Fortuna’s CHANCE TO DANCE wins the Group Three OMF Stakes at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day
“Vindicated “ was how Fortuna Syndications boss, John Galvin, reacted post race when asked how he felt about his charge, the 8yo CHANCE TO DANCE, winning the OMF Stakes (Group 3) at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. “I was bitterly disappointed that he did not get his chance in the Livamol Classic at Hastings after being posted three wide for most of the trip,” he said, “I knew he was much better than that and so to win this race today against what was a very good field is a very good feeling.”
Given a dream trip in the trail by Opie Bosson, Chance to Dance (Teofilo – Crystal Ballet) was off the rail to challenge at the 300m and simply outstayed his rivals over the concluding stages.
It was a performance not dissimilar to his fresh-up win in the Haunui Farm Karaka Classic (Listed, 1600m) at Pukekohe on September 24th, when staying on strongly between runners to grab ascendency near the line.
“Barrier one helped, he got a perfect run in behind the leaders, didn’t spend a penny, and I hadn’t really gone for him until halfway up the straight and I know that when you put the stick around his backside he gives you that bit more,” Bosson said. “He loves a fight and it was a good win.”
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CHANCE TO DANCE winning at Ellerslie
For Bosson the win continued a sensational record in the Fortuna colours, notching his second success aboard Chance to Dance from as many rides, and having combined with Champion Two-Year-Old title winner Melody Belle (Commands) for victories in both the Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) at Ellerslie, and Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m) in Brisbane
Purchased in March for $260,000 by David Ellis, on behalf of Fortuna Syndications, at the inaugural Inglis Chairman’s Sale of Elite Racing Prospects in Sydney, Chance To Dance is a former European and Australian galloper and following his purchase, he finished second in the $2m Sydney Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m), subsequently declared a non-race, and then ran fifth a fortnight later in the rerun.
Ellis purchased Chance to Dance from Nick and Lloyd Williams, who half an hour after Chance to Dance won at Ellerslie, celebrated their sixth Melbourne Cup with Rekindling (High Chaparral).
Chance to Dance took his record to nine wins from 31 starts, running the 2000 metres in 2:04.7, last 600m in 34.3, and has now won over $529,000 in career prizemoney.
He returned to a rousing reception from a large contingent of his owners who were on course to support him.
“It’s a wonderful day to be winning races here at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day,” said Fortuna Syndications Director John Galvin, “I would like to thank Fortuna’s Singapore trainer Mark Walker for bringing this horse to my attention, David Ellis for securing him for us, Stephen and Jamie for doing such a great job training him and the whole Te Akau team whom we continue to enjoy a great relationship with and, of course, our wonderful ownership group”
Chance to Dance was strapped by Melissa Ford.
The Chance to Dance Syndicate is made up of a group of 74 individuals.