Portelli not loading Magic Bullet just yet in pursuit of $2m race

GARY Portelli is one of a number of trainers walking the Magic Millions tightrope and he’s leaving all options open with exciting colt Single Bullet.

Gary Portelli is playing a waiting game before committing Single Bullet to a program aimed at getting him to the Gold Coast on Magic Millions Day. Picture: Jenny Evans

GARY Portelli is one of a number of trainers walking the Magic Millions tightrope and he is leaving all options open with exciting colt Single Bullet.

Considered unlucky when second on debut in the Wyong MM last month, Single Bullet is No. 23 in the order of entry.

He will be an acceptor for Warwick Farm on Saturday, but if the attrition rate (already four above him are out) looked like he would make the Millions field, Portelli would scratch and send him straight to the Gold Coast.

That is the preference, as he has serious reservations about backing up the $9 chance in the space of a week.

“I’m not sure he’s the type of horse that could back up into a major race, particularly when he will have to travel up there as well,” Portelli said.

“But if he pulled up really well and was bucking his brands off, I would have to contemplate it.

‘‘You can’t just turn your back on a $2 million race.

“John Hawkes taught me a long time ago that horses can be here today and gone tomorrow.

“The Golden Slipper is another three months away and a lot of things can go wrong, whereas if you have a horse fit and well it’s a big call to bypass a $2 million race that is just sitting there.

“It will all depend on the horse.”

On debut, Single Bullet found himself second last on settling, before rattling home late behind Madeenaty.

“One of the attendants had hold of his head collar and he jumped sideways when the gates opened and was then in a position where it was always going to be hard work to win,” Portelli said.

Portelli already has $17 chance Falconic safely in the Millions field, but he rates Single Bullet in rare air.

“He’s as nice a horse as I’ve ever had come through,’’ he said. ‘‘He’s shown me exactly the same amount of ability as all the good horses I’ve had.

“I think he’s a Group 1 horse in the making.

“We only bought him in June. This is only his first preparation. And the thing is, he still looks like a foal.”

Portelli also has Golden Slipper favourite She Will Reign in his yard and said he would find it hard to split her and Single Bullet at 1200m.

“I think 1200m would be very interesting between them,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re not sure she will run 1200m yet, whereas Single Bullet will relish it.’’

Both Falconic and Single Bullet are eligible for a share of the $500,000 Racing Women’s Bonus in the 2YO Classic.

Stable stalwart Rebel Dane is a probable Winter Carnival visitor this year and Portelli said the owners were likely to retire him to a stud in Queensland.

MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC

Gold Coast, January 14

$5 From Within

$6 Invincible Star

$6.50 Ours To Keep

$7 Houtzen

$9 Madeenaty, Single Bullet

$17 Champ Elect, Chauffeur, Falconic

$21 Goodfella

$26 Cellargirl, Debonairly, Madame Moustache

$41+ Others

Odds: UBET

Originally published as Portelli not loading Magic Bullet just yet in pursuit of $2m race