Encap is once again being aimed at the famous spring mile double, with trainer Gary Portelli sticking to a proven formula that delivered success earlier this year.
In the autumn, the gelding backed up from the Doncaster Prelude into the Doncaster Mile just four days later, finishing a brave third. Now, he is set to attempt a similar turnaround, lining up in Saturday’s Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill before heading to next week’s Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.
“He’s got to back-up in the Epsom, which is what he did last time,” Portelli said.
“I think I’ve done plenty at home to have him fit enough to be close to the mark. He has grown and matured and he’s more burly, so this weekend will have him spot-on. We had a lot of problems with his feet last campaign. They’ve come good, we’re not dealing with his sore feet anymore so that’s going to help him too.”
Encap had been scheduled to resume in the Missile Stakes in early August, but the race was abandoned due to weather. That setback forced Portelli to keep the horse tuned up through trackwork while adjusting plans.
His most recent outing was in the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), where he finished sixth after being slowly away. Portelli is adamant that a sharper start this weekend will be key.
“He just didn’t begin and he couldn’t make up any significant ground based on the fact the horses up front got home fast and it was a leaders’ track on the day,” Portelli said. “His sectionals read well, 33 and a bit (seconds) for the last 600 metres. I don’t think he could have finished any closer on the times he ran but he can finish closer on the weekend if he jumps a bit better. If he jumps and he can be in a position where he used to be as a young horse, in the first four or five, then he’s good enough to win the race.”
A field of 12 is set for the Shannon Stakes, with the winner earning exemption from the ballot for the Epsom Handicap a week later.
If you’re considering a flutter on the Epsom Handicap, make sure to check out the leading betting sites, trusted bookmakers, and top-rated betting apps for the best odds and offers.
