Friday Flash – 8th November 2019
Fortuna runners over the coming week are MELODY BELLE taking her place in the time honoured Mackinnon Stakes (Group One – 2000m – A$2m) at Flemington Saturday 9th and FEDERATION, already a three time winner in Singapore, who resumes off a freshen in the Class 3 1200m on Sunday 10th – Singapore Gold Cup day. Impressive last start winner LEADERBOARD will be in action at Riccarton Wed 13th November in the R72 2000m event and METEORIC LASS steps up to 1400m (R72) at Woodville on Thursday.
MELODY BELLE has carried all before her in NZ and now in Australia this season. After dominating the Group One Empire Rose last Saturday she goes to the Group One well again, this time taking on the boys and the girls in the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington – 2000m – A$2m. This is a much tougher race than last week but she is in scintillating form and has not turned a hair since last Saturday’s race. Has wide draw but is a firming favourite – she is the one to beat.
Melody Belle – Empire Rose Stakes – Flemington 2nd November 2019
FEDERATION is a classy type with three Singapore wins from eight starts and never been out of the money. He resumes at Class 3 1200 after having a decent freshen up. He trialed beautifully a couple of weekend ago, has had a lovely preparation, has drawn well at four and has the unstoppable Benny Woodworth in the saddle. It is a very strong and even field however with many chances – he presents as a good each way chance and the multiples may provide great value as well.
LEADERBOARD was impressive when taking out the R75 1600 at Riccarton a couple of weeks ago. He is back at the same venue next Wednesday, up in trip to 2000m which will not be an issue and up in Grade to R72. Troy Harris retains the ride. Stable regards “Tiger” very highly – an out and out staying type he will relish the trip and be hard to beat
METEORIC LASS has been knocking on the door without winning – she is due one soon and up to 1400m at R72 at Awapuni 14th November may well give her the opportunity as she does seem to be looking for a 1400m trip. Each Way
Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners
Thursday 7th Nov – Plough
Meteoric Lass (A Jones) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.4, last 600 in 40.2.
Fortuna Strike Rate in NZ season to date – 7 wins from 21 starts – SR 3.0
Melody Belle was clearly the star performer last week, but gee, isn’t Red Rover going well in Singapore – 5 starts there for a 3rd, a 2nd and then three wins in a row – He has risen to Class 2 Grade very quickly – having a 7 day freshen and will resume on New Year’s Day