Despite not yet winning Down Under, European runner Portland has trainer Matthew Smith persuaded that success is near.
The import posted eye-catching efforts recently, storming late for third against Wootton Verni in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) and running a bold race when beaten by just over two lengths behind Asterix in the JRA Plate (2000m).
“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, in his first local preparation, lines up next in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) this coming Saturday.
According to Smith, the venue’s quick turns should suit, and Kerrin McEvoy stays aboard.
“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.”
One of 27 horses nominated for the $300,000 Gosford Cup, Portland faces competition from Asterix and Group 1 champions Bois D’argent, Land Legend, Maison Louis and You Wahng.
Smith could have as many as six horses engaged at Gosford, with multiple winner Lyles under consideration for a 1000m race after trialling well at Canterbury last Friday.
“He is going super. He will be ready first-up,” Smith said.
Top speedster Headwall has recommenced training following a hindquarter injury that ended his spring, and he’s reportedly cantering freely with a June trial on the horizon.
“Where he’ll resume, I don’t know at this stage, but it will be early July,” Smith said.
A twice-placed in Group 1 company, Headwall’s most recent success came in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick in September.
Visit leading betting sites to view the betting markets for the race at Gosford Gold Cup.