Warwick Farm trainer Gary Portelli is counting down the minutes until he can unleash Rebel Dane in the Group One Darley TJ Smith Stakes on Saturday week (19 April).
Rebel Dane is unbeaten first-up from three attempts and the explosive California Dane stallion trialled stylishly for race jockey Glen Boss at Rosehill Gardens on Monday when second behind flyer Zaratone.
‘‘He came through his heat very well and I was really, really impressed by the way he trialled,’’ Portelli said. ‘‘Glen Boss was probably more excited than what I was. We’re very positive and obviously we know how strong the TJ Smith is going to be, that’s why we’ve aimed at this race first-up.
“We know how good our horse is first-up. His preparation has just been clockwork … every time I’ve asked, every time I’ve stepped up his work a bit more, he’s done it easily.’’
Portelli is confident the decision to tackle the Randwick 1200-metre race fresh will pay off, and also that Rebel Dane’s racing style will suit Royal Randwick at his first run at the track.
‘‘I think realistically the rain that’s about, it could mean that swoopers do come into play,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s his style of racing, he likes to be ridden cold … wait until he straightens up and produce that big explosion he can show at the furlong.
‘‘We really need good speed on in the race so the leaders do get somewhat tired late. It certainly does look a perfect race for him. I think the only thing that I would be concerned about would be if it turns into a smallish field and the speed wasn’t on. We want a big field and the speed to be on … he’ll be a good chance then.’’
Portelli has Not a Single Doubt filly All My Loving in Saturday’s Group One Vinery Stud Stakes on a path to the Australian Oaks.
‘‘We’ve sort of come in through the back door,’’ he said. ‘‘She’s been racing against older horses and beating them around the provincial scene and it’s just a throw at the stumps from a long way out.’’
But Portelli did train Rena’s Lady to an upset Australian Oaks win at Royal Randwick in 2007: ‘‘It’s a case of if you’re not in it, you can’t win it,’’ he said.
All My Loving races in white colours with a pink ribbon and sleeves. She is raced by a group of women who have decided to donate 10% of her prizemoney to breast cancer research – and Portelli also donates 10% of the training fees. So while she is $101 in early Australian Oaks betting she is certain to be a crowd favourite.
– Australian Turf Club
