Encap proves too classy in Ming Dynasty Quality
Encap (+340) has secured victory in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality on Saturday afternoon, repaying the faith for followers after a luckless effort in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes last time out.
The Gary Portelli-trained three-year-old put the writing on the wall last start and jockey Brett Prebble rectified the situation, giving Encap a lovely steer from barrier one, gaining leaders-back throughout the 1400m feature.
Raf Attack (+800) set a hot tempo for the eventual winner to tag the back of, while market leader Tom Kitten (+280) was far from disgraced, closing into a third-place finish.
The lightly raced Ceolwulf (+1600) was strong through the line for the Joesph Pride barn, whilst Cafe Millennium (+3300) and Tannhauser (+1600) both look promising horses to follow heading towards a Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes later in the preparation.
It was all honours to the winner, however, as Encap broke his maiden status in style on Saturday.
2023 Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality – Encap | J: Brett Prebble | T: Gary Portelli
Gary Portelli spoke about his classy gelding on course and couldn’t be happier with the son of Capitalist, and how he’s progressed throughout the campaign.
“What he did first-up at Warwick Farm surprised the hell out of me,” said Portelli.
“I thought I could have a really serious racehorse here.
“I thought he’d just win his next start and he got too far back and rattled home, get on me next start then he came here and was unlucky last start.
“It just goes to show you, good horses can come from anywhere.
“He wasn’t showing this sort of ability early on. I thought he might win a maiden or a class one and here he is, he’s a proper horse.
“There’s the Golden Rose in two weeks time, that might be a race we might aim at.
“I’ll talk to Brett (Prebble) and see how he comes through the run, but I think that’s probably a nice race for him.”
Brett Prebble was elated with the victory aboard Encap and after getting a feel last start, thought his mount would be very hard to beat on Saturday.
“Now that I’ve had one ride on him I’ve got a good understanding of the horse,” said Prebble.
“He’s very timid and he’s very raw still.
“He’s got an extravagant action, he sort of overreaches sometimes. When you ask him to go he can go a little bit too quick and lose his action.
“I prayed all week for a good draw and when it came (barrier one) I knew he’d win.”