Gary Portelli will concentrate on a couple of stable stalwarts at the Warwick Farm public holiday meeting
Far from the bright lights of She Will Reign’s Group One win at Moonee Valley, trainer Gary Portelli will concentrate on a couple of stable stalwarts at the Warwick Farm public holiday meeting.
Dual stakes winner Straturbo runs in Monday’s 1000m-open handicap while Cosmic Cameo will contest a benchmark 70 sprint over the same distance.
Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign came from near last to win Friday night’s Moir Stakes when ridden by Kerrin McEvoy.
She is now the favourite for the $10 million Everest and will be ridden by Corey Brown at 51kg with McEvoy committed to Redzel.
While Portelli admits eight-year-old Straturbo is in the twilight of his career, the eight-year-old has earned more than $500,000, boosted by two Listed wins in Brisbane and the 2015 Magic Millions Sprint at the Gold Coast.
“He was a bit disappointing last start when he raced in Brisbane,” Portelli said.
“He was giving weight away to the first horse but back to 1000 metres on his home track, I ‘m hoping he can show she’s still got it.
“He’s always been the benchmark for the sprinters in the stable. He works so well but they are catching up to him now.”
Cosmic Cameo is a year younger than his stablemate and has earned close to $200,000 with both raced by Elite Thoroughrbeds.
“He was also disappointing last start in a strong race but before that he ran a good third,” Portelli said.
“He hasn’t drawn well either.
“Obviously both of them are starting to get older but they are the bread and butter horses for the stable.”
She Will Reign arrived home from Melbourne in the early hours of Sunday morning to prepare for the $10 million Everest on October 14 for which she is now the $4.60 favourite.
