The European import Portland is yet to break his maiden in Australia, but handler Matthew Smith is certain a victory is approaching.
At his two most recent appearances, the horse has laid down markers, with a strong-finishing third to Wootton Verni in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) and a creditable effort trailing Asterix by little more than two lengths 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.”
During his maiden Australian campaign, Portland is programmed for the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) on Saturday.
Smith foresees no issues with the sharp turns at the venue, booking Kerrin McEvoy to partner the import.
“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.”
Portland joins 26 other horses in the nominations for the $300,000 Gosford Cup, including Asterix and elite Group 1 winners Bois D’argent, Land Legend, Maison Louis and You Wahng.
The trainer has the potential for up to six participants at the meeting, as four-time victor Lyles eyes a 1000m assignment post his Canterbury trial last Friday.
“He is going super. He will be ready first-up,” Smith said.
Separately, high-class sprinter Headwall has resumed training after a rear leg injury halted his autumn, with reports indicating strong movement and work, targeting a June trial.
“Where he’ll resume, I don’t know at this stage, but it will be early July,” Smith said.
With two Group 1 placings to his name, Headwall was last seen winning the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick during September.
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