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By Ray Hickson

If Gary Portelli could get into the mind of talented galloper Encap he’d probably tell him the first part of a race is just as important as the business end.

Trainer Gary Portelli (Pic: Bradley Photos).

But since that’s not possible he’s hoping a back up that brought him a Group 1 placing in the autumn can produce a result for Encap in the $1.5m TAB Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Race favourite Autumn Glow looms large over the Epsom but Portelli knows he has a horse that is competitive at the top level – if he can get everything right.

Encap, $21 with TAB on Wednesday, ran third in the Doncaster in April on a four day back up and he arrives at the Epsom seven days after an eye-catching fourth in the Shannon Stakes last weekend.

“He’s so lazy, he doesn’t push himself too hard so he doesn’t