in 2022 for Te Akau Racing Stables was blown away by the result “That was amazing to watch, King Arthur was a bit further back in the running than I expected, got held up for a few strides on turning, but once clear, he was just too big, too strong – full marks to Yusoff once again, he kept his cool when in a spot of bother in the run home and got the job done again”

“King Arthur” – Singapore Win #8 – 14  July 2022

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was a happy chappy post race “That was an outstanding result for the horse – to be fair, he was the favourite and had the right credentials to be successful in the race, but they still have to do it – I thought he was dead and buried with 300m to run, but Yusoff, who is riding out of his skin, kept his cool, found the right passage and once in the clear, it was ‘shut the gate’ time”

KING ARTHUR will now be aimed at the S$300,000 Group One Lion City Cup over 1200 metres, Sunday 14th August

KING ARTHUR’s connections post race (Trainer Donna Logan 2nd from left)

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after not meeting their expectations, they decided to put him on the market and he was purchased by John Galvin on the advice of former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000. He is raced by the Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$330,000 with eight wins, five 2nds and two thirds  from 19 starts in Singapore.

Headline News;

Fortuna Racing scored a double Singapore 9^th July with Elliot Ness getting back into the Winners Circle and Trident (raced as Polaris in NZ) winning the Restricted Maiden at just his 2^nd Singapore start – see full story from Fortuna website below

================================================
Fortuna has one runner this week – in Singapore

Singapore – Sunday 17^th  July

KING ARTHUR steps up to Class 1 Grade contesting the 1200m Turf event – Race 9 at 4pm Singapore time (8pm NZT) – Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff retains the ride with a 3kg allowance. This four year old son of I Am Invincible has taken all before him over the past few months notching seven wins since early October 2021, including his last win at Class 2 level which was his 1^st win on the Turf and picking up close to S$250k in prizemoney along the way – in super form and carries just 51 kgs in this event – strong each way chance

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

1st Pick: KING ARTHUR (6)
Looking to make it three on the trot after silencing his critics who said he was just a synthetic horse. Has been running slick times and has the form coming into this as a main danger. Stable going very well in recent weeks.

2nd Pick: GOLD STAR (3)
Drops back to his suited distance after competing over a mile which didn’t really suit him. His run two starts ago was full of merit when he defeated Lim’s Kosciuszko who looks the favorite in the derby. Big watch on him in this
.
3rd Pick: FAME STAR (4)
Has been racing up against some handy gallopers in recent runs and is proven in this grade previously. Should show plenty of early speed and holds a strong course and distance record with three wins and four placings from nine starts.

4th Pick: HONGKONG GREAT (2)
Making his Singapore debut after competing in Hong Kong where he was a three-time winner over there from fourteen starts. So far has shown some ability in his trials and must be kept safe.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 12^th July

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Thursday 14th July

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 9th July

Olympia (Jamil) – 800/600 37; Briggs (Aslam) – 800/600 38; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 800/600 38.5; King Arthur (Jake) – 1000/600 39.5

Tuesday  12^th July

King Arthur (Yusoff) – 800/600 38.5; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 900/600 38; Rocky (Aslam) – 1000/600 40

Fortuna Trialists Cambridge Synthetic 19^th July

MILESTONE, LEADERBOARD and ANGELS WINGS head to the Cambridge Trials next week

Other News

Fortuna Racing scores back to back double with ELLIOT NESS and TRIDENT winning at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Saturday 9th July

It was doubles all around at Kranji on Saturday with the Donna Logan trained, Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff ridden and Fortuna Racing owned ELLIOT NESS and TRIDENT taking out races 1 and 2, both with comfortable margins at the line.

For ELLIOT NESS it was a welcome return to the winner’s circle for the four year old son of Written Tycoon, not having greeted the judge since April of 2021 – a virus during the Spring of 2021 and then a bad foot injury in January had conspired to prevent him from showing his best. On resuming in May, two 4th placings had indicated he was on his way back to form. Drawn nicely in Barrier 4 in the Class 5 1100m Polytrack event, Yusoff got him away well and was able to take a sit behind the speed, was peeled out on turning for home and was too strong for the opposition in the run to the line, winning by 1.5 lengths.

