European galloper Portland is still searching for his first win in Australia, but trainer Matthew Smith is convinced it isn’t far away.
The import has put the writing on the wall at his past two starts with a late-closing third to Wootton Verni in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) and another solid effort behind Asterix in the JRA Plate (2000m) when he was beaten just over two lengths.
“I was looking at the sectionals, and he ran 33.89 (seconds) for his last 600 metres, and the winner of the sprint on that day ran 34.14. So he went quicker than the 1200 metre race for his last 600,” Smith said.
“He is going very well, he just needs to draw a gate. When he draws a gate, he’ll be winning.”
Portland, who is in his first racing campaign in Australia, is slated to have his next start in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) on Saturday.
Smith expects him to enjoy the tight-turning circuit and regular rider Kerrin McEvoy has been booked for the mount.
“He is banging on the door to win one of these,” Smith said.
“I do think he’ll go further, but I also think he can win a decent race over 2000, so the Gosford Cup will be perfect for him.
“He’s not a big horse so he’ll get around there like a greyhound.”
Portland was one of 27 entries for the $300,000 Gosford Cup, joined by the likes of Asterix and Group 1 winners Bois D’argent, Land Legend, Maison Louis and You Wahng.
Smith could have up to six runners at Gosford with four-time winner Lyles also in the mix to be nominated for a 1000m race after trialling at Canterbury last Friday.
“He is going super. He will be ready first-up,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, top sprinter Headwall is back in work after a hind leg injury cut short his spring, with the trainer reporting the horse is moving and training well and on track to have his first barrier trial in June.
“Where he’ll resume, I don’t know at this stage, but it will be early July,” Smith said.
A two-time Group 1 placegetter, Headwall has been off the scene since winning the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick in September.
