Portelli's Runner Numbers Depend on Rosehill Track Conditions

Gary Portelli's team at Rosehill could be significantly reduced this weekend, with the trainer indicating that many of his horses will be scratched if the predicted rain arrives and impacts the track surface.

Portelli is set to have six runners on Saturday, including the lightly raced three-year-old Performance. However, her participation in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m) is contingent on the track remaining a soft 5 or better. Mother Goose, another contender, faces a similar dilemma in the Midway Handicap (1300m) from a wide barrier, with her start dependent on scratchings.

"Performance, Miss Hades and Flying Trapeze could quite easily come out if the rain hits that they're forecasting. And Mother Goose (due to the gate)," Portelli said. "So I might be left with two runners. It's all down to the weather."

If Performance races on her preferred surface, Portelli is confident of a strong showing. After finishing runner-up to Mareth, a subsequent Group placegetter, on debut at Canterbury, Performance secured a victory at Randwick. She has impressed in recent trials, and Portelli notes that the filly has matured and strengthened since her initial racing campaign.

"If this weather doesn't hit, she is a nice chance first-up," he stated. "I've always had a lot of time for her. She had a few growing pains, so we've had to wait until she has been ready to handle some solid work. But she's a big, strong, filly. Beautiful filly."

Godolphin's mare Thames might prove to be an unexpected contender in the Midway Handicap, having had valid reasons for her recent below-par performances, including a heavy 9 track at Rosehill and an ill-suited race tempo last start. Portelli elaborated, "Thames' run last start on the Kenso was enormous. She got back, wide, took off around the whole field because the tempo slackened and got pulling. Back to 1200 at Rosehill, I think she will run well, particularly if the track isn't as heavy as when she failed there. She is a nice mare."

Portelli is optimistic about his horses' chances on Saturday, provided the track conditions are favourable. "Miss Hades always runs well first-up. She needs it dry as well. She's not adept on soft to heavy ground," he explained. "So Rebellious, he's a nice 2000-metre three-year-old by Rebel Dane resuming, and Flying Trapeze is coming back from a rig operation. He ran really well first-up in a very strong benchmark race at Canterbury, a track that doesn't suit him. He could sprint well but again, we need a dry track for him."

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