Click HERE to see the Race Replay

Te Akau Racing’s Trainer Donna Logan was in buoyant spirits after the race “That was pretty to watch, the horse had been knocking on the door, he was beautifully ridden by Yusoff, who rode to instructions perfectly – it has been a long time between drinks for Elliot Ness, but he has not had all favours with illness and injury and he does hold the Kranji track record for 1100m and the addition of blinkers certainly helped today – a great outcome for the horse and his connections.”

Elliot Ness – 2nd Singapore Win – 9th July 2022

Expectations for TRIDENT running in the Restricted Maiden 1400m Turf were high – this after a strong 2nd placing on his Singapore debut over 1200m in the same grade two weeks ago and that on the back of two good winning trials – the 3yo son of Deep Field out of the Maki mare, Miss Fi, did not disappoint. Faced with a wide barrier draw, but not wanting to lead over 1400m, Donna Logan’s instuctions to Yusoff were very clear “get away well to secure a good spot, but then take a sit behind the speed” – the young rider executed those instructions to perfection, getting away nicely and then easing to run in 4th position – relaxing nicely in the run, the horse traveled well throughout – Yusoff eased him off the rail before the turn and on passing the 300m mark, asked Trident for an effort – the horse responded and bounded away with a winning break, going to the line with a margin of 1.3 lengths.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Post race Trainer Donna Logan was beaming – “That’s simply amazing to win the first two races on the day – to be honest, we always thought Trident was going to be hard to beat today, but he did have a tricky draw and so rider tactics were going to be important, but Yusoff rode to instructions perfectly – I am over the moon for Fortuna Racing, a double today and 12 wins for them so far in 2022 – John Galvin and his Fortuna Owners are such great supporters.”

 Trident – Singapore Debut win 9th July 2022

Fortuna Racing Director John Galvin was watching on from his home in Hamilton New Zealand and comments “Great results for us today with two winners from three runners – to be fair, I thought that both Elliot Ness and Trident could win – Elliot had been working himself back into form and Trident has not put a foot wrong in his preparation to date, but did have a wide draw to overcome – full credit to Yusoff, he is riding out of his skin and with great confidence. Well done to Donna Logan, her partner Peter Woods, who is just a great back up for her and all of the Stable support staff – Donna is making a great fist of the opportunity that Te Akau Racing Stables have provided her.”

ELLIOT NESS (who raced with the name PROHIBITION in Australia) was originally purchased as a Yearling at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for A$675,000 as a Stallion prospect for an Ownership Group comprising the China Horse Club and other high profile owners. Trained by  Peter and Paul Snowden in Sydney, he trialed twice in May 2020 for a  4^th and a 6^th placing and after determining that his trial form indicated that he was not up to Stallion making ability plus the fact that he was very Colty and needed to gelded, he was put up for sale unreserved and John Galvin acquired  him  at the May 2020 Inglis Online Sale for just A$35,000. He has now won twice, had nine other prizemoney placing from 13 starts and has Stakes Earnings of S$100,000 for his Ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from NZ, Australia and Hong Kong

TRIDENT was 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 five starts for a win and four minor placings and earned over S$56,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Fortuna acquires a Two Year Old by I Am Invincible for Singapore Racing – Knippenberg

Some key points about this acquisition

• By I Am Invincible – Australia’s current Champion Stallion
• Out of a 3 time winning mare (in Melbourne) who was twice placed at Group 2 level
• Mare has left two winners, both winning as 2yo’s
• Knippenberg was bred by his original racing ownership group and so did not go through the ring as a yearling – if he had done so the mind boggles as to what he would have made – but probably at least 10 times what we paid for him just recently
• Knippenberg showed good trial and raceday form, running 2^nd in his 2^nd trial and running 3^rd on his raceday debut

About The Two Year Old KNIPPENBERG

The 2yo Colt Knippenberg  is by Australia’s leading Stallion, I Am Invincible  out of the winning and Stakes placed Mare Red Fez – he has been acquired by Fortuna Racing for A$32,500 and will be sent to Singapore to race. He is to be gelded immediately and will agist in New South Wales for eight to ten weeks before flying to Singapore where he will join the other Fortuna Racing runners at the Te Akau Racing training complex at Kranji Racecourse, headed up by Donna Logan, who is currently sitting in the No 2 spot on the Singapore Trainer’s Premiership

