Uncategorized

Friday Flash – 22 December 2023

Published 22 December 2023

Headline News

Fortuna Owners Day 17th December was a big success

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

Fortuna has four runners at three different venues Friday and Saturday and Boxing Day

Friday – Matamata

COURT OF APPEAL steps up in trip in the Maiden 2000m event – Friday 22nd December – Race 1 @ 2.41pm with Michael McNab to ride from a wide barrier. Her last two runs at 1600m have seen two strong third placings. A big rangy Filly by Eminent out of a Zabeel Mare, she is bred to stay all day and will love this 2000m trip. Slightly tricky draw to overcome but will be rattling home closing stages and is a strong each way chance @ $5/$2

INCA BELLE contests the R65 1400m event – Race 8 @ 6.53 pm and will be ridden by the in form Niranjan Parmar from barrier 4 – good 2^nd on resuming and then only battled 2^nd up – Is a very capable galloper and can feature in the finish here @ $10/$3.30

Saturday – Trentham

LEADERBOARD contests the Group 3 Manawatu Cup over 2300m – race 7 @4.10pm Kozzie Osano to ride from Barrier 11 – produced a solid effort for 5^th over 2200m this course last Saturday at just his 2nd up run – on a path toward defending his 2023 Wellington Cup – loves it wet, but may not get that on Saturday – $18/$4.50

Caulfield – Boxing Day

RUBICON CROSSNG gets her first look at Caufield in the BM 70 1100m event – Race 5 @ 3.40pm Aus time with Jamie Kah to ride from a good barrier. Won impressively at her Aus debut 30th September and has finished close up without winning in 3 starts since. Very capable galloper who meets a tidy field here, but has the draw and the rider to assist. Can run into the money here if at her best on the day

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

Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 19th December

Court Of Appeal (O Bosson) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.21.0, final 600 in 38.1.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 16^th December

RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-38.5; TRIDENT (AWAH)1000/600-38.5; ELLIOT NESS (ASLAM)1000/600-38.5; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-39;

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

OTHER NEWS

Fortuna Owners Day 17th December was a big successApproximately 80 Fortuna clients attended the annual Owners day held at Matamata racecourse December 17. The weather was balmy and Trainer Mark Walker was in attendance. After welcoming attendees, we showed a video clip of the closing stages of the 23 individual wins recorded by Fortuna runners over the last 12 months and that brought back a lot of memories for attendees – Leaderboard’s Wellington Cup victory drew a particularly big cheer from the attendees. Our most successful horse during the year was the Singapore based 4yo, KNIPPENBERG, who won 4 times from 12 starts

John presented a Winning Owners award, a copy of Aidan Rodley’s very good book on the history of group one winners in New Zealand racing over the last 40 years “Elite” – this was presented to Ian and Sandra Upson, who accumulated 20 wins throughout the year from 11 individual horses.

Notable that the Upsons, who have been clients of Fortuna since 2012, have now accumulated 146 wins in total with Fortuna horses – a simply amazing record. Their secret of course is to take small shares (usually 2.5%) in lots of horses.

We then paraded all of the horses that were based at Matamata on the day and all paraded in great order – the Karaka Million bound 2yo Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, drew a lot of interest as did our very recent Ready To Run acquisition, the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly, “Kylie” – standing at 16.1 hands and tipping the scales at 500 kgs, she is an impressive physical type. Notable that the day before at Te Rapa, the Te Akau trained race mare CAMPIONESSA (also by Contributor) had coninued her rich vein of from when taking out the Group 2 Cal Izuzu Stakes

“Kylie” – the 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade

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

Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Here is what Gary says this week

Hi John and Team

Last week somewhat spoiled by scratchings but I was stunned when Impressa went clear at the top of straight only to be swallowed up by 3 horses close to the post. I was in the collect queue ! Maybe Boxing day redemption there !

Back at Trentham this week and I see jockey Michael McNab having a good day ending on a winning note when the big grey Colorado Silver [ $4/ $2 ] storms down the outside to win race 8.

Earlier in Race3 Charmario [ $11 /$4 ] Race 4 Let’s Get Loose [ $13 /$4 ] and Race 5 Llanacord [ $12 / $4 ] represent good chances at odds.

Race 6 Belclare [ $9 / $3 ] on her day is up to the best mares.

Whatever happens previous count on Colorado Silver to bring Christmas Cheer.

At Te Rapa Race1 Arjays Flight [ $3 win] is at skinny odds but surely this is his turn. He has won once but has 8 seconds and raced in far stronger fields !

Race 3 Suzuka [$10 / $3 ] is very fast and I expect he may run them off their feet !

Race 4 Kiwi Man [ $6 / $3] looks well placed to run on speed and grind them down over 2400m.

Boxing Day fields look very interesting and already I have a couple of ‘money makers’ sorted out, maybe ‘Fortuna John’ will agree to a special edition of treats !

Have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Gary

Friday Flash – 15th December 2023

Published 15 December 2023

Headline News

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^thJanuary

================================================
Fortuna has four runners Friday and Saturday – one at Tauranga Friday and three at Trentham Saturday including one in a Stakes Race

Friday – Tauranga

HAYATE steps up in trip in the R65 1600 event – Friday15^th December – Race 9 @ 6.32pm with Opie Bosson to ride from a wide barrier. Two runs at 1400m since resuming have seen two thirds, the second one a head bobbing finish. Looking for the Mile and is right in this as a strong each way chance. Market @ $5.50/$2.10

Saturday – Trentham

DANCARINA contests the R75 1300m event – race 2 @1.45pm with Joe Kamaruddin to ride from Barrier 4. Disappointed last 2 starts at Riccarton but both were on very firm tracks – prior form was very good – will get softer track conditions here and if back to her best, can feature in the finish here. Market has her @ $7.50/$2.40

LEADERBOARD races in the R83 2200m event – Race 5 @ 3.35pm and will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin. Resuming run at Otaki 1600m recently was a nice pipe opener for him – his work during the week was very strong and so is ready for this trip. Previous runs at Trentham have seen him collect two big scalps with the St Leger and the Wellington Cup – loves it wet and Metservice forecast for Saturday says “Rain becoming persistent in the morning” – May be a tad short for him, but can certainly feature in the finish here @$8.50/$2.80

VIVACIOUS takes a big step forward into Stakes Company at just her 3^rd race day start when she contests the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes over 1600m – Race 7 @ 4.45pm, with Jonathan Parkes to ride from Barrier 11. This talented daughter of Dundeel impressed observers with how she won at 1400m at Te Aroha recently – meets a handy field here with good form but seems to have the class to cope . Market is keeping her safe as equal fave with the well performed Chantilly Lace @ $5/$2

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

Matamata Trackwork
Vivacious (S Weatherley) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.8, home in 36.7.

Leaderboard (J Kamaruddin) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.18.2, last 600 in 38.6.

Hayate (N Parmar) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.23.1, last 600 in 37.9.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 9^th December

ELLIOT NESS (AWAH)800/600-40; KING ARTHUR (YUSFOFF)1000/600-37.5;

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

OTHER NEWS

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14^th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.

New Zealand’s premier thoroughbred racecourse has been undergoing a gradual ‘return to racing’ testing plan in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) over the past month of which today was the final phase.

Monday, 11 December (today) saw trials take place at Ellerslie with 60 horses galloping on the surface across 12 heats. Senior jockeys, Opie Bosson, Craig Grylls and Joe Doyle were oncourse for the first time since the development.

“It’s a really quality track that was so needed here,” commented Joe Doyle.“It rides brilliantly and the horses stay so balanced. It’s really good, I like it.”

Opie Bosson also had very favourable things to say about the track commenting, “It feels beautiful. Nice and smooth and it’s a privilege to ride on it. There’s not one fault in the track at all and I’m looking forward to getting back here in January.”

