The barrier draw for the Hong Kong Sprint is shaping as the most nerve-wracking part of Gary Portelli’s week.
The Portelli-trained Rebel Dane and Takedown from the Gary Moore stable, will represent Australia in the 1200m-race at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Rebel Dane has arrived safely with Portelli to fly to Hong Kong on Tuesday to oversee his days leading up to the Srpint.
“A good barrier draw is imperative,” Portelli said.
“One to five would be nice, To have a chance in the race he needs to be able to take up a good position.
“There doesn’t seem to be a stand-out horse this year and it looks like it will come down to whoever has the most luck in running.”
Rebel Dane travelled on Sunday with two handlers and, although he ate and drank well, he still lost several kilograms from his 495kg frame.
“He lost eight kilos on the way over but he cleaned up his feed bin and had a big drink which is a good sign,” Portelli said.
“Hopefully he puts it back on in the next few days.
“He did all his work before he left Sydney so he’s fit and we don’t have to do too much with him.”
The Sprint will be Rebel Dane’s first start since he won the Manikato Stakes on October 21.
In contrast, Takedown arrived in Hong Kong last week, heavier than when he left Australia.
The four-year-old, who weighs in at more than 600kg, was a late invitee a couple of days before he won the Group One Winterbottom Stakes in Perth last Saturday week.
Moore managed to organise a flight from Melbourne last Tuesday after Takedown was flown there from Perth a day earlier.
Rebel Dane arrived in @HKJC_Racing earlier today. @GaryPortelli says horse ate and drank water on the flight. pic.twitter.com/CihAxjj6Wi
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) December 5, 2016
