Friday Flash – 7th August 2020

Four Fortuna Runners on Saturday

In Australia (Rosehill), Melody Belle resumes in the Missile Stakes (Group 2 – 1200m A$200k) at Rosehill – Race 7 at 5.35pm NZT. Singapore runners are Red Rover in the Class 2 1100m (Race 12) and Federation in the Class 3 1200 (Race 10) while Showbound is in the Open Maiden 1200 (Race 6) but needs two scratchings to get a start.

Melody Belle has had a perfect preparation ahead of her new season debut – she was strong in an exhibition gallop at Randwick two weeks ago and capped that with a very strong Group trial win at Randwick 31^st July – she is ready to go a bold race in this Group 2 race – has a wide draw (11) to contend with but the Heavy track will negate that to some extent – Kerrin McEvoy to ride – currently the $3.60 race favourite, she presents as a strong each way chance and can win

MELODY BELLE – Randwick 6th August

Federation is having his first start since March where he finished 8^th and pulled up with a foot issue. He now resumes in this Class 3 event in which he is well placed – has a difficult barrier draw (11) with the rail right out. Hard to see him winning here as his foot issue (which has been resolved) has resulted in a variance in his normal training regime and so will need a race or two to get fully race fit – has won in this grade, so is a chance of a place if the pace up front is hot – Stable apprentice K Hakim, who is riding in red hot form, takes the mount with a 3kg claim

Red Rover is also having his first start since March – he is in a very strong Class 2 race, a grade in which he has yet to win, but is in great order, loves the Polytrack, the trip will suit, has drawn well at Gate 6 and will carry just 47kgs courtesy of Apprentice rider CK Ng’s 3kg claim. He is a sneaky place chance with the right run

Talking of Singapore Fortuna has secured another Written Tycoon 2yo Gelding from a recent Inglis Online Sale. This horse, Titan of Industry, was a high priced yearling acquired by Sir Owen Glenn as a Stallion prospect, but not meeting Stallion requirements (he had to be gelded) he was put up for sale – we have acquired him and fully syndicated (including freight, fees and insurance) he is all up NZ$90,000, or $4500 for each 1% share. Click HERE to read more on the Fortuna website

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners –

 Tuesday 4^th August

Khafeef (C Burdan) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, last 800 in 59, last 600 in 44.

Thursday 6^th August

Khafeef (C.Burdan) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.05.6, home in 37.9.