Two-year-old Star Shadow (NZ) (Reliable Man) gives Fortuna Director and Racing Manager John Galvin a strong chance to sign off this preparation with black–type, when she takes her place in the Listed Staphanos at Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Galvin was full of praise for her run at Te Rapa at her previous start in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m).
“She ran the fastest sectionals in the race from the 800-metre mark to the post and was slightly held up for a stride in the straight,” Galvin said.
Star Shadow was victorious on debut at Otaki in April on Heavy 8 track conditions.
“That win was over a shorter distance (1300m), with Saturday’s race run over the mile and the track at present is a Heavy 10, so it will be testing for all runners, but at least we do know she can handle that type of surface,” he said.
The Reliable Man filly was a NZ$35,000 Book 2 purchase at Karaka 2023.
“The filly was bought as a three-year-old type, but right at the start of her preparation she was very precocious and at one stage we thought she would be a Karaka Million runner, but we pulled the pin on that idea and gave her more time.
“Everything she has shown as a two-year-old is a bonus and following this race on Saturday she will go to the paddock.”
Recently Fortuna tasted success at the May Racing Carnival at Warrnambool with former Wellington Cup winner Leaderboard (Street Cry) taking out the Choices Flooring Warrnambool Maiden Hurdle (3200m) by four lengths with Aaron Kuru in the saddle.
“He has been a wonderful horse for us winning a St Leger and Wellington Cup. Three or four years ago former trainer Jamie Richards said he would make a good jumper one day and that is the point of his career now,” Galvin said.
The Australian Hurdle (3900m) will be his next assignment at Sandown on June 2.
“We considered an easier option on the same day but decided he’s a lovely jumper and won well last start, so let’s have a throw at the stumps and go for the big one,” he said.
