Gary Portelli-trained Rebel Dane upstaged a trio of Group 1 winners to win the opening barrier trial over 800 metres at Warwick Farm this morning.

Rebel Dane impressed with a barrier trial victory at Warwick Farm this morning. Photo by: Steve Hart

The rising four-year-old was positioned just off the pace by jockey Glen Boss and finished strongly under a heavy hold in the final stages of the trial to record a narrow victory from Title and Dee ‘N’ Gee in a time of 46.1 seconds.

Chris Waller-trained Group 1 winners Shoot Out, Royal Descent and Sacred Falls were all given very quiet trials and not asked for an effort.

Shoot Out and Royal Descent both crossed the line midfield while Sacred Falls finished at the tail of the field.

2012 Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) runner-up Polish Knight, who has not been seen at the races since finishing last in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) in October last year, started the race at the tail of the field but worked home well.

Rebel Dane is set to return to the races in the Show Country Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday August 24.

Portelli announced last week that he will be taking it one run at a time with the California Dane colt during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival but said his star galloper will be restricted to races under 1400 metres.

Rebel Dane impressed during the 2013 Autumn Racing Carnival with an impressive victory in the Group 2 Royal Sovereign Stakes (1200m) and a second place finish behind Pierro in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m).