Handy galloper O’Crikey hasn’t won for a tick over 12 months, but trainer Gary Portelli believes that if he has luck on his side, the gelding can recapture some winning form when he contests the Schweppes Handicap (1300m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
The son of O’Reilly has had 12 starts since his last success, which was at Rosehill over 1300m, yet in three runs this time in, he has hinted that a win is not far away. Last start at Wyong he led and was gunned down by Youthful Jack over 1350m. Portelli expects the gelding to fire on the weekend.
“O’Crikey will be at his top for Saturday unlike at Wyong,” He said.
However, the trainer does concede he’ll have his work cut out thanks to the Joe Pride trained Tiger Tees.
“He (O’Crikey) finds it hard to win but if Tiger Tees doesn’t turn up, he can certainly win.”
Earlier in the day, maiden galloper Miss Spoken takes on some handy fillies in the Vili’s Bakery Handicap (1400m). The daughter of Stratum missed the start and made up good ground last start at Kembla (Australian Turf Club meeting) over 1200m and while the trainer admits it’s a tough ask, he said he would not be surprised if she caused an upset.
“Miss Spoken is loaded with ability but she fumbled the start last week and it was impossible for her to catch the leaders,” Portelli said.
“I really like her and she can win in better grade eventually once she matures, so it wouldn’t shock me if she won.”
Butt I’m Ready is racing well without much luck. Last start he didn’t have a clear run and finished an unlucky fourth behind Mrs Onassis at Rosehill. Portelli believes that the horse can win provided a couple of things go his way.
“Butt I’m Ready will need it wet to be any chance,” He said.
“But with a lack of programming that suits, I am forced to run him to just keep him fit.”
“Hopefully he can run over the top of them in a fast run race.”
The trainer has been in great form in recent months, thanks to New Day Rising and Somepin Anypin while stable star Gold Trail is back and ready for another preparation. Somepin Anypin is back in the stable and preparing for a campaign heading towards the Doncaster Mile (1600m).
“Somepin Anypin is pre training and will resume in the Liverpool City Cup (1300m),” The trainer said.
“New Day Rising pulled up well from last week and will run over 1500m next Saturday at Rosehill.”
“Gold Trail goes to either the BMW Classic (1100m) at Canterbury next Friday night or the Magic Millions Sprint (1000m) at the Gold Coast.”
Written by Adam Page
