The Chance Dances Home

In yet another Group win for Te Akau trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, Chance to Dance led his opposition a merry one on Melbourne Cup day at Ellerslie ...

Chance to Dance (8 g Teofilo - Crystal Ballet, by Royal Academy) gave his Fortuna Syndicate owners a perfect Melbourne Cup Day result when he won the $70,000 OMF Stakes (Gr. 3, 2000m) on Tuesday at Ellerslie.

A day, it seems, when even the most noncommittal become punters and experience the fervour of racing with added anticipation.

Given a dream trip in the trail by Opie Bosson, Chance to Dance was off the rail to challenge at the 200m and simply outstayed his rivals over the concluding stages.

It was a performance not dissimilar to his fresh-up win in the Haunui Farm Karaka Classic (Listed, 1600m) at Pukekohe, when staying on strongly between runners to grab ascendency near the line.

“Barrier one helped, he got a perfect run in behind the leaders, didn't spend a penny, and I hadn't really gone for him until halfway up the straight and I know that when you put the stick around his backside he gives you that bit more,” Bosson said. “He loves a fight and it was a good win.”

For Bosson the win continued a sensational record in the Fortuna colours, notching his second success aboard Chance to Dance from as many rides, and having combined with Champion Two-Year-Old title winner Melody Belle (Commands) for victories in both the Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) at Ellerslie, and Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m) in Brisbane.

Irish import Chance to Dance, now the winner of seven races from 2000m - 2400m, put behind him a disastrous trip last time out in the Livamol Classic (Gr. 1, 2040m) on 22 October at Hastings, and looks a readymade threat in weight-for-age contests forthcoming.

Purchased in March for $260,000 by David Ellis, for Fortuna Syndications, at the inaugural Inglis Chairman's Sale of Elite Racing Prospects in Sydney, Chance To Dance is a former European and Australian galloper and following the sale he finished second in the $2m Sydney Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m), subsequently declared a non-race, and then ran fifth a fortnight later in the rerun.

Ellis purchased Chance to Dance from Nick and Lloyd Williams, who half an hour after Chance to Dance won then celebrated their sixth Melbourne Cup with Rekindling (High Chaparral).
Chance to Dance took his record to nine wins from 31 starts, running the 2000 metres in 2:04.7, last 600m in 34.3, and shortened in fixed odds betting from $6.50 & $2.20 to $4.70 & $1.90 on the tote.

He returned to a rousing reception from a large contingent of his owners who were on course to support him.

“It's a wonderful day to be winning races here at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day,” said Fortuna Syndications manager John Galvin.

“I would like to thank Te Akau Singapore trainer Mark Walker for bringing this horse to my attention, David Ellis for buying him and the whole Te Akau team whom we continue to enjoy a great relationship with.

“Stephen (Autridge) and Jamie (Richards) have done an excellent job preparing him for this campaign, and I'd like to also thank strapper Melissa Ford for the excellent way she looks after this horse.

“Opie gave him a top ride and made a group of more than seventy owners very happy.”

Co-trainer Jamie Richards said: “It's a race we had targeted for some time now with Chance to Dance and he's done a wonderful job to win it, thanks to a lovely ride by Opie (Bosson).

“He's a true gentleman to have around the stable and John (Galvin) has done a great job syndicating the horse.

“It's a big thrill to be receiving the prize on behalf of Steve and myself. The team at home are doing a huge job, with horses in Matamata, Christchurch, and Melbourne, at the moment and it requires a really big team effort that Dave (Ellis) oversees in the most professional way.

“We owe Dave special thanks for buying the quality of horses we have to work with and also on a personal note I would like to thank him for giving me the opportunity in the training role.”

Chance to Dance was strapped by Melissa Ford.

Main photo credit - Trish Dunell
Race photo credit  - www.raceimages.co.nz