NZTR’s Head of Licensing and Stakeholder Engagement, Matthew Williamson, was also oncourse gathering feedback from a range of stakeholders. “It’s an incredible, incredible surface. I can’t speak highly enough of it. It’s been long awaited here in New Zealand and that $50million that’s been put into it has been well spent for the industry. Comments from Michael McNab were extremely favourable and comments from the RIB stewards were that it’s a consistent and brilliant surface. Given our tracks around the country can, from time to time, be challenging, the comment was that stakeholders will know exactly what they are riding out on to here at Ellerslie. As far as the track surface goes, feedback has been favourable from absolutely everybody and as far as NZTR is concerned, we’ll go through our process but the sign off today is very favourable.”

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Officer Paul Wilcox says, “To say we are delighted is an understatement. This moment has been much anticipated by not only us here at ATR, but by the entire industry and I’m thrilled at the feedback we’ve received.We’re grateful to the support afforded to us by the senior jockeys, trainers and owners who’ve helped us with the all-important testing process and I know I’m not the only one who says they cannot wait to get back racing here in January.”

With the testing now complete, racing will commence at Ellerslie Racecourse on Sunday, 14 January with Summer Raceday ahead of the highly popular TAB Karaka Millions on Saturday, 27 January.

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

Owners Day – 17^th December

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Its not too late to register for the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

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

Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Well Gary certainly delivered for us last week with four winners from eight selections at Pukekohe – Here is what he says this week

Hi John and Team

I was pleased with my efforts last week, tipping Craig Grylls was certainly prudent, I just not getting my longer odds fancies up !

This week there is interest in both Northern meetings , and Wellington just may get some rain on the day..Leaderboard connections are praying !

Trentham fields are small but tricky and I’m looking for Johnathon Parkes and Katie Hercock to be prominent in many finishes.

My two standout horses are Race 4…..Za’faran [$8.50 / $3 ] been freshened and back to 1600m but is a talented horse eyeing up Cup races and should be ready. Race 10…..Conway O’Ceirin [$5 / $2] a good way to end the day !

Waikato Christmas Goodies…..

Race 3 …Hayley [$13/$ 4] Due for some luck .
Race 4….Aris Aris [$ 6/ $2] Best of a bevy of Tangerine.
Race 5….Academy Award [$4 /$2] has the draw and track to feature.
Race 7….Novak [ $12/$4 ] should be @ $30/1 ,too bad to be true last start but went via the Cape on turn.
Race 8….Aromatic [ $3 win]….Max your bet then double it !
Race 9….Impresa [ $6 / $2 ] Skinny odds in a tough field but sure to be in the fight throughout…is gutsy !
Good luck leading into the Festive Season !

Gary

KNIPPENBERG delivers a classy win at Kranji Racecourse 9th December, his 4th career win in Singapore

Published 10 December 2023

KNIPPENBERG, the four year old gelding by I Am Invincible out of Red Fez, capped off a great days racing for the New Zealand based Fortuna Racing Team when defeating a strong field in the Class 3 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Saturday 9th December. Fortuna Racing had four runners on the day, with KNIPPENBERG being the last of them to make an appearance. Earlier in the day, PRINCE LONHRO had run a close up 2nd after enduring a three wide trip without cover in race 2, the 3yo GUN had produced a strong debut winning effort at his 3rd Singapore start in Race 4 and the durable ROCKY, already a three time winner in Singapore, had run a creditable 5th in Race 6th.

Race 10 saw KNIPPENBERG face the starter and with a last minute rider change, as Fadzli Yusoff who had been engaged had been dislodged from PRINCE LONHRO after passing the winning post Race 2 – relatively unscathed, he had nevertheless, been stood down from the rest of his riding engagements. Fortuitously, the up and comin g TH Koh, was available to take the ride on KNIPPENBERG

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching from his home in New Zealand and already having enjoyed winning success ealier in the evening with the smart 3yo GUN, felt that his cup was truly “runneth over” “Boy, that was a great watch – KNIPPENBERG deserved that after being very unlucky in his recent runs – it was a quality field, but his record at this trip on the Long Course is exceptional – he went out at decent odds of 10 -1 but I always thought he just needed luck to be competitive and so it proved. Well done to TH Koh, who came off the bench to ride the horse and congrats to Donna Logan and her team for delivering a double victory on the day for us. It was great to see our Singapore and Malaysian based owners, Fiona Goh, TH and Gina Ng and Iain and Shawn Leishman, on course to celebrate this fine victory”

Knippenberg – Making it 4 wins in Singapore – Kranji 9th December 2023

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, who had enjoyed double success on the day, was overjoyed “Gee, this horse deserved that – he has had rotten luck his last two starts, but is all class and bounced back in fine style today. Lovely ride by TH Koh and huge congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team – they have been supporting racing in Singapore since 2010 and deserve every success they can get.”

A content TH KOH returns to scale after riding Knippenberg to his 4th Singapore win

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

Knippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia – he has now won four times and had five minor placings from 12 race day starts and has accumulated over S$188k in stakes monies

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider TH Koh after the race

GUN blows them away with debut win in Singapore

Published 9 December 2023

Fortuna Racing’s three year old gelding GUN (Extreme Choice-Murtle Turtle) produced a strong winning effort at just his 3rd Singapore start when taking out the Open Maiden 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Saturday 9th Dec. Ridden by Te Akau Racing’s Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, GUN was away well from his good draw – Jamil was content to let October go up and take the lead and slotted in behind that runner during the run. Full of running as they turned for home, Jamil eased his mount off the rail and set about running the leader down, which he did in fine style despite trying to run in over the last 200m or so, going to the line clear by 2.5 lengths

GUN had run a strong 2nd on debut in Singapore in October on the Turf, but resented the kickback off the Polytrack when tried on that surface at his 2nd start. Back to the Turf, he showed his real ability today with a very strong win

Click HERE to see the race replay

GUN – 1st Singapore win – 9th December 2023

Trainer, Donna Logan, was very complimentary about horse and rider “Lovely strong win today by GUN, he failed on the Poly last start, but his work since has been very very good and I felt pre race that he was going to run well today. Beautifully handled by Jamil, who has really come of age as a young rider this year, I think GUN is going to be a very nice type going forward. Congrats to John Galvin and his big group of Fortuna Racing Owners, a couple of whom were here on course today”

Fortuna Racing Boss, John Galvin, watching the race from his home in Hamilton New Zealand, was up and out of his chair as the runners turned for home “I could see that GUN had traveled really well and all he needed to do was be strong to the line – he certainly delivered on that – he was well ridden by Jamil and it is a great result for our extensive ownership group in this horse. Well done to Donna Logan and her team – she has handled this lovely galloper very well all the way through”

Jamil is a happy rider as he brings GUN back to scale

GUN was acquired by John Galvin at the March 2023 Inglis Digital Sale for A$45,000. He had originally been acquired as a yearling for A$775,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale by James Harron Bloodstock as part of a “Colts Syndicate” but after trials and two race day starts and proving to very “Colty” his ownership Group decided to move him on as he did not meet their “Stallion Making” criteria. He is raced by The Fortuna Gun Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 44 indviduals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

And some happy connections after the race

Friday Flash – 8th December 2023

Published 8 December 2023

Headline News

Shares filling quickly in our recent Ready To Run purchase

Secondary Market shares available in three Fortuna runners

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

Fortuna has five runners Friday and Saturday – two at Riccarton Friday and four in Singapore Saturday

Friday – Riccarton

SAILING AWAY – a 3yo Gelding by Merchant Navy, makes his race day debut on the Riccarton Synthetic – Friday 8^thDecember – Race 1 @ 2.47 with Lisa Allpress to ride from a good barrier. A slow maturer, his earlier trials were average but blinkers on last trial saw a better performance. Market is cautious @ $10/$3.30

ANGELS WINGS – resumes after a decent paddock spell after a winning performance Awapuni synthetic 27^th July – she is in the R65 1200 – Race 8 @ 6. 59 with Warren Kennedy aboard from a good barrier. Has raced consistently throughout her 11 race career, trialed nicely for a 3^rd placing 13^th November – has a good level of ability, loves the synthetic and is a top 3 chance here @ $4.20/$1.80

Saturday – Singapore

PRINCE LONHRO races in the Open Maiden 1200m Turf – Race 2 @ 12.30 Sing time (5.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from the outside barrier. A strong trials and solid race day performer (from 2 starts) in NZ before heading to Singapore, he made his debut there 1100m Poly 25^th Nov, was severely check at the start in a race that was run very quickly, but was strong to the line for 4^th placing – a classy type, he will appreciate the Turf and can run into the money here, but will need some luck from the draw.

