Portelli’s barrier boon

Trainer says Testashadow at his peak and perfectly positioned

GARY Portelli is pinning his hopes on Testashadow’s experience and the presence of his go-to jockey to drive the gelding to an unexpected victory in today’s Villiers Stakes.

The seven-year-old is among the double-figure chances to win the Group 2 feature at Randwick, but Portelli would not rule out Testashadow upstaging Godolphin favourite Interlocuter.

Blessed with a handy draw and buoyed by a last-start victory in the Festival Stakes (1500m), Portelli is also encouraged by Melbourne-based Ben Melham riding Testashadow for the first time.

Portelli thought Jason Collett would remain in the saddle, but he chose to ride Queensland visitor Crack Me Up.

“Ben’s my go-to man whenever I need a jockey and he was happy to come up,” Portelli said.

He met Melham for the first time shortly before he rode Rebel Dane to victory in the 2016 Group 1 Manikato Stakes.

More success followed with She Will Reign in this year’s Inglis Nursery and the Golden Slipper.

“We’ve got a great association,” Portelli said.

Testashadow jumps from barrier eight in the 14-horse field, which should allow Melham to position him comfortably to run out the 1600m.

“His racing style is to be on pace. Unless there’s a lot of speed inside him, that’s where he’ll be,” Portelli said.

Although Testashadow was $16 in the TAB market yesterday, which was headed by Interlocuter ($3.40), Portelli said the veteran was capable of defying the odds to notch his ninth career win.

“Interlocuter looks good, but young horses coming through, you don’t know where they’re going to end up,” Portelli said.

“Testashadow looks fit and ready to go, he’s tightened up and looks like he’s at his peak.”

Portelli said the future was more certain for Testashadow, with a defence of the Magic Millions Cup on January 13 the goal. Even if Testashadow won and gained an exemption to the Group 1 Doncaster Mile in April, he would still head to the Gold Coast. “I don’t think he’s good enough to win a Doncaster,” Portelli said.

Melham will also ride Ragged Rascal in the Inglis Nursery (1000m) and will remain in Sydney to partner Secret Lady in a barrier trial on Tuesday in preparation for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.