Gary Portelli eyes The Everest-Golden Eagle double with Kimochi after Toy Show Quality win at Randwick

Trainer Gary Portelli is daring to dream with his powerhouse mare Kimochi who kicked off her campaign with a first-up win for new owners Yulong in the Tow Show Quality.

Kimochi (middle) beats Commemorative (right) and Mumbai Muse (left) in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick. Picture: Getty Images

Trainer Gary Portelli revealed ambitions to chase a lucrative $30 million The Everest-Golden Eagle double with Kimochi following her terrific return win at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Kimochi laid down an early spring carnival marker with a strong first-up effort in the Group 3 $250,000 Toy Show Quality (1100m).

She did so while wearing the renown green and white silks of growing breeding powerhouse, Yulong.

Kimochi was purchased for $2.2 million by Yulong at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in May and was given back to Portelli to continue training.

The $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) for four-year-olds has been the main aim for Kimochi but Portelli is keen for his talented mare to get a chance in the richest race on turf.

Yulong have their own slot for The Everest that is yet to be filled.

“I’m pushing for an Everest slot, she’ll get better with racing,” Portelli said.

“Every trainer wants to have a runner in the Everest, there’s no doubt about that, we are a long way from there but you are allowed to dream.”

Kimochi ($6.50) was caught three deep for the bulk of the sprint but still looked to have plenty to offer when the field got to the top of the straight.

She was up to the challenge late as the daughter of Brave Smash got home by a neck from the James Cummings-trained Commemorative ($2.50 fav) by a neck. Mumbai Muse ($12) was a nose back in third.

“It’s amazing what a break does, she’s just a powerhouse,” jockey Jason Collett said.

“She never dropped the bridle at all.

“I was afraid of how strong she was travelling on the speed, but when I let her go, she really let down.”

Kimochi holds out a powering Commemorative to win for @GaryPortelli! 💥 pic.twitter.com/k2dWK7RHnc

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 24, 2024

“She’s been able to have a break, a decent break, from her three-year-old season and it’s really helped.”

Portelli agreed that an extended break had done Kimochi the world of good.

She was one of the most consistent fillies in the country last season, placing in every leg of the Princess Series while also finishing on the podium in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas and Group 1 Coolmore Classic.

“She been racing nearly forever, and this is the first time she’s come in with a good two or three months under her belt,” Portelli said.

“And I was pretty confident that she was after these horses when you saw the opposition that had been winning today.

“She’s been amongst these horses every time she’s raced. So today was her day, and she did a great job.”

Kimochi was $26 into $18 for the Golden Eagle while she is rated a $34 The Everest chance.

Originally published as Gary Portelli eyes The Everest-Golden Eagle double with Kimochi after Toy Show Quality win at Randwick