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

1st Pick: ROYAL COMMISSION (8)
Last years dominant combination of Nunes and Fitzsimmons rejoin forces here for the first time in quite a while. Trialed nicely in moderate time showing a good turn of foot recently and finds a nice race here.
2nd Pick: STAR NORTH (3)
Should improve second up with blinkers on that he wore to a fifth placing trial recently. His maiden form earlier in the year is very strong and looks a key player.
3rd Pick: JULY (11)
Draws well down in the weights and is first up since August with three trials under the belt for our leading stable. Should get plenty of market support.
4th Pick: PRINCE LONHRO (1)
Severely checked after the start in a race where the leaders clocked a very quick 23.30 which is absolutely flying. He was off the bit the whole way and hit the line well. Will need luck from a wide draw.

GUN contests the Open Maiden 1200 Turf – Race 4 @ Race 4 @ 1.30 Sing time (6.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice S Jamil, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier draw. A solid 2^nd placing on debut behind a talented galloper was followed by a disappointing result when tried on the Poly. Back on the Turf, lovely draw, carries 51.5kgs with the claim – is right in this and can win

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

1st Pick: GUN (5)
He will carry next to no weight after the claim for Jamil as he looked to resent the kick back on the Polytrack last start. His last start on the turf was strong behind a very good horse in Kungfu Hero.
2nd Pick: SURFING CLOUD (8)
On the quick backup after having no luck down the straight being held up for the better part of the last 300m. If he handles the backup and finds clear ground can go well.
3rd Pick: LIM’S SARAMATI (1)
Gets the blinkers added for the first time for the strong Meagher and Lerner combination who are striking at 23.1% from their last 39 runners. Should show plenty of improvement.
4th Pick: OCTOBER (6)
Comes out of the same race Gun competed in back in October finishing third. Caught the eye winning a trial in 60.27 and should be there in the finish.

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1600m Turf – Race 6 @ 2.30 Sing time (7.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jamil, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier. A three time winner in Singapore, he has raced mainly on the Poly but has run well this trip and surface when tried. Appreciates being ridden patiently and with the right run can feature here

KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 3 1200m Turf – Race 10 @ 4.30 Sing time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier. Luck deserted him in a big way his last two starts, but his nine previous starts had brought him 3 wins and 3 seconds, with all three of his wins coming on the Turf (Long course) and the 1200m trip. Gets the long course here again, has a dream draw and carries just 53kgs. Does meet a very strong field here, but represents a good top 3 chance

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

1st Pick: CITY GOLD STAR (4)
Nunes has ridden a few of the fancies in their recent starts and throws his leg over this David Kok trained runner who was a winner two starts back beating Dream Alliance who finished second in the Gold Cup. Draw not the best but can present here.
2nd Pick: KNIPPENBERG (8)
His career best performances have all come at this distance on the Long Course. Gets the advantage of a nice barrier to position up early and can bounce back in a big way here.
3rd Pick: ASIF (2)
Racing in very nice form over his last five starts that have recorded two wins and two placings. After Seows claim he will carry 54.5kgs. Scratched at his most recent start where he was a key chance.
4th Pick: MT NISEKO (13)
Eligible for class four off a rating of 67 but being thrown in here up in class but down in weight could be a smart move from the trainer. Will need to dig deep to win but has some favors.

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

Matamata Trackwork

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 2nd December

TRIDENT (AWAH)1000/600-39; RHETT BUTLER (IBRHIM)1000/600-39; 38; GUN (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; KINPPENBERG (ALSM)1000/600-38; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)800/600-38.5; ROCKY (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; PRINCE LONHRO (YUSOFF)1000/600-37;

Tuesday 5th December

KNIPPENBERG (AWAH)800/600-40; GUN (YUSOFF)800/600-40;

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

OTHER NEWS

Shares filling quickly in our 2023 Ready To Run purchase – the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly – $1240 for each 1% share – just 18% left!!!

The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – Stable Name “Kylie”
Middle Distance/Staying type

Lot 295– the Two Year Old Filly by the proven Stallion CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By Street Sense) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

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

The Contributor – Victory Parade Two Year Old Filly – “Kylie”

Pedigree
This Filly, who has been given the stable name “Kylie” is the beneficiary of a strong pedigree. Her Sire, Contributor was a top class racehorse in the UK and Australia, winning 8 times from 18 starts, at trips from 1400 to 2000m – he won four times at Group level, including two Group One victories in Australia. He is the Sire of 121 runners, of which 84 are winners, including 8 Stakes winners.

“Kylie’s” Dam is Victory Parade, a daughter of Street Sense. She won twice in Australia and is the dam of one foal to race, Smokeshow, who has won three trials and run 2^nd in each of his two raceday starts – Click HERE to view pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, standing at 16.1 hands high and tipping the scales at 500kgs, she is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a strong athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had asked David Ellis and Mark Walker to select a staying type Two Year Old Filly out of this sale – one with a strong pedigree page but which also met our criteria for type. Their inspections threw up two or three that met the overall criteria, but this Filly was their preferred option and we were lucky enough to secure her below our budget. Contributor is fashioning a great record as a Sire of staying types and this Filly really does fit the bill. Standing over 16 hands high and weighing 500kgs, she is a great physical specimen.”

”Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type, this Filly really caught my eye when David Ellis and I conducted our inspections – a lovely moving Filly of good size, her breeze up gallop demonstrated a strong powerful action – she paraded very well at inspections and has the physical characteristics to develop into a lovely staying type as a Three Year Old and beyond”

Click HERE to see her Breeze Up Gallop

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“We thought this Filly by Contributor was a beautiful moving Filly with a lot of class – she presented as a good strong, very sound type and we were thrilled to buy her for what I thought was great value for money”

Ongoing Preparation
“Kylie” is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of prepared for racing at Matamata by Ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker in conjunction with co-Trainer, Sam Bergerson of Te Akau Racing Stables – this preparation will commence around 12^th December and will include jumpouts and trials in the late summer/autumn of 2024 – during this initial preparation Mark and Sam will be constantly assessing her and will make a decision whether she can make her race day debut as an Autumn 2yo or whether she can be put aside until her 3yo season, which commences 1 August 2024

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $12,400– 5% share $6,200 – 2.5% share $3,100 – 1% share $1,240

Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance through to 31st January 2025, and Working Capital of over $8,000

Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st January 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Shares can be ordered online at the link HERE – email john@fortuna-nz.com if you require info or assistance

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

Secondary Market shares available in three Fortuna runners

Due to a change in health and financial circumstances, a long standing Fortuna client has decided to offer the shares she has in three horses

They are as follows

Malborough Bay – the 4yo Gelding by Darci Brahma out of Spin ‘N Grin. This well bred gelding won on debut at Matamata as a late Autumn 2yo, was Stakes placed as a 3yo, raced well without luck at times during his 3yo year and then won again as a 4yo in early August – is now coming to the end of a paddock spell and is returning to work this week. He has fashioned a race day record of 16 starts for 2 wins and 10 other top five finishes – a 5% share is available for $1500 and ongoing costs of $180 per month from 1 January

Ragamuffin – the 5yo Gelding by Belardo out of Short Tale – has had 16 starts for 2 wins as a three year old – had time away from the track as a Spring 4yo due to some leg surgery – resumed racing in the Autumn of 2023 filling minor placings at times – is now coming to the end of a paddock spell and is returning to work soon – a 5% share is available for $1500 and ongoing costs of $200 per month from 1 January

Mitre Peak – the 3yo Filly by More Than Ready out of Liten Princessa – she has trialed nicely and made her race day debut at New Plymouth 7^th December, finishing unplaced – a 2.5% share is available for $100 and ongoing costs of $100 per month from 1 January

===============================================S

Date Change for our Owners Day – now 17^th December

Please note we have had a change of date for our Owners Day – originally set for Sunday 10th Dec, some NZTR programming changes have seen the Rotorua meeting scheduled for the 6th Dec moved to the 10th – Mark and Sam have a big team going, so this means staffing for our Owners Day becomes impossible, hence the date change – see revised details below

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Yes it’s that time of the year again – the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com

If you have registered for the 10th already, can you please reconfirm with Jessica that you can still make it on the 17th

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

Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Here is what Gary says this week

Hi John and Team

The weather up North seems on the improve unsure about Wellington though both venues have some interesting races.