As a non winner  Knippenberg will be eligible to contest Restricted Maiden Grade events in Singapore, a Grade which carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$83,000). Once winning in that Grade, he will then be eligible to race in Novice Grade, a Grade which also carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$83,000). As a Three Year Old in the 2022/2023 Season Knippenberg will be eligible for the very lucrative Three Year Old Series run during May and June 2023

Pedigree
KNIPPENBERG has an exceptionally strong Pedigree page – bred by his former Owners, Phoenix Thoroughbreds, he is by Australia’s Champion Stallion in I AM INVINCIBLE, the Sire of over 700 winners, including 79 Stakes winners. His Dam RED FEZ (by Red Ransom) won 3 times in Melbourne and was placed twice at Group 2 level – she is the dam of three foals to race (including Knippenberg) and the other two have won in Sydney/NSW. This is the family of the successful Stallions at Stud in Shooting To Win, Deep Field and Zed
Training & Race History

KNIPPENBERG was prepared by Ciarin Maher/David Eustace from their Warwick Farm base in Sydney for his International Owners, Phoenix Thoroughbreds – he had two trials in Sydney, the first April 22^nd, where he finished 5^th and the second on May 6^th finishing 2^nd. He then made his race day debut at Bathurst 26^th May finishing 3^rd beaten 1.9 lengths. He then raced at Goulburn 17^th June and was well beaten, but did strike a very “off” track and returned to scale with two black eyes, obviously being hit by a flying clod during the run. At that point his Owners, deciding that he was not up to Stallion making class, decided to sell him

Physical Type
Standing at 16 hands high and tipping the scales at 500kgs, KNIPPENBERG is an impressive physical type – he passed his vetting (conducted by Dr Ramiro Pellegrini) with flying colours – he scoped at Grade One, had no vices and his feet and limbs are in excellent order

Syndicator’s View

John Galvin comments on this latest acquisition “Knippenberg has a profile that is very typical of virtually all of the horses we have bought off the Inglis Digital platform in the past three years or so. A very well bred 2yo that is owned by a high profile Ownership Group, clearly with a Stallion career in mind, he has not shown the necessary race day form to give his Owners the confidence that he can be a Group One winning horse in Australia and so they moved him on. Horses we have acquired in recent years of this profile are Federation (6 Singapore wins), Brutus (5 Singapore wins), Entertainer (7 Singapore wins), King Arthur (7 Singapore wins), Red Rover (3 Singapore wins) plus Ellis Ness and Deception (1 Singapore win each). He has had two trials and two race day starts and shown us enough from those to indicate he can be a successful racehorse in Singapore. Vetting perfectly with a Grade One scope and sound of limb, he stands at 16 hands, tips the scales at around 500kgs and we are very happy to have acquired him”

Click HERE to see Knippenberg parading 30^th June

Trainers Views

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan comments about KNIPPENBERG

“This  is a lovely horse that John has acquired – I have viewed his trials and races and can see he has a very nice action – I have also obtained rider reports from those who have ridden him and those reports are very positive – to my eye, he is a horse who will benefit from being gelded and also more time to strengthen and mature – he will get that time as he agists in New South Wales before coming to Singapore – I am looking forward to having him in my barn in Singapore”

Former Four Time Champion Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, now heading up the Te Akau New Zealand operation, assisted John Galvin in analysing KNIPPENBERG – he comments as follows “John and I have had much success in Singapore over the past three seasons buying horses out of the Australian On Line Sales with horses of just this type of profile – types that are by leading Sires, that are lightly raced and that have shown us enough from their Australian trials and races to suggest they can be very good race horses in Singapore. He vetted very well and is an impressive physical type in the mould of KING ARTHUR and DECEPTION, both also by I Am Invincible and impressive winners for Fortuna Racing in Singapore”

