Debutant impresses in smart company at Taupo
First starter Fortunato (NZ) (Per Incanto) showed he could have what it takes to be a Spring star in the three-year-old ranks with a stunning performance to take out the Poverty Bay Turf Club (1100m) at Taupo on Sunday.
The Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos-prepared son of Per Incanto looked to have quite a task on his hands on debut against a handy field of his own age and sex, despite bringing an unbeaten record in two trials to race day.
Although he jumped well enough for rider Craig Grylls, Fortunato soon found himself at the rear of the seven-horse field as El Aye and Honour Roll set up a good tempo out in front.
Approaching the home turn Grylls had him trucking along nicely to be on the heels of the leaders, but in a pocket and needing plenty of luck.
Fortunato shoved his way into clear air at the 200m and put in several huge bounds to hit the front in the shadows of the winning post to defeat Honorable, who snuck home nicely along the rail and a brave El Aye who fought doggedly for third.
Lowry was delighted to see his charge kick off his career in such fine fashion.
“It was a great start to his racing career and he is a really nice horse going forward,” Lowry said.
“He was just starting to have a think after his last trial, so we have had to take him along slowly, but he is going to make a beautiful four-year-old, so we just have to give him a bit of time.
“He has shown plenty at home and there have been raps on the horse.
“There is always the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) and the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) (later in the season), but is it too soon, we will just have to see.”
Grylls was also suitably impressed with the run.
“He was very professional and jumped on terms with them, but there was plenty of speed on so Guy had said to me if they go hard just settle back as it will be a good learning curve for him,” he said.
“He came through them and let down good. He is a very nice animal.
“He has put away a nice sort of field early in the season and if he comes through this well, he may be a chance in those good races later on.”
Fortunato is raced by Derek Boocock who purchased him for $90,000 out of Kilgravin Lodge’s 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft at Karaka.
Out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Fortune’s Choice, he is the younger brother of Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Bonham (Per Incanto) and is also closely related to dual Australian Group One winner Danendri.