At Wellington I spot a tasty treat in Race 9…..Hasstobeperfect [ $11 / $4 ]….looks ready to fire !

At Pukekohe I’ve a list of black bookers to follow from seein them in flesh of late !

Race 1….Uderzo [ $3 win] looks well placed.

Race 2…Mosinvador [ $9 / $3 ] Yes a maiden but meets weak field IMO.

Race 3…Wallen [ $2 ] Another maiden but a standout IMO

Race 4…Terra Mitica [ $5 /$2] ex UK horse looks well placed in this.

Race 5 ……Ka Ying Lucky [ $12 / $4 ] Eachway allday !

Race 7……Trust in You [ $5 /$2] looks the winner here with Pick of the Litter [ $4 place ] a great Top 4 chance as well. Both finish their races off strongly.

Race 8…..Flamebird [ $4 /$2 ] Much went wrong last time and should help Craig Grylls have a great day.

Race 9….Kaidu’s Pride [ $18 / $18 / $6] Has only seen the outside fence in past few races and with lightweight and better ride could provide a lot of Christmas cheer ! Has ability this horse….look out !

Good luck,

Gary

Friday Flash – 1st December 2023

Published 1 December 2023

Headline News

Fortuna 3yo Filly VIVACIOUS breaks Maidens at Te Aroha 29^th November in a classy performance – will now head to the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes at Trentham 16^th December

Date Change for our Owners Day – now 17^th December

Shares filling quickly in our recent Ready To Run purchase

================================================
Fortuna has 3 runners in two jurisdictions Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Mornington – Victoria – Friday 1^st December

BEAU GESTE contests the BM 58 2400m event at Mornington – Race 6 @6.10pm NZT and will be ridden by Liam Riordan from a mid field barrier. Has not been disgraced in his two Aus starts to date in higher rated company than what he meets today. Some rain about which he will appreciate – he is back in trip here however. Will find this a tad easier and is a chance of running into the money at odds of $21/$5

Wanganui – Saturday 2^nd

INCA BELLE races in the R65 1200m event – Race 2 @ 12.40 pm with Jonathan Parkes to ride from a mid field barrier – just missed when resuming this grade and trip Te Rapa 11^th November – strung three wins in a row this time last year – good each way chance here at $4.80/$2

Warrnambool – Sunday 3^rd – Jericho Cup Day

RUBICON CROSSING contests the BM 70 1000m – Race 7 @ 6.10pm NZT – has run two strong races this trip and grade at The Valley last two starts after a dominant winning performance on her Aus debut at Mornington 30^th September – will find this a bit easier and could be hard to beat – no odds yet but described by bookmaker Neds as “Leading contender”

(Note by the way that the Te Akau 5yo Prismatic, last seen running 5th in the NZ Cup, is 4th fave for the Jericho Cup – race 8 on Sunday)

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

Matamata Trackwork

Inca Belle (T Melvin) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.6, home in 37.2.

Singapore Trackwork

Friday 24^th November
GUN (RONNIE STEWART)1000/600-39.9;

Saturday 25^th November
KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38.2; RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-41.5;

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

OTHER NEWS

VIVACIOUS breaks Maidens at Te Aroha 29^th November in a classy performance – will head to the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes at Trentham 16^th December – see Fortuna website story below

Fortuna Racing’s Three Year Old Filly, VIVACIOUS, records her Maiden win – Te Aroha 29th November

VIVACIOUS (3yo Filly Dundeel – Vivi Veloce, by More Than Ready) broke through at her second start in the $25,000 J Swap Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 29 November at Te Aroha. After drawing clear to win easily at the trials on 10 October at Matamata, VIVACIOUS found the line for third when debuting in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 3 November at Te Aroha, and took the necessary improvement to prevail in good fashion at her second race day outing. Ridden positively from an awkward draw (9) by Opie Bosson, she slotted into a trailing position at the 800m, travelled up sweetly nearing the home turn, and after changing ground a couple of times in the straight, she surged through to score.

“We got held up a little bit in the straight, but I was always confident I was going to gather in the leader and she’s a nice filly on the way up,” Bosson said. “I just rode her hands and heels over the final stages and she did it pretty easily.”

Click HERE to see the race replay

Vivacious records her 1st Win – Te Aroha 29th November 2023 – Opie Bosson aboard

On Soft5 footing, that was soon upgraded to Good4 and drew compliments from the jockeys, VIVACIOUS, who is known around the stable as “Tui”, ran 1400 metres in 1:24.0, last 600m in 35.3, and held firm in betting to pay $4.60 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

“She didn’t get all favours up the straight, but it was a nice effort to win, albeit narrowly, and Opie rode a very confident race,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “I loved the way Opie used her early to get a handy position, but then she came back to him and relaxed well and quickened up very nicely at the end of the race. We’ve thought for some time that she’s a nice staying filly in the making and the further she goes the better she’s going to get. We are eying some black type assignments for her and a very nice filly that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) picked up quite cheaply at the 2022 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.”

A quietly contented Opie Bosson, brings VIVACIOUS back to scale

Owned by the Fortuna Vivacious Syndicate (Manager John Galvin), she was purchased for $60,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing at the 2022 Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Riverrock Farm and is raced by an Ownership Group comprising 55 individuals from New Zealand and Hong Kong

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was on track along with a good number of the Ownership group to support their promising Filly. “We’ve had a frustrating run of seconds and thirds throughout November with the Fortuna runners and it’s nice to get a win with this lovely filly. And its great to get this win at Te Aroha. We need Te Aroha racecourse and it’s wonderful to be back racing here on their newly renovated track after a few hiccoughs and delays,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful race track and every horse gets its chance. A big thanks to race sponsors, Swaps, who have sponsored racing for a long, long, time and worked with the club to do the track renovation.

“It was a stylish win by VIVACIOUS today, a filly by Dundeel out of a mare by More Than Ready – that’s a lovely pedigree, picked out of the 2022 Ready to Run Sale for us by David (Ellis) and Mark (Walker) and I’m still shaking my head as to how we bought her for $60,000. She was beautifully handled by Opie (Bosson) who gave her a very positive and confident ride and Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) have done a great job with her. We have people from all over the country in the ownership group and we welcome two from Blenheim who are here while on holiday.”

VIVACIOUS is the first Fortuna Racing horse that Kailey Barrett and Ryan Luiten, from Blenheim, has been involved in and did so after seeing her sold at Karaka before going to the Fortuna website to secure a share in her.

VIVACIOUS with Strapper, Ahbi Pawar and happy connections post race

VIVACIOUS is a filly by the remarkable racehorse Dundeel (High Chaparral), who stamped himself as well above average from the day he blew his two-year-old rivals off the track on debut over 1200 metres at Ellerslie. The six time Group One winner gained titles on both sides of the Tasman: Champion 3YO and Horse of the Year in New Zealand, and Champion Middle Distance horse in Australia, he ended his racing career winning the $4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and his progeny have been highly sought after.