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $9,000  – 5% share  $4,500 – 2.5% share $2,250 – 1% share $900 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Transport to Singapore, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $13,000 approx
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st September 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Click HERE to view all details of Knippenberg on the Fortuna website  – orders can be placed from there also – Email John by return email or call/text 021 921 460 if you require more information

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des pick last week, Samina Bibi,  was scratched but those readers who were eagle eyed spotted that he was in Race 1 at Cambridge on Wednesday, winning nicely with some getting fixed odds on the win @ $5.50 – here is what Des has to say this week;

THERE’S an old meaningful quip in racing “Paste in Your Hat” which has  real relevance when it comes my weekly contribution. While we’ve had our share of decent collects in the brief time as an exclusive  “guest selector” to the Fortuna Friday Flash column I don’t always get it right. If only, eh?

Interestingly, however, horses like Kaikohe , Cross Roads and Hot Shockolate, who  have all been tipped out in recent weeks couldn’t deliver on the day but on their second or third time around, it’s win, win, win with Hot Shockolate doing the job in the mud at Hastings last Saturday!

The main act last Saturday at Te Rapa, Samina Bibi, who was an 11 to one chance at press time, unfortunately was scratched because of the track conditions and instead was saved for Cambridge on the all weather track midweek. She turned up trumps, too, in no uncertain terms. The odds were shorter than Saturday’s offering but some of us were able to grab the tasty $5.50 nevertheless. Well done if you stayed with her.

This week I’m heading to Trentham. It’s a big jumps day and I cannot recall the last time in July Trentham was inundated with nominations for the maiden hurdles with NZTR ultimately dividing the race into two! You’ll get my interesting selections for all the jumps races on my race tipping line on Saturday morning but for the Fortuna team early bird punters I’m plumping for Brucie in race 8.

I’m very supportive of trainers who play the apprentice allowance card at this time of the year when the tracks are testing and let’s be honest, Trentham in July is as tough as it gets. The fit ones will survive on Saturday and with three runs under his belt this season, Brucie should just about be ready to strike with the  3kg claimer Maria Sanson on board.

When he won at Te Aroha about this time last year Brucie covered the 2200m in 2.33 which is probably a Trentham-time-in-July and add a few more seconds! His last couple of runs have given me encouraging signs. Simply put, the track should suit him better than anything and at $6.50 and $2.20 I like the odds of one unit over three!

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).

It was doubles all around at Kranji on Saturday with the Donna Logan trained, Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff ridden and Fortuna Racing owned ELLIOT NESS and TRIDENT taking out races 1 and 2, both with comfortable margins at the line.

For ELLIOT NESS it was a welcome return to the winner’s circle for the four year old son of Written Tycoon, not having greeted the judge since April of 2021 – a virus during the Spring of 2021 and then a bad foot injury in January had conspired to prevent him from showing his best. On resuming in May, two 4th placings had indicated he was on his way back to form. Drawn nicely in Barrier 4 in the Class 5 1100m Polytrack event, Yusoff got him away well and was able to take a sit behind the speed, was peeled out on turning for home and was too strong for the opposition in the run to the line, winning by 1.5 lengths.

Click HERE to see the Race Replay

Te Akau Racing’s Trainer Donna Logan was in buoyant spirits after the race “That was pretty to watch, the horse had been knocking on the door, he was beautifully ridden by Yusoff, who rode to instructions perfectly – it has been a long time between drinks for Elliot Ness, but he has not had all favours with illness and injury and he does hold the Kranji track record for 1100m and the addition of blinkers cetainly helped today – a great outcome for the horse and his connections.”

