Seeking Asylum will be at home in the wet at Royal Randwick today
SEEKING Asylum’s proven wet-track ability has boosted trainer Gary Portelli’s confidence on the eve of her comeback to racing in the First Battle of the Somme Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick today.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SEEKING Asylum’s proven wet-track ability has boosted trainer Gary Portelli’s confidence on the eve of her comeback to racing in the First Battle of the Somme Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick today.
The Anzac Day meeting will be held on a rain-affected track surface that was rated a heavy 8 late yesterday – ideal for Seeking Asylum.
Portelli’s promising three-year-old filly has won four of her 10 starts, with each of those wins coming on soft or heavy tracks.
Seeking Asylum has won her only two starts on soft tracks, and she has two wins and a second from her three attempts on heavy surfaces.
“The rain brings her right into the race,’’ Portelli said. “She is a pretty handy little filly who enjoys racing on wet tracks.’’
Seeking Asylum raced her way through the grades last winter, winning four of her five starts including a Canterbury 1550m success. She then had a three-start spring campaign where although unplaced each time, she ran competitive races.
“I stepped her up in grade last preparation and she ran well,’’ Portelli said.
“I’ve given her three barrier trials to prepare for her return and she is ready to run a very good race (today).’’
Seeking Asylum seems over the odds at $9 behind Godolphin’s Distraught, the $2.80 favourite.
Portelli also expects the consistent Cash Strapped ($15) to run well in the Australian Flying Corps Handicap (1800m).
Cash Strapped goes into today’s race after a tough first-up maiden win at Newcastle’s Beaumont track then a close second to Raise The Limit at Hawkesbury in a class 1 race.
“He got to the front but floated over 1600m last start,’’ Portelli said of Cash Strapped. “The winner came at us very quickly and he tried to fight back but didn’t quite have the momentum. He doesn’t have to lead, either. ’’
Portelli is also optimistic Texas Rebel can make his presence felt in the HMAS Australia Handicap (1400m).
Texas Rebel, a half-brother to stable star Rebel Dane, has been unplaced in each of his three starts but Portelli said the gelding has his share of ability.
“He’s been screaming out for a trip and hopefully he can take up a more forward position,’’ Portelli said.
“Travis Wolfgram is a strong rider and he knows the horse has a short, sharp sprint – you can’t make a long run on him.’’
Portelli said Texas Rebel was of similar slight build as Rebel Dane but is much taller than his older sibling.
Meanwhile, Portelli has abandoned plans to keep Rebel Dane going this autumn, confirming the $1.6 million earner has been sent to the spelling paddock.
“I thought he pulled up a little flat after his fourth in the All Aged Stakes,’’ the trainer continued.
Originally published as Seeking Asylum will be at home in the wet at Royal Randwick today
Shayne O’Cass’s Rosehill Saturday tips, analysis
Form expert Shayne O’Cass analyses Saturday’s 10-race card at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, presenting his race-by-race tips and analysis.
Turf Talk: Ray Thomas’ $41 tip in key Saturday feature
Ray Thomas is ‘doing an O’Cass’ on Saturday, tipping a runner at a massive price in one of the weekend’s feature races. Get Ray and Shayne O’Cass’s best bets for the weekend.