The Black Opal Stakes has been a happy hunting ground for Gary Portelli and he is hoping to unveil his latest contender at Rosehill on Saturday.

Portelli will start debutant Raw Snitzel in The Juniors Handicap (1200m) with a view towards the Listed Black Opal (1200m) at Canberra on March 11.

The Warwick Farm trainer has won the Black Opal three times with Coral Salute (2001), Down The Wicket (2006) and Delago Bolt three years ago and hopes Raw Snitzel can join that list in 2012.

“We’ve been a little bit excited about him,” Portelli said.

“He’s showed good ability in his trials.

“We will get a bit more of a guide as to where we go this weekend.

“If he runs well on Saturday there is always the Black Opal in a couple of weeks time.”

Raw Snitzel has had three barrier trials, two of those at the end of last year.

He performed well in both but Portelli felt he wasn’t as strong as he should have been at the finish.

He had the colt scoped and it revealed a minor throat problem which was treated with laser surgery.

“He wasn’t making any noises, he wasn’t in any distress with it. It just seemed to be playing up when he galloped,” Portelli said.

“But we’ve fixed it up and he’s ready to go.”

Raw Snitzel was spelled after undergoing the procedure and has had one trial in preparation for Saturday, finishing second to Nediym’s Quest over 800m.

His rivals will include Darley’s Tatra, the promising Dear Demi and The Broken Shore, a half-sister to champion sire Redoute’s Choice.

“His trial form says he’s not far off some of the good ones,” Portelli said.

“There are a few first starters but on face value it doesn’t look like they are the topliners, although the race will still be strong enough.”

Apprentice Chad Schofield has been putting in some hard yards for Portelli and has been rewarded with the mount.