“Elliot Ness” – 2nd Singapore Win – 9th July 2022

Expectations for TRIDENT running in the Restricted Maiden 1400m Turf were high – this after a strong 2nd placing on his Singapore debut over 1200m in the same grade two weeks ago and that on the back of two good winning trials – the 3yo son of Deep Field out of the Maki mare, Miss Fi, did not disappoint. Faced with a wide barrier draw, but not wanting to lead over 1400m, Donna Logan’s instuctions to Yusoff were very clear “get away well to secure a good spot, but then take a sit behind the speed” – the young rider executed those instructions to perfection, getting away nicely and then easing to run in 4th position – relaxing nicely in the run, the horse traveled well throughout – Yusoff eased him off the rail before the turn and on passing the 300m mark, asked Trident for an effort – the horse responded and bounded away with a winning break, going to the line with a margin of 1.3 lengths.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Post race Trainer Donna Logan was beaming – “That’s simply amazing to win the first two races on the day – to be honest, we always thought Trident was going to be hard to beat today, but he did have a tricky draw and so rider tactics were going to be important, but Yusoff rode to instructions perfectly – I am over the moon for Fortuna Racing, a double today and 12 wins for them so far in 2022 – John Galvin and his Fortuna Owners are such great supporters.”

 Trident – Singapore Debut win 9th July 2022

Fortuna Racing Director John Galvin was watching on from his home in Hamilton New Zealand and comments “Great results for us today with two winners from three runners – to be fair, I thought that both Elliot Ness and Trident could win – Elliot had been working himself back into form and Trident has not put a foot wrong in his preparation to date, but did have a wide draw to overcome – full credit to Yusoff, he is riding out of his skin and with great confidence. Well done to Donna Logan, her partner Peter Woods, who is just a great back up for her and all of the Stable support staff – Donna is making a great fist of the opportunity that Te Akau Racing Stables have provided her.”

ELLIOT NESS (who raced with the name PROHIBITION in Australia) was originally purchased as a Yearling at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for A$675,000 as a Stallion prospect for an Ownership Group comprising the China Horse Club and other high profile owners. Trained by  Peter and Paul Snowden in Sydney, he trialed twice in May 2020 for a  4^th and a 6^th placing and after determining that his trial form indicated that he was not up to Stallion making ability plus the fact that he was very Colty and needed to gelded, he was put up for sale unreserved and John Galvin acquired  him  at the May 2020 Inglis Online Sale for just A$35,000. He has now won twice and had  nine other prizemoney placing from 13 starts and has Stakes Earnings of S$100,000 for his Ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from NZ, Australia and Hong Kong

TRIDENT was 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 five starts for a win and four minor placings and earned over S$56,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Headline News;
Fortuna 3yo Deception tackles the Group 2 Singapore 3yo Classic Saturday 9^th July

================================================
Fortuna has three runners this week – all in Singapore

Singapore – Saturday 9^th  July

ELLIOT NESS contests the Class 5 1100 Polytrack event – Race 1 @ 12 Noon Singapore time (4pm NZT) – two 4^th placings after resuming from a long injury break has set this horse up nicely for this race – notable that he is the Singapore track record holder this trip, has a nice draw and a 3kg claim from Stable Apprentice Yusoff, who is riding in great form – been hard to follow of late, but is right in the mix here

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

1st Pick: FAST AND FEARLESS (1)
Returned to the winners stall under a great ride from Moor last start. Remains at the top of the ratings for this grade and he only rises half a kilogram in weight. A lot lines up for him.
2nd Pick: ELLIOT NESS (3)
Having just his second start in this grade for the in-form Logan stable. Must not forget he was a course record holder when winning his maiden at this distance in April of last year. He has the ability but needs to reproduce it.
3rd Pick: GOLDEN DASH (7)
Drops back in distance to a more suitable trip for this Argentinian bred speedster. Shows plenty of speed from the barrier and should be in a prime position when turning for the judge.
4th Pick: BIZAR WINS (2)
Showed quick speed at his last start to finish fourth over this distance. His best performances in his career have come at this distance. One for the exotics.

TRIDENT runs in the Restricted Maiden 1400m Turf – Race 2 at 12.30 Singapore Time (4.30pm NZT) – made his Singapore debt this grade 1200m two weeks ago for a strong 2^nd placing after 2 winning trials – Yusoff rides with a 3kg claim from a slightly tricky draw – looks to be right in this and is a strong each way chance

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

1st Pick: TRIDENT (1)
Showed quick speed at his last start to finish 2^nd this grade 1200m. His best performances in his career have come at this distance. One for the exotics.
2nd Pick: MARIANA TRENCH (3)
Settled just off the speed last start to go down half a length behind Flashfast. Seems to appreciate the distance and holds good form lines for this.
3rd Pick: WATERY (2)
Drops back to maiden grade after contesting a hot group three race last start. Should appreciate racing against maideners and gets his chance in this.
4th Pick: DRAGON TYCOON (4)
Lining up for start number nine and has been hitting the line nicely at his last few starts. With a solid tempo up front he could be one of the runners finishing off strongly.

