Portelli's affordable imports to shine at Randwick

Trainer Gary Portelli is placing his faith in two economical acquisitions from his dual Group 1-winning stallion Rebel Dane to make their mark at Royal Randwick this Saturday.

Portelli's progressive three-year-old colt, So Rebellious, is set to contest the Midway Handicap (1600m), while the two-year-old gelding, Rebel Shield, is nominated for the day's first event, the Elite Sand And Soil Handicap (1400m).

In an era where yearlings often command prices above $1 million, Portelli secured So Rebellious for a mere $30,000 and Rebel Shield for $40,000 as yearlings.

Both are offspring of Rebel Dane, the talented sprinter Portelli guided to two Group 1 victories in the Manikato Stakes and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Rebel Dane stands at the prestigious Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley, and Portelli has been responsible for training the best of the stallion's progeny to date, the remarkable Fireburn, who claimed the 2022 Golden Slipper.

So Rebellious, a winner of a Canterbury maiden from 11 starts, resumed with an eighth-place finish behind Tarzing at Rosehill late last month, a performance Portelli maintains was much better than it appears on paper.

"This horse has come on leaps and bounds since his last campaign,'' Portelli told Racing And Sports. "I thought it was a really nice run first-up and I expect him to run a hell of a race on Saturday."

So Rebellious may be considered value in early TAB Fixed Odds for the Midway Handicap at $16, trailing behind Perfect Justice, the $4.40 favourite.

Rebel Shield debuted at the Warwick Farm midweek fixtures late last month, finishing strongly to take fourth place behind the exciting colt Omolong over 1100m.

Omolong has since validated that form by winning at Rosehill in Saturday grade and is already being discussed as a potential candidate for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes during the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington in the spring.

Portelli has a high opinion of Rebel Shield ahead of his Randwick engagement, where he is rated $10 in early betting behind the $3.70 equal favourites Rumdabar and Defensemen.

"I like him a lot,'' Portelli said of Rebel Shield. "He has a good finish on him and going to 1400m is absolutely perfect for him."

Portelli is anticipating an improved run from the stable's other Randwick runner, Kintyre ($26), in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m).

Kintyre, a half-brother to Fireburn, has not been prominent in three starts this preparation but has trialled well since finishing towards the rear at Randwick last start.

Explore the latest racing betting markets for Rebel Shield's chances at Randwick.