Encap will follow a tried-and-tested formula into Saturday’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap, with trainer Gary Portelli hoping another quick back-up can bring out the gelding’s best.

The five-year-old caught the eye when third behind Stefi Magnetica in the Doncaster Mile earlier this year, a performance that came off just four days between runs. This time, he’ll be racing on a seven-day turnaround and Portelli believes that could be the key again.

“In the Doncaster he raced four days before and he really hit the line that day,” Portelli said.

“He’s a funny horse…. He just switches off but if we can get him switched on for the weekend, maybe that quick back-up might be what he needs.”

Encap came up with barrier six at the draw, and while Portelli is satisfied with the gate, he knows tempo will dictate his chances. The gelding has struggled to muster speed early, leaving him dependent on a genuine pace to finish off strongly.

“He won’t go early and he comes home late,” Portelli said. “We need some speed on and if it’s a truly run race he will be joining in at some point.

“He ran a huge race in the Doncaster and if he puts that together again, he should be very hard to beat.”

Verona Rose will join him in the Epsom field, jumping from barrier three. The mare carries just 50kg after dropping seven kilos from her last start second in the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle.

Although her main mission is the Golden Eagle (1500m), Portelli wants to test her in elite open company.

“Every time we step her up she handles the rise in class,” he said. “She gets 50 (kilos) on her back. She is an improving mare and I don’t know where she lies but I’m hoping the Golden Eagle might be a race for her later on.

“This will be a nice stepping stone to get her in there.”

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