DECEPTION takes on the best 3yo’s in Singapore in this Group 2 race over 1400m Turf – race 11 at 5pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) – had really good form on the board leading into the 3yo Sprint 1200m 18^th June – rider lost an iron at the start and lost all chance as a result although rattled home for a 6^th placing, Meets a good field here and has the outside barrier (12) to contend with. Singapore Champion jockey K Hakim takes the mount. Will need a huge amount of luck to feature here, but has run 2 2nds this trip and a 3^rd at 1600m –  will be running out the 1400 strongly, when much of the opposition will be gasping – will be at healthy odds

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 5^th July

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Thursday 7th July

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 2nd July

Olympia (Jerlyn) – 800/600 38; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 40; Elliot Ness (Yusoff) – 1000/600 40;

Tuesday 5th  July

Deception (Aiman) – 800/600 40; Briggs (Yusoff) – 600 39; Trident (Yusoff) – 800/600 41;

Other News

Fortuna acquires a Two Year Old by I Am Invincible for Singapore Racing – Knippenberg

Some key points about this acquisition

• By I Am Invincible – Australia’s current Champion Stallion
• Out of a 3 time winning mare (in Melbourne) who was twice placed at Group 2 level
• Mare has left two winners, both winning as 2yo’s
• Knippenberg was bred by his original racing ownership group and so did not go through the ring as a yearling – if he had done so the mind boggles as to what he would have made – but probably at least 10 times what we paid for him just recently
• Knippenberg showed good trial and raceday form, running 2^nd in his 2^nd trial and running 3^rd on his raceday debut

About The Two Year Old KNIPPENBERG

The 2yo Colt Knippenberg  is by Australia’s leading Stallion, I Am Invincible  out of the winning and Stakes placed Mare Red Fez – he has been acquired by Fortuna Racing for A$32,500 and will be sent to Singapore to race. He is to be gelded immediately and will agist in New South Wales for eight to ten weeks before flying to Singapore where he will join the other Fortuna Racing runners at the Te Akau Racing training complex at Kranji Racecourse, headed up by Donna Logan, who is currently sitting in the No 2 spot on the Singapore Trainer’s Premiership

As a non winner  Knippenberg will be eligible to contest Restricted Maiden Grade events in Singapore, a Grade which carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$83,000). Once winning in that Grade, he will then be eligible to race in Novice Grade, a Grade which also carries S$75,000 of prizemoney (approx NZ$83,000). As a Three Year Old in the 2022/2023 Season Knippenberg will be eligible for the very lucrative Three Year Old Series run during May and June 2023

Pedigree
KNIPPENBERG has an exceptionally strong Pedigree page – bred by his former Owners, Phoenix Thoroughbreds, he is by Australia’s Champion Stallion in I AM INVINCIBLE, the Sire of over 700 winners, including 79 Stakes winners. His Dam RED FEZ (by Red Ransom) won 3 times in Melbourne and was placed twice at Group 2 level – she is the dam of three foals to race (including Knippenberg) and the other two have won in Sydney/NSW. This is the family of the successful Stallions at Stud in Shooting To Win, Deep Field and Zed
Training & Race History

KNIPPENBERG was prepared by Ciarin Maher/David Eustace from their Warwick Farm base in Sydney for his International Owners, Phoenix Thoroughbreds – he had two trials in Sydney, the first April 22^nd, where he finished 5^th and the second on May 6^th finishing 2^nd. He then made his race day debut at Bathurst 26^th May finishing 3^rd beaten 1.9 lengths. He then raced at Goulburn 17^th June and was well beaten, but did strike a very “off” track and returned to scale with two black eyes, obviously being hit by a flying clod during the run. At that point his Owners, deciding that he was not up to Stallion making class, decided to sell him