The dam side of pedigree is particularly rich. Incredibly, world renowned dam-sire, the late More Than Ready (Southern Halo) has sired over 4300 winners including 290 stakes winners and 50 Group One winners, and already proving an exceptional Australian broodmare sire. He has been Champion Sire in both hemispheres, proved an outstanding sire of sires and going from strength-to-strength as a broodmare sire. VIVACIOUS carries a bloodline cross to immortal sire Northern Dancer. Her dam, Vivi Veloce, was a Group Three winner over 1200 metres in Australia, and grand-dam Royal Sash (Royal Academy) also won at Group Three level among five wins to 1400 metres.

VIVACIOUS was strapped by Ahbi Pawar.

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

Date Change for our Owners Day – now 17^th December

Please note we have had a change of date for our Owners Day – originally set for Sunday 10th Dec, some NZTR programming changes have seen the Rotorua meeting scheduled for the 6th Dec moved to the 10th – Mark and Sam have a big team going, so this means staffing for our Owners Day becomes impossible, hence the date change – see revised details below

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Yes it’s that time of the year again – the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

If you have registered for the 10th already, can you please reconfirm with Jessica that you can still make it on the 17th

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

Shares filling quickly in our 2023 Ready To Run purchase – the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly – $1240 for each 1% shareNote that Vivacious was our 2022 RTR purchase and her win on Wednesday continues the great run we are having with our RTR purchases in recent years, with our 2020 purchase, Ragamuffin, our 2021 purchase, Inca Belle and now Vivacious all having greeted the judge

About The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

Middle Distance/Staying type

Lot 295– the Two Year Old Filly by the proven Stallion CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By Street Sense) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

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

The Contributor – Victory Parade Two Year Old Filly – “Kylie”

Pedigree
This Filly, who has been given the stable name “Kylie” is the beneficiary of a strong pedigree. Her Sire, Contributor was a top class racehorse in the UK and Australia, winning 8 times from 18 starts, at trips from 1400 to 2000m – he won four times at Group level, including two Group One victories in Australia. He is the Sire of 121 runners, of which 84 are winners, including 8 Stakes winners.

“Kylie’s” Dam is Victory Parade, a daughter of Street Sense. She won twice in Australia and is the dam of one foal to race, Smokeshow, who has won three trials and run 2^nd in each of his two raceday starts – Click HERE to view pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, standing at 16.1 hands high and tipping the scales at 500kgs, she is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a strong athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had asked David Ellis and Mark Walker to select a staying type Two Year Old Filly out of this sale – one with a strong pedigree page but which also met our criteria for type. Their inspections threw up two or three that met the overall criteria, but this Filly was their preferred option and we were lucky enough to secure her below our budget. Contributor is fashioning a great record as a Sire of staying types and this Filly really does fit the bill. Standing over 16 hands high and weighing 500kgs, she is a great physical specimen.”

”Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type, this Filly really caught my eye when David Ellis and I conducted our inspections – a lovely moving Filly of good size, her breeze up gallop demonstrated a strong powerful action – she paraded very well at inspections and has the physical characteristics to develop into a lovely staying type as a Three Year Old and beyond”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“We thought this Filly by Contributor was a beautiful moving Filly with a lot of class – she presented as a good strong, very sound type and we were thrilled to buy her for what I thought was great value for money”

Ongoing Preparation
“Kylie” is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of prepared for racing at Matamata by Ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker in conjunction with co-Trainer, Sam Bergerson of Te Akau Racing Stables – this preparation will commence around 12^th December and will include jumpouts and trials in the late summer/autumn of 2024 – during this initial preparation Mark and Sam will be constantly assessing her and will make a decision whether she can make her race day debut as an Autumn 2yo or whether she can be put aside until her 3yo season, which commences 1 August 2024

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $12,400– 5% share $6,200 – 2.5% share $3,100 – 1% share $1,240

Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance through to 31st January 2025, and Working Capital of over $8,000

Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st January 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Syndication Paperwork is still being finalised for this Filly, but we are taking “expressions of interest” – she is 65% committed already, so please email john@fortuna-nz.com or call/text John 021 921 460

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

Guest Selector – Gary WilliamsHere is what Gary says this week

Well John and Team, only One win last week but the scratchings and places IMO give me a pass !
Particularly when on course Volare stood out so much and I was able to fill the pockets on the trifecta and first four. But these bigger stakes and more horses chasing them make it very competitive out there !

This week I’m sticking to a couple who I tipped earlier….
Wanganui….Race 3 Wolfgang {$9/$3] well weighted to lead and go close.
Race 7 Egyption Queen ….on the way up now.
Race 8 Soldier Boy [ $13 / $4 ] wide draw and tough rivals but one to follow as has talent .

Te Rapa…..Race 4 Maracatu [ $3 win] ..Fisrst race form has stood up so should go close !
Race 5 Petrucci {$3.50] looks the best of the Tangerine lot.
Race 6 Waitak [ $2.50 ] Stupid price but obviously quite the talent !
Race 7 Monza [ $12 / $4] building to a win and nicely placed in this !
Race 8 So Surreal [ $14 / $4] place best but likes to lead and could stretch them !
Race 9 Grail Seeker [ $4 win] Miserable odds but well rated and could be special !
Race 10 Arjays Flight [ $9 / $3 ] Only won once but looked a picture last week in flesh and was again stiff !Needs this distance IMO.

And remember, bet with your shoelaces.not your Shoes.

Gary W

Fortuna Racing’s Three Year Old Filly, VIVACIOUS, records her Maiden win – Te Aroha 29th November

Published 30 November 2023

VIVACIOUS (3yo Filly Dundeel – Vivi Veloce, by More Than Ready) broke through at her second start in the $25,000 J Swap Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 29 November at Te Aroha. After drawing clear to win easily at the trials on 10 October at Matamata, VIVACIOUS found the line for third when debuting in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 3 November at Te Aroha, and took the necessary improvement to prevail in good fashion at her second race day outing. Ridden positively from an awkward draw (9) by Opie Bosson, she slotted into a trailing position at the 800m, travelled up sweetly nearing the home turn, and after changing ground a couple of times in the straight, she surged through to score.

“We got held up a little bit in the straight, but I was always confident I was going to gather in the leader and she’s a nice filly on the way up,” Bosson said. “I just rode her hands and heels over the final stages and she did it pretty easily.”

Click HERE to see the race replay

Vivacious records her 1st Win – Te Aroha 29th November 2023 – Opie Bosson aboard

On Soft5 footing, that was soon upgraded to Good4 and drew compliments from the jockeys, VIVACIOUS, who is known around the stable as “Tui”, ran 1400 metres in 1:24.0, last 600m in 35.3, and held firm in betting to pay $4.60 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

“She didn’t get all favours up the straight, but it was a nice effort to win, albeit narrowly, and Opie rode a very confident race,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “I loved the way Opie used her early to get a handy position, but then she came back to him and relaxed well and quickened up very nicely at the end of the race. We’ve thought for some time that she’s a nice staying filly in the making and the further she goes the better she’s going to get. We are eying some black type assignments for her and a very nice filly that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) picked up quite cheaply at the 2022 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.”

A quietly contented Opie Bosson, brings VIVACIOUS back to scale

Owned by the Fortuna Vivacious Syndicate (Manager John Galvin), she was purchased for $60,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing at the 2022 Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Riverrock Farm and is raced by an Ownership Group comprising 55 individuals from New Zealand and Hong Kong

Fortuna Racing’s, John Galvin, was on track along with a good number of the Ownership group to support their promising Filly. “We’ve had a frustrating run of seconds and thirds throughout November with the Fortuna runners and it’s nice to get a win with this lovely filly. And its great to get this win at Te Aroha. We need Te Aroha racecourse and it’s wonderful to be back racing here on their newly renovated track after a few hiccoughs and delays,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful race track and every horse gets its chance. A big thanks to race sponsors, Swaps, who have sponsored racing for a long, long, time and worked with the club to do the track renovation.

