Very Likely Indeed

Despite the outside odds, Highly Likely (5 g High Chaparral - Starrinka, by Volksraad) would not be denied an all the way win in the $17,500 Sensortronic Scales Rating 65 2100 metres on 2 October at Te Rapa.

With blinkers back on, after two starts without, and given slow footing to suit, Highly Likely recorded his third win from fourteen attempts for the Fortuna Highly Likely Syndicate (managed by John Galvin). And, returned $25.80 & $5.60.

Working forward to lead from the outside gate for rider Cameron Lammas, the pairing seemed happy in front and held a two length advantage down the back straight. He repelled the challengers to his outer at the 250m before drawing away to win comfortably by one and a quarter lengths.

“The speed silks were definitely the answer,” said Fortuna boss John Galvin, of the sheer fitting Fortuna colours. “He's the first New Zealand horse to have worn them. Cameron (Lammas) was complaining that they were a bit tight, but I said: ‘You're in great company as Manoel Nunes also made the same comment”.

Galvin was not entirely surprised by the win, after seeing merit in his effort despite finishing last of eight in the corresponding event on 9 September at Te Rapa.

“There's an old adage in racing that class is permanent and form is temporary, and while he's struggled in this campaign I've always thought it was between his ears,” said Galvin.

“And the variance that the team has been doing over the last few weeks, particularly with jumping, has certainly made a difference. That combined with some well thought out riding tactics made all the difference.

“I was adamant we should lead and fortuitously the training team of Steve (Autridge) and Jamie (Richards) had the same view.

“It was almost his last chance before we put him out and return him for a jumping career, but I guess he gets another shot now - there's nothing to lose.

“We know he can jump and that he loves jumping,” said Galvin.

Although a winner on heavy going, in an amateur race with Jamie Richards aboard at Te Aroha, his preference appears for slow ground.

“I think some of the tracks earlier in this campaign were too wet. That knocked his confidence and he tended to switch off but he does like to bowl along in front."

Fortuna has it horses with Te Akau (mostly purchased by David Ellis) in New Zealand and Singapore (where they are trained by Mark Walker) and Galvin is happy with the results.

“We are having a good run and it's all going well,” he said, after a recent stakes win by Windborne (Darci Brahma) in the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m), Highly Likely and Our Drahma Queen (Darci Brahma) having her second start on Sunday at Waipa.

“The (Te Akau) team is going well,” said Galvin. “I sense an aggressive and confident attitude about these trainers."

Northern Dancer and Sir Ivor appear in the pedigree of Highly Likely, purchased by David Ellis for $80,000 as a two-year-old at the 2012 South Island Sale (where he topped the sale) from the draft of Phoenix Park.

His grand-dam Zablinka (Zabeel) won the Wakfield Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Trentham and he is a half-brother to capable staying horse Brad Thorn (Thorn Park), from the family of the stakes winning The Meista (Montjeu).

Recording their eleventh win this season elevated Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards to second on the New Zealand Trainers' Premiership.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz