Few horses can boast a first-up record to rival that of Platinum Skye but the weather will determine if she gets the chance to add to it at Rosehill on Saturday.
Platinum Skye is scheduled to return in the Listed Sheraco Stakes (1100m) but trainer Gary Portelli says she needs a firm track.
“She trialled extremely well and her whole preparation has been aimed at this race first-up,” Portelli said.
“She is trimmed right up for it, I just hope the weather stays away because if it’s wet I think the owners would like her to be scratched.”
Platinum Skye is a new addition to the Portelli stable after doing her early racing under Parkes trainer Sharon Jeffries.
She has won five of her six first-up runs and also boasts an outstanding overall record with 10 wins and four placings from just 18 starts.
At her most recent appearance she led and was only run down late when third to Motspur and Group One winner Atomic Force in the Scone Quality (1100m) in May.
She has all but raced herself out of country grade and for that reason her owners opted to switch her to a city stable.
“Sharon did a great job with her. I don’t think there is any improvement in her, the only upside is that she doesn’t have to travel so far,” Portelli said.
Platinum Skye drew gate eight and Portelli said she would lead.
“She has to lead our girl, she has to be up there highballing,” he said.
“Most of the speed is drawn outside us anyway.”
The promising Somepin Anypin will also return for Portelli over 1200m in the final race but he is ruing his draw in 11.
“I’m not happy with the barrier. I hate drawing wide at Rosehill from that start,” Portelli said.
“I’m a bit concerned he might be vulnerable without race fitness.”
Despite his cautious approach to Saturday, Portelli has a high opinion of Somepin Anypin.
The four-year-old won three of his five starts over the summer and was spelled after failing to fire in the Group Two Hobartville Stakes.
Portelli believes he is still a campaign away from producing his best but is happy to bide his time until then.
“If he goes well enough we will look at something in Melbourne over the spring carnival,” Portelli said.
“I think it would be great for his education and to help season him for next year.”
Portelli will soon be undergoing an education of his own.
His wife Kellie is due to give birth to their first child in the next week.
AAP TURF
