‘He’s flying’: Trainer Gary Portelli eyes 2024 Golden Eagle upset with Encap

Trainer Gary Portelli is confident his first Golden Eagle runners Encap and Kintyre will acquit themselves well in Saturday’s $10 million feature, even if he’s under no illusions about the enormity of the challenge ahead.

Trainer Gary Portelli had an apt description for talented Encap ahead of the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday: “He’s absolutely flying!”

But Portelli, who has his first Golden Eagle runners with Encap and Kintyre, is under no illusions about the enormity of the challenge his two star four-year-olds face to win the nation’s second richest race.

“Encap and Kintyre need to lift but I think both horses can run very well,’’ Portelli said.

“The barrier draw is going to be so important on Tuesday night. I hope they can both draw inside 10.”

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With a capacity field of 20 likely for the Golden Eagle, an inside draw is imperative. The race was first run in 2019 and the five winners so far have drawn no wider than gate 10.

Encap lines up in the Golden Eagle after his fast-finishing fourth behind Here To Shock in the Alan Brown Stakes two weeks ago.

Three horses who finished behind Encap that day have since come out and won their next start – Belcare (The Invitation), Iknowastar (Five Diamonds Prelude) and Lindermann (Craven Plate).

Here To Shock is here to win! The @lindsayparkrace trained galloper takes the Alan Brown Stakes and it's a double to @nashhot!@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/NEYJEVUYBr

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 12, 2024

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“Encap was very good last start and the form out of that race has stood up,’’ Portelli said.

“I’m going to give Encap his final gallop on Tuesday morning at Warwick Farm with Jason Collett coming out to ride him.

“The horse is in great order, he is absolutely flying, and he should not be discounted. He is massive odds at $26.’’

Kintyre ran fourth in the Filante Handicap last Saturday and has come through the race well prompting Portelli to give the gelding his chance in the Golden Eagle.