Physical Type
Standing at 16 hands high and tipping the scales at 500kgs, KNIPPENBERG is an impressive physical type – he passed his vetting (conducted by Dr Ramiro Pellegrini) with flying colours – he scoped at Grade One, had no vices and his feet and limbs are in excellent order

Syndicator’s View

John Galvin comments on this latest acquisition “Knippenberg has a profile that is very typical of virtually all of the horses we have bought off the Inglis Digital platform in the past three years or so. A very well bred 2yo that is owned by a high profile Ownership Group, clearly with a Stallion career in mind, he has not shown the necessary race day form to give his Owners the confidence that he can be a Group One winning horse in Australia and so they moved him on. Horses we have acquired in recent years of this profile are Federation (6 Singapore wins), Brutus (5 Singapore wins), Entertainer (7 Singapore wins), King Arthur (7 Singapore wins), Red Rover (3 Singapore wins) plus Ellis Ness and Deception (1 Singapore win each). He has had two trials and two race day starts and shown us enough from those to indicate he can be a successful racehorse in Singapore. Vetting perfectly with a Grade One scope and sound of limb, he stands at 16 hands, tips the scales at around 500kgs and we are very happy to have acquired him”

Click HERE to see Knippenberg parading 30^th June

Trainers Views

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan comments about KNIPPENBERG

“This  is a lovely horse that John has acquired – I have viewed his trials and races and can see he has a very nice action – I have also obtained rider reports from those who have ridden him and those reports are very positive – to my eye, he is a horse who will benefit from being gelded and also more time to strengthen and mature – he will get that time as he agists in New South Wales before coming to Singapore – I am looking forward to having him in my barn in Singapore”

Former Four Time Champion Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, now heading up the Te Akau New Zealand operation, assisted John Galvin in analysing KNIPPENBERG – he comments as follows “John and I have had much success in Singapore over the past three seasons buying horses out of the Australian On Line Sales with horses of just this type of profile – types that are by leading Sires, that are lightly raced and that have shown us enough from their Australian trials and races to suggest they can be very good race horses in Singapore. He vetted very well and is an impressive physical type in the mould of KING ARTHUR and DECEPTION, both also by I Am Invincible and impressive winners for Fortuna Racing in Singapore”

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $9,000  – 5% share  $4,500 – 2.5% share $2,250 – 1% share $900 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Transport to Singapore, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $13,000 approx
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st September 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 per month.
• Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Click HERE to view all details of Knippenberg on the Fortuna website  – orders can be placed from there also – Email John by return email or call/text 021 921 460 if you require more information

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

A 4^th placing was our lot last week– here is what Des has to say this week;

Those of you who called my 0900 line on Saturday will know that my two best bets at the two gallops meetings in NZ were Fernandez at Ruakaka and Cross Roads at Hastings. 

However, for the Fortuna readers last week I zigged when I should have zagged with Fernandez managing a battling 4th against Cross Roads impressive all the way win at a generous $5.50 price.
I’m sure some punters here may well have stuck with Cross Roads after I labelled it on top in my summary  at its previous start,
but let’s not cry over spilt milk and instead see if we can make amends on Saturday. 

I’m warming to Samina Bibi in race 8 at Te Rapa and here is my reasoning:

It’s interesting that her trainers have always elected to kick off her two previous campaigns at Te Rapa. 

In November 2020 she won her first start on the track over 1400m on soft 6 footing while last year she resumed in November also a soft track to reel the quickest final sectionals (600m-400m) also over 1400m. She’s in a 1400m this week and she warmed up for the race with a respectable third at a trial over 3 weeks ago. It was of course a catch weight open trial and I reckon her rider was carrying at least 4kgs more than the winner and maybe 8-10kgs more than the third horse if their saddles were of equal weight.

She wasn’t knocked around and hit the line solidly after being caught three wide for a good part of the early and middle stages of the trial. I think she’s ready to go a beauty and the early odds of $11 and $3.40 holds real appeal for me  as a genuine each way bet. She’s lightly tried with just 10 runs under belt and I see no reason why this cannot be her best chance to go through the grades on this preparation as a more mature four year old. 

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).

========================================================================================