Friday Flash – 20th August
Fortuna has six runners this Sunday 22nd – 2 at Rotorua on Sunday and 4 in Singapore
New Zealand
Beau Geste contests the Open Hurdles 3000m at Rotorua on Sunday 22nd (race three at 12:15pm) – a well beaten 4th in the Grand National Hurdles over 4200m at his last start, he’s back in trip here to 3000m and arguably weaker company – still learning the game but has performed well from just three starts over the hurdles (for a Maiden win and a 2nd in Open company), he represents a good each way chance here
Beau Geste – Awapuni 10th July 2021
Khafeef is resuming after three months away from the track in the R65 Highweight – 1560m (Race 10 at 4,25pm) – a natural staying type this trip may be too short and the track will be very testing – he will be running home strongly late
NB – The Rotorua meeting on Sunday will not proceed if Level 4 ie extended from midnight on Friday 20th – if Level 3 is in place races will go ahead but with no public attendance
Singapore
Marcus Antonius contests the Class five 2000m Turf (race 2 @ 4:30pm). Ran a bold second at his first attempt this trip 18th of July -has a lovely draw, a light weight and Singapore‘s leading rider, K Hakim aboard – is one of the leading chances in this race and can win
Here is what the STC tipsters say about this race;
1st Pick: MARCUS ANTONIUS (12)
Genuine player in a field like this. Has form over the distance and must be respected from a leading stable.
2nd Pick: TONY’S LOVE (10)
Has form over this distance and never too far away from the winners in his races. One of the easier fields he has met here.
3rd Pick: PISCA PISCA (6)
Trainer loves preparing horses for this distance and this runner looks primed to pounce in this grade and last few runs have been okay.
4th Pick: RESURGENCE (5)
Wasn’t at his best last start but gets a chance to redeem himself in a field of this depth. Stable in form lately.
Brutus races in the Class four 1200m Turf (race 3 @ 5pm) – this horse never seems to get luck with barrier draws and once again he has drawn outside. Singapore’s leading jockey K Hakim claims 2kgs – race tactics will be to be positive from the draw and look to get up on the speed in the run – will certainly need a lot of luck to feature in this event
Federation contests the Kranji Stakes C1600m Turf (race 9 @ 8 pm) – backing up from 1400m last week where he finished a close-up fifth, he meets a very strong field here but does get the benefit of Jerlyn Seow’s 4 kg claim – there are talented gallopers in this field that he will have to get past but he is a six win horse in Singapore and is racing in very good form – presents as a good top four chance
Hadeer races in the Class 4 1200m Turf (race 11 at 9 pm) – a strong all the way win this grade, this trip on 25th of July, he again gets the services of stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow, with her 4 kg claim once – this well bred son of Savabeel loves to lead and bowl along in front – he gets a perfect draw to do that again this time and should prove very hard to run down if he gets it all is own way in front
Hadeer – wins at Kranji 25th July 2021
Here is what the STC tipsters say about this race;
1st Pick: STRONG N SMART (6)
Lost no marks when he contested the Group 3 3YO Sprint. Back in his element and should find this easier. Working well on the training tracks, including a second in a barrier trial on July 27. Commands respect.
2nd Pick: HADEER (5)
Made all at his last start over same course and distance with blinkers on. Apprentice jockey Jerlyn Seow Poh Hui stays on and there is no reason why they can’t double up.
3rd Pick: SHEPHERD’S HYMN (1)
Looking to make amends from last-start failure three and a half months ago. Freshened up and may need the run. Can still fill the minors.
4th Pick: MAGNIFIQUE (3)
Opened account at long odds last time out. Reverts to turf over which he has not been successful. Vastly-improved, though, and is worth a place bet.
Fortuna Horse Trackwork Matamata
Tuesday 17th
Charmaine’s Dream (M Roustoby) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 54.3, last 600 in 39.3.
Madame Moet (A Gujar) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute, last 600 in 46
Thursday 19th
No timed trackwork Fortuna runners today