Barrier key to Rebel Dane in 10,000
There is only one barrier to Rebel Dane taking his place in the Doomben 10,000, and it’s the one on the outside.
Trainer Gary Portelli says the seven-year-old is spot-on for his next Group One assignment on Saturday in Brisbane but Wednesday’s barrier draw will be crucial.
The 10,000 is scheduled as one of the dual Group One winner’s final racetrack appearances before he heads to Swettenham Stud in the spring.
Rebel Dane, who hasn’t raced since finishing midfield from barrier 15 of 15 in the TJ Smith on a heavy Randwick track on April 1, galloped at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning.
“He worked like a three-year-old,” Portelli said.
“Unless he draws the outside barrier we are committed to Brisbane. Once we see the draw we will decide.
“There is always the Goodwood if he doesn’t go to the 10,000 but we will be going to Brisbane as long as he draws OK.
The Group One Goodwood is in Adelaide on Saturday week.
Stablemate Testashadow is also Brisbane bound but whether he races there or not will be decided after he runs in Friday’s Scone Cup.
Testashadow was a solid third in last month’s Hawkesbury Gold Cup which has prompted Portelli to think he could even stretch beyond 1600 metres.
“If he wins the Scone Cup there is a case to go to Brisbane for the Doomben Cup,” he said.
“It’s aiming high but even if he doesn’t go to the races he will still go up there so he can spell with the sun on his back and then we’ll get him ready to go to the Magic Millions again.”
Testashadow had his biggest pay day in January when he won the $1 million Magic Millions Cup (1400m).
In March he ran third to subsequent Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat in the Group Two Ajax Stakes with the Godolphin gelding now favourite for the Group One Doomben Cup after his win in Saturday’s Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast.