Matthew Smith eyes Gosford Gold Cup win for import Portland
Trainer Matthew Smith remains optimistic that European galloper Portland is on the verge of securing his first Australian triumph.
The imported runner has shown promising form in his latest two races, charging home for third behind Wootton Verni in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) and producing a robust run when finishing just over two lengths adrift of Asterix in the JRA Plate (2000m).
"I was looking at the sectionals, and he ran 33.89 (seconds) for his last 600 metres, and the winner of the sprint on that day ran 34.14. So he went quicker than the 1200 metre race for his last 600," Smith said.
"He is going very well, he just needs to draw a gate. When he draws a gate, he'll be winning."
Portland, engaged in his initial Australian season, has been entered for the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) scheduled for Saturday.
The trainer is confident the tight circuit will suit, with Kerrin McEvoy retained as the pilot.
"He is banging on the door to win one of these," Smith said.
"I do think he'll go further, but I also think he can win a decent race over 2000, so the Gosford Cup will be perfect for him.
"He's not a big horse so he'll get around there like a greyhound."
The $300,000 Gosford Cup attracted 27 entries, featuring Portland alongside Asterix and Group 1 winners such as Bois D'argent, Land Legend, Maison Louis and You Wahng.
Smith may send up to six runners to Gosford, including Lyles, a four-time winner who trialled at Canterbury last Friday and could contest a 1000m sprint.
"He is going super. He will be ready first-up," Smith said.
In other news, elite sprinter Headwall is back in full work following a spring-ending hind leg injury, progressing nicely in training and set for a June barrier trial.
"Where he'll resume, I don't know at this stage, but it will be early July," Smith said.
Headwall, a two-time Group 1 runner-up, last raced when taking out the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick in September.
Head to top Australian betting sites to check the latest odds for the Gosford Gold Cup.
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