Portelli’s Rosehill Hopes Rely On The Skye

The Sheraco Stakes will be the scene for Gary Portelli tomorrow when he tries to snag a Listed victory in a competitive looking fillies and mares contest.

His six year old grey mare is a striking looking horse and her record is just as impressive, in fact when you add up the numbers it’s surprising she doesn’t get more media attention.

From 18 career starts since her debut in November 2008 she has amassed 10 victories with a further four minor placings.

On good rated tracks she’s eight from thirteen and on dead she’s two from three meaning no more rain overnight is critical to her chances.

That’s something the connections  have confirmed with Portelli as well so the next 24 hours are critical to the makeup of the Sheraco Stakes.

“We wouldn’t like to start her on a slow track, the owner has said to me he wouldn’t like me to start her on wet tracks if possible,” Portelli said.

“The worst thing is that she’s first up as well, you don’t want to bottom her out at this level first up.”

Platinum Skye last ran in May during the Scone Cup Carnival finishing third after a commanding victory at Queanbeyan previous to that.

She’s not Portelli’s only hope on the day though with Somepin Anypin due to run in the last over 1200m.

The four year old gelding hasn’t raced since the Hobartville Stakes in February where he finished midfield, but previous to that he was impressive with back to back victories at Rosehill.

He’s another that needs a dry surface though with his three career wins coming during his five good rated starts.

“He’s first up after a long spell and one easy trial, I wouldn’t like to run him on a slow track,” Portelli said.

“There’s another race the following weekend over 1200 as well.

“If it’s dry I’ll be there hoping for the best and on a wet track we wouldn’t want to see the punters lose their money on a horse that can’t handle the track.”

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