Gary Portelli is keen to see what speedster I’m All The Talk can do on the tight Moonee Valley track.

The trainer believes the five-year-old will make his presence felt in Saturday’s Group Two McEwen Stakes in which his opposition includes TJ Smith Stakes winner Chautauqua.

“He’s been set for this race first-up and I thought there was no need to trial him,” Portelli said.

“He looks a ball of muscle and is ready to run the race of his life.”

I’m All The Talk has won two of his 15 starts including the Group Three Skyline Stakes as a two-year-old.

The entire gave a sight in the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) first-up last campaign before being overhauled inside the final 100m to finish sixth behind Shamal Wind.

“Coming out of the gates it will be on, and hopefully the better-performed horses are too far back to catch him,” Portelli said.

Chautauqua is the $2.35 favourite ahead of three-year-old Furnaces and Group One Goodwood winner Flamberge at $6.

I’m All The Talk is at $31.

Robbie Griffiths celebrated an upset win with Angelic Light beating Lankan Rupee last year but is keeping expectations in check about a repeat with his two runners It Is Written and The Quarterback on Saturday.

“The mare last year was right on song,” Griffiths said.

“She had had a start leading into it and she was really raring to go, whereas It Is Written is returning.

“He ran fourth in the race last year but he hasn’t had a trial so if he runs similar to last year that would be great.”

The Quarterback is racing at Moonee Valley for the first time and Griffiths feels his get-back racing style, in weight-for-age company, will be against him.

“I’m very happy with both horses. I don’t think that I’ll win the race but I think they are going well and are in for good preparations.”

Hawkes Racing has scratched three-year-old Headwater because of a wide barrier and the colt is expected to run in the Danehill Stakes on Saturday week.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au