“It was a stylish win by VIVACIOUS today, a filly by Dundeel out of a mare by More Than Ready – that’s a lovely pedigree, picked out of the 2022 Ready to Run Sale for us by David (Ellis) and Mark (Walker) and I’m still shaking my head as to how we bought her for $60,000. She was beautifully handled by Opie (Bosson) who gave her a very positive and confident ride and Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) have done a great job with her. We have people from all over the country in the ownership group and we welcome two from Blenheim who are here while on holiday.”

VIVACIOUS is the first Fortuna Racing horse that Kailey Barrett and Ryan Luiten, from Blenheim, has been involved in and did so after seeing her sold at Karaka before going to the Fortuna website to secure a share in her.

VIVACIOUS with Strapper, Ahbi Pawar and happy connections post race

VIVACIOUS is a filly by the remarkable racehorse Dundeel (High Chaparral), who stamped himself as well above average from the day he blew his two-year-old rivals off the track on debut over 1200 metres at Ellerslie. The six time Group One winner gained titles on both sides of the Tasman: Champion 3YO and Horse of the Year in New Zealand, and Champion Middle Distance horse in Australia, he ended his racing career winning the $4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and his progeny have been highly sought after.

The dam side of pedigree is particularly rich. Incredibly, world renowned dam-sire, the late More Than Ready (Southern Halo) has sired over 4300 winners including 290 stakes winners and 50 Group One winners, and already proving an exceptional Australian broodmare sire. He has been Champion Sire in both hemispheres, proved an outstanding sire of sires and going from strength-to-strength as a broodmare sire. VIVACIOUS carries a bloodline cross to immortal sire Northern Dancer. Her dam, Vivi Veloce, was a Group Three winner over 1200 metres in Australia, and grand-dam Royal Sash (Royal Academy) also won at Group Three level among five wins to 1400 metres.

VIVACIOUS was strapped by Ahbi Pawar.

Friday Flash – 24th November 2023

Published 24 November 2023

Headline News

Records Smashed at 2023 Ready to Run Sale

Fortuna acquires a lovely Staying type Contributor Filly at the Karaka Ready To Run Sale

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

Fortuna has 3 runners on Saturday, One in NZ in a Black type race and Two in Singapore

NZ- Pukekohe – Saturday 25th

BELLATRIX STAR steps into Stakes company when she contests the Counties Challenge Stakes at Pukekohe – Race 4 @ 1.35pm – Matt Cameron takes the mount. Meets a small, high quality field of six runners here with four of the six winning on debut. All six runners are registered for the Karaka Million and this will be a very competitive race. She will go back from the draw to get a run in behind the speed and look to finish over the top of them and represents an each way chance in a talented field @ $8/$2.20 fixed odds

Singapore – Saturday

PRINCE LONHRO makes his Singapore debut in the Open Maiden 1100m Polytrack event – Race 2 @ 5.30 NZT (12.30 Singapore time) – Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, rides from Barrier 2. Had good trials and race day form in NZ before traveling to Singapore – has been well prepared and can feature here if forward enough

ROCKY contests the Class 4 1700m on the Poly – Race 4 @ 6.30pm NZT (1.30 Singapore time) and will be ridden by Yusoff claiming 2kgs from Barrier 2. This talented galloper has won three times in Singapore, but has had rotten luck last three starts, being relegated back to 2^nd after a protest, ridden upside down at his next start and then caught wide at his most recent start. He will love this trip and can redeem himself here

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

1st Pick: THUNDER (1)
From five starts at the track and distance he has two wins and two minor placings which shows he is right in this. Tough middle-distance galloper who has been a good money spinner for the stable.
2nd Pick: SUPER BOWL (4)
Not the most ideal draw in barrier 11 for Nunes so he has options to push forward or go back. Plenty to like about his run last start when making up good ground late.
3rd Pick: KSATRIA (7)
Comes out of the race taken out by In All His Glory earlier this month. Will carry no weight after the claim for Jamil and that will play a big part in his chances here.
4th Pick: ROCKY (2)
Had no luck at his most recent start where he copped a heavy bump and was forced to race wide throughout the event. That was his worst performance in his last six starts so give him another chance here.

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

Matamata Trackwork

No Fortuna timed trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 18^th November

RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)800/600-38.5; TRIDENT (AWAH)800/600-38.5; ROCKY (YUSOFF)1000/600-38;

Tuesday 21^st November

RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)800/600-41; TRIDENT (AWAH)800/600-41;

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

OTHER NEWS

Records Smashed at 2023 Karaka Ready to Run Sale

Unprecedented results were witnessed across two days of selling at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2023 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the status of the world’s best sale of its kind and the confidence in New Zealand-raised and educated two-year-olds. The momentum increased off the back of Day One’s incredible results, which saw the total aggregate increase by 39% to over $35.1 million and no less than 12 lots sell for $500,000 or more.

Another record top price was recorded at $825,000 while the average also increased 21% on last year’s Sale to $156,031, a sum which exceeded that of the Book One total for Karaka 2023. Hong Kong-based buyers were responsible for over $16.7 million in spend across 70 lots, with Australian buyers also strong, securing 60 lots for a total of $8 million in receipts. Domestic buyers made themselves known with $5.5 million spent across the two days while other prominent markets included Malaysia, United Kingdom, Korea, Singapore and China.

NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was elated with the results. “I’m gobsmacked, these results are just unheard of. So thrilled for the vendors and very proud of our team at NZB who have been building relationships with some of these buyers over several years. I’ve never seen so many Hong Kong trainers here, and great they had their owners here which made a huge difference.”

Riversley Park become the leading vendors for the seventh consecutive year.

Eclipsing Day One’s record-breaking top priced lot was Lot 376, a Star Turn colt out of Commonwealth who was purchased by Hong Kong-based Mr Pato Leung for $825,000.

“We’re ecstatic, I can’t believe it, it’s great for the team and the work they’ve put in,” commented an emotional Kit Brooks of KB Bloodstock.“I knew he was a nice horse, but you couldn’t dream of that sort of result. We will celebrate tonight, but the work starts all over again tomorrow,” Brooks added.

The leading buyer title was secured by Hong Kong-based Mr Yeung Kin Man, who secured 12 lots for a total spend of $2.4 million. Of those was Lot 289, an All Too Hard gelding out of Tuscany Lady for $800,000, presented by leading vendors Riversley Park.

Riversley Park secured the leading vendor title for the seventh consecutive year, selling 26 lots for $5.3 million. A shocked Sam Beatson commented on their results. “I wasn’t keeping track of the stats, but seeing some of the exceptional results go through the last two days, we weren’t expecting to come out on top. It’s not a competition, we all do the same thing and support one another,” he stated. “It’s good we can get these results, so we can all go again at the yearling sales.”

Jamie and Chanel Beatson of Ohukia Lodge followed closely behind, selling 22 lots for a total of $5.1 million, while averaging $233,318. Eion and Megan Kemp of Kilgravin Lodge claimed the leading vendor by average title, after 16 two-year-olds were sold for an average of $300,781, including Day One’s record-breaking sale of Lot 143 for $800,000.

The leading sire by average was Zoustar with three lots selling for an average of $466,667, followed by Capitalist who also had three lots sell for an average of $355,000.

View the 2023 Ready to Run Sale results here.

Attention now turns to Karaka 2024, with the online catalogue being released early next week.

