Gary Portelli’s misgivings about a wet Randwick track proved unfounded as Single Style worked through the ground stylishly to beat Drieftontein in a photo-finish to the Keith Mackay Quality.
Portelli believes Single Style has the potential to be a flag-bearer for his stable and earmarked Saturday’s 1200m Listed race as her autumn target.
His confidence was dented by the rain that fell in Sydney during the week but by race time the track was a slow (7) and upgraded straight after.
“On Tuesday morning I declared her if the track dried up,” Portelli said.
“I thought it was her best chance to beat Driefontein at the weights.
“I’ve put a reputation on her and I believe it will be justified.”
Magic Millions winner Driefontein was sent out the $2.60 favourite with Single Style a $6.50 chance with leading New Zealand rider James McDonald shooting for a double from the first two races.
He made sure Single Style, who carried 55kg, was within striking distance of topweight Driefontein (60.5kg).
The pair went to the line almost locked together with Portelli anxiously waiting for the result to go his way which it did by a head.
The Warwick Farm trainer compared Single Style favourably to his 2002 Keith McKay winner Before Too Long, saying he was not leaving last year’s Premier Sale in Melbourne without the filly.
“She is as good as Before Too Long,” he said.
“I love this filly. I always have and I wasn’t leaving the Melbourne sale without her.”
Portelli paid $150,000 for the daughter of Not A Single Doubt who will now be sent for a spell ahead of a spring campaign aimed at the Princess Series.
“I’ll find out where (Blue Diamond Stakes winner) Samaready is going and we’ll go somewhere else,” he said.
“We might also find it hard against Driefontein at level weights. She is one of the top fillies around but this filly has a lot of potential.”
Tommy Berry steered Driefontein who he said gave her all.
“She probably still doesn’t think she’s been beaten,” he said.
