Fortaleza Tackles Wellesley on Debut

Following two impressive trial victories, trainers Mike Moroney and Chad Ormsby couldn’t find any reason not to take the 2YO daughter of Darci Brahma directly to the Listed Wellesley Stakes over 1000m at Trentham on Saturday.

To be ridden by New Zealand’s premiership winning jockey, Matthew Cameron, Fortaleza has drawn barrier six in the 10 strong field and has trained on well following her last trial win at Avondale.

“She’s done everything right, and done it well,” said co-trainer Chad Ormsby.

“She has a professional attitude towards everything she does and I think it’s going to take her a long way, hence why we weren’t too concerned about the long trip to Wellington.”

The second runner for Ballymore on the big Saturday of racing is impressive last start winner Flavigny who travels to Auckland to tackle the Rating 65 event over 1400m.

“Her last start was huge and we can’t fault her going into this run,” said co-trainer Chad Ormsby.

“She’s well placed and if she has improved as much as we think she has, she’ll be giving that field a good shake.”

Flavigny will be partnered by Grant Cooksley and will jump from barrier four.