	2023 READY TO RUN SALE	2022 READY TO RUN SALE	2021 READY TO RUN SALE (VIRTUAL)	2020 READY TO RUN SALE
Aggregate	$35,107,000	$25,186,000	$20,547,000	$17,639,500
Average	$156,031	$129,159	$121,580	$95,349
Median	$90,000	$80,000	$80,000	$60,000
Clearance	73%	76%	66%	77%
Catalogued	383	329	322	311
Offered	308	257	256	240
Sold	225	195	169	185
Top Lot	Lot 376 $825,000 Star Turn – Commonwealth (B.C)	Lot 258 $625,000 Capitalist – Sebrina (Ch.C)	Lot 107 $640,000 Savabeel – Etiquette (Br.C)	Lot 298 $700,000 (B.C) Savabeel – Miss Opulence

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

Fortuna acquires a lovely Staying type Contributor Filly at the Karaka Ready To Run Sale

Lot 295 – the Two Year Old Filly by the Sire CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By STREET SENSE ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 2 of the Karaka Ready to Run Sale

She will now spell at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of a summer/autumn preparation for racing in New Zealand/Australia by the ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata

John Galvin says “I had asked David Ellis and Mark Walker to select a staying type Two Year Old Filly out of this sale – one with a strong pedigree page but which also met our criteria for type. Their inspections threw up two or three that met the overall criteria, but this Filly was their preferred option and we were lucky enough to secure her below our budget. Contributor is fashioning a great record as a Sire of staying types and this Filly really does fit the bill. Standing 16 hands high and weighing 500kgs, she is a great physical specimen.”

The CONTRIBUTOR – VICTORY PARADE Two Year Old Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type, this Filly really caught my eye when David Ellis and I conducted our inspections – a lovely moving Filly of good size, her breeze up gallop demonstrated a strong powerful action – she paraded very well at inspections and has the physical characteristics to develop into a lovely staying type as a Three Year Old and beyond ”

This Filly will be syndicated by Fortuna to its clients and the general public – Syndicate paperwork still being prepared but shares will be available down to 1% and we are taking expressions of interest NOW – $12,400 per 10% share, $6,200 per 5% share, $3,100 per 2.5 share, $1,240 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Promoter Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025 and working capital of over $8,000

Ongoing costs start January 2024 at $44 per month per each 1% share

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

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest or call/text John 021 921 460

Note that we will be parading this lovely Filly at our Owners Day 10th December

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

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 10^th December

Yes it’s that time of the year again – the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

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

Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Gary had a real lash at Riccarton last week and produced three winners in a row, including Perfect Scenario, who blew out to $14 on the tote. Across the Tasman he picked the quinella in the 1000 Guineas with Joliestar paying $5.10 on the tote, Kimochi $2.70 the place and a juicy $20.60 quinella

Here is what Gary says this week

Hi John and the Fortuna Team

Back home after a very enjoyable Cup week in Christchurch and the Finances in very good shape. Betting mainly on trifectas with the odd First 4 can be a risky strategy but with the larger pools I stayed ahead of the game over the week. A lot of fun too !

This week the threat of rain hangs over us again but Pukekohe should provide some competitive racing.

Race 1…Verstappen [ $11/$3 ]looks ready to speed around Pukekohe.

Race 2 Candycane [$9/$3] has been stiff lately, should be powering home late.

Race 3 Armino [$6 / $2.50] – ready to show form with weight relief.

Race 6 Volare [ $3.60 / $1.50] – Skinny odds but ticks a lot of boxes.

Race 7 Waitak [ $3.65 / $1.70 ] – Lousy odds but one to follow as is a class horse – a good race for exotics with 6, 9 and 13

Race 8 This race a key for later Cup races with Aquacade at head of trifecta with Aromatic and Dionysus.

Race 9 Our Alley Cat [$4.50 / $2 ] eachway all day, with Faraglioni and Wolverine set to fill the trifecta.

Race 10 Novak [ $26 / $8 ] nice offering to complete Counties Cup day. I managed to get my hands on the Cup about 14 years ago when Tinseltown was successful

Fortuna acquires a lovely Staying type Contributor Filly at the Karaka Ready To Run Sale

Published 23 November 2023

Lot 295 – the Two Year Old Filly by the Sire CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By STREET SENSE ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 2 of the Karaka Ready to Run Sale

She will now spell at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of a summer/autumn preparation for racing in New Zealand/Australia by the ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata

John Galvin says “I had asked David Ellis and Mark Walker to select a staying type Two Year Old Filly out of this sale – one with a strong pedigree page but which also met our criteria for type. Their inspections threw up two or three that met the overall criteria, but this Filly was their preferred option and we were lucky enough to secure her below our budget. Contributor is fashioning a great record as a Sire of staying types and this Filly really does fit the bill. Standing 16 hands high and weighing 500kgs, she is a great physical specimen.”

The CONTRIBUTOR – VICTORY PARADE Two Year Old Filly

Mark Walker comments about this Filly – “Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type, this Filly really caught my eye when David Ellis and I conducted our inspections – a lovely moving Filly of good size, her breeze up gallop demonstrated a strong powerful action – she paraded very well at inspections and has the physical characteristics to develop into a lovely staying type as a Three Year Old and beyond ”

This Filly will be syndicated by Fortuna to its clients and the general public – Syndicate paperwork still being prepared but shares will be available down to 1% and we are taking expressions of interest NOW – $12,400 per 10% share, $6,200 per 5% share, $3,100 per 2.5 share, $1,240 per 1% share all inclusive of GST, Promoter Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025 and working capital of over $8,000

Ongoing costs start January 2024 at $44 per month per each 1% share

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

Contact John Galvin HERE to express interest

Friday Flash – 17th November 2023

Published 17 November 2023

Headline News

Entain/TAB announces a new Bonus Series of $650,000

Hunter Durrant is back at Te Akau Racing

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 10^th December

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

Fortuna has 4 runners next few days, Two in NZ and Two in Victoria

NZ- Trentham – Friday 17th

KHAFEEF runs in the R65 2400m event – Race 5 @ 3.32 and will be ridden by Mereana Hudson from a mid field barrier. Has been mixing flat and jumping races over the winter and gets out to a suitable trip in this event. Can be a hard pulling horse, but Mereana is a strong rider who has ridden him before. At very good odds here @ @$21/5.50 but will love the trip and gets track conditions to suit. If he settles well in the run, he will be storming home at the finish

NZ- Riccarton – Saturday 18th

DANCARINA contests the R75 over 1200m – Race 5 @ 2.15pm with the in form Warren Kennedy to ride from Barrier 3 down the Riccarton chute. Failed to feature in the Pegasus last week from her outside draw, but has a lovely draw this time, track conditions will be in her favour and she has “that man” in the saddle. Represents a top 3 chance here at the nice each way odds of $11/$3.50

Victoria – The Valley – Friday 17th

RUBICON CROSSING heads back to The Valley, where she contests the BM 70 event over 955 metres, with Harry Coffey to ride from Barrier 3 – Beaten just a bit over 1000m this venue when jumping from the outside barrier, she draws much better here. An impressive winner at Mornington on her Aus debut she is well in the market here @ $4.80/$2 and is a good each way chance in this

Victoria – Kyneton – Monday 20th

FLEET FOOTED contests the 3yo Maiden 1100 at Knyeton Monday 20^th – Race 3 at 2.30pm and will be ridden by Matt Cartwright from Barrier 6. Went out as favourite on his raceday debut Yarra Valley 28^th Oct, but struck a soft track which was not to his liking. Has trained on nicely since his debut run. Watch the market but is an each way chance in this on a Good track

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

Matamata Trackwork

No Fortuna timed trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 11^th November

TRIDENT (IBRAHIM) 600- 41; GUN (ASLAM)1000/600-39; RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)600-41

Tuesday 14^th November

RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)800/600-41; TRIDENT (AWAH)800/600-41

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

OTHER NEWS

Entain/TAB announces a new Summer Bonus Series of $650,000

Gee, it almost seems that every other week there’s a new announcement from Entain/TAB – its certainly an exciting time to be involved in New Zealand racing. See the latest below.

Entain Australia and TAB NZ has joined forces with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to introduce the New Zealand Summer Series Bonus – a move to further elevate New Zealand’s pinnacle race days over the summer racing season.The inaugural Series provides an incentive for New Zealand and Australia’s leading middle-distance horses to be at the top of their game, competing for a lucrative purse of $650,000 in bonuses.

The New Zealand Summer Series Bonus will be held across four races between January and March next year, rewarding $500,000 to the Series winner, $100,000 to the runner up and $50,000 for the third place getter in the Series (with the associated Trainers taking home 10% of the bonus payments).To be eligible for the winning bonus, a horse will need to run in one of the two 1600-metre entry races – the $400,000 Harcourts Thorndon Mile at Trentham on 20 January or the new $1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic at Ellerslie on 27 January, held on TAB Karaka Millions night.
The Series will then progress towards two of New Zealand’s most iconic 2000-metre races – the $600,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on 10 February and the $450,000 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie on 9 March.The winner will be decided by a points system, with the points weighted towards the two Series races.

“The summer period represents the single most important strategic window for thoroughbred racing’s growth both domestically and internationally,” Entain Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger, said. “Our vision for this period is simple: ‘best horses, best tracks, best Jockeys, consistently’. This bonus Series will help to drive this vision, in combination with ongoing innovation around the racing calendar during this time,”

NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock is thrilled about the new Series and the opportunities it affords racing participants. “This initiative is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between NZTR and Entain, highlighting our shared commitment to continually elevate our sport. The New Zealand Summer Series Bonus is being funded this season by Entain and via the TAB NZ Rejuvenation Fund, and we’re grateful to both parties for supporting this worthy concept. The Series involves four middle-distance races across three of our premier racing venues, with a combined stake of $3.1m (including the bonus) up for grabs. The dates also coincide with four of our The Grand Tour Racing Festival meets, supercharging The Grand Tour activity and further promoting our top 20 race days across the country. With that level of prizemoney available, we’re expecting the crème of our industry to compete throughout these races. The points system, which will be announced next month, has been structured so as to create plenty of intrigue during the summer as to who will ultimately reign supreme. We’re looking forward to kicking off the Series on NZCIS Wellington Cup Day in January, with the Harcourts Thorndon Mile at Trentham being the first entry race, followed up by the newly established Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic the following weekend at TAB Karaka Millions night,” Sharrock said.

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

Hunter Durrant is back at Te Akau Racing

Durrant leading tangerine charge at Riccarton

Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Hunter Durrant is enjoying being back at the helm of Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton barn as the tangerine and blue army descend on New Zealand Cup Week. Durrant led Te Akau’s South Island operation last spring and has rejoined their Riccarton arm on a permanent basis following a brief stint in Sydney earlier this year.

“I moved to Sydney where I was Annabel Neasham’s assistant trainer for six months,” Durrant said. It was a good experience, I enjoyed it and learnt a lot, but I felt like the right thing was to come home. Te Akau had always wanted me to come back and they gave me a few options with what I could do and where I could go and I decided to come down here (Riccarton). I ran the Christchurch stable last spring and I really enjoyed it. I have come back to Te Akau in the last month or so. I will be sticking on here (Riccarton) after Cup Week, it is good to have horses down here year-round, especially with the polytrack down here as well.”

Prior to his Sydney stint, Durrant had been a key figure in Te Akau’s operation, which he joined after it soon became apparent his aspirations of becoming a jockey would be hindered by weight.

“I was an apprentice in Hastings to Guy Lowry and then my weight got to me, so I gave that up. I then moved to Te Akau and it has steadily progressed from there,” he said. “I started riding work, I was assistant foreman then foreman. In recent years I have travelled a lot to Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne with the likes of Sword Of State, Imperatriz and Probabeel. I have been very lucky to deal with some very good horses.”

Taking care of Imperatriz has been a career highlight for Durrant and he has been excited to follow her progress this spring after strapping her for her victory in the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley earlier this year.

“A big highlight at Te Akau has probably been Imperatriz and to see her still winning. I strapped her in the William Reid, which was her first trip to Australia. It has been great watching her continue her winning ways,” he said.

John says “Hunter is a vary talented young horseman who has looked after a number of the Fortuna runners in the past – his experience at the Annabelle Neasham stable has rounded him off nicely and with Fortuna having three runners based in the South Island over the Summer months (Dancarina, Angels Wings and Sailing Away), it is great to have a horseman of his ability in charge.”

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

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 10^th December

Yes it’s that time of the year again – the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

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

Guest Selector – Gary Williams

As a passionate “mainlander” Cup Week is an annual rite of passage for Gary and he is right amongst it as usual – here is what he says this week

Hi John and all of the Fortuna Team

Reporting in from Cup week in Christchurch…..as always a fantastic week of racing action and catching up with old friends and admiring the wonderful gardens and flowers that the locals take great pride in. Being a “cross dresser” I am just back from Harness in Ashburton on a fabulous warm day with the snow capped Southern Alps as a back drop. Everyone should do it at least once !
It’s been warm and sometimes windy….it’s so dry the trees are bribing the dogs !!

Two days form to go by and even tho I pick before the scratchings [ up to 6 necessary in each race ] I’ve seen enough to be confident to label some great chances to base your bets around. Bigger pools mean bigger trifectas and the exotic divis have been juicy.

In the time-honoured 160th NZ Cup [Race 11] I think the top weights Aljay [$7/$3] and Uareastar [$6/$2] have a definite class edge over 3200m.

In other races;
Race 1..Tasty Countess [ $5/$2 ] wide draw and lightly tried but ready to go !
Race 2…McKhan [$5/$2] ready to step up to 2000m.
Race 3….Elegant Lady [$4.50] has Opie up and should win and Bourbon Falls [$3 to place]
Race 5…..Perfect Scenario [ $6 / $2] big weight but has fresh legs !
Race 6……Peecee Pussycat [ $13 /$4 ] ready to purr and get the cream !
Race 7…..Mary Shan [ $6 /$2 ] ticks a lot of boxes in the Group 1 for cross code owner
Race 9….Not Guilty [$ 8/ $3] ticks a lot of boxes in the Stewards providing the rails OK
Race 12…..#23 Diagon Alley [ $8 /$3 ] needs 5 x scratchings but likely to get them and hopefully gets a top jockey to wind up a great week !

Tauranga also racing and has some nice horses…..none more so than Race 6, Desert Lightning [$2.50 Win] and Race 7 Callsign Mav [$4.50]. Both should go close in the big races.

Caulfield has a lot of Kiwi interest….in the Guineas {Race 7] James McD rides Joliestar { $7 /$$2] in a strong form race, with Kimochi[$3.50 place] a likely quinella. Race 8 Ayrton {$14/$4] good value in a strong race. 5 from 5 on track. As a late -night tipple Kiwi owned Queen of the Ball could win v the favourite She Dances.

I hope my finances survive the week and I can return South in 2024. A great week !
Cheers,
Gary W

Uncategorized

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.

Fortuna Racing’s Three Year Old Filly, VIVACIOUS, records her Maiden win – Te Aroha 29th November

Vivacious records her 1st Win – Te Aroha 29th November 2023 – Opie Bosson aboard

Middle Distance/Staying type

Vivacious records her 1st Win – Te Aroha 29th November 2023 – Opie Bosson aboard

Records Smashed at 2023 Karaka Ready to Run Sale

Fortuna acquires a lovely Staying type Contributor Filly at the Karaka Ready To Run Sale

Lot 295 – the Two Year Old Filly by the Sire CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By STREET SENSE ) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination on Day 2 of the Karaka Ready to Run Sale

She will now spell at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of a summer/autumn preparation for racing in New Zealand/Australia by the ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables at Matamata

Hunter Durrant is back at Te Akau Racing Durrant leading tangerine charge at Riccarton

Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14^th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.

Hunter Durrant is back at Te Akau Racing

Durrant leading tangerine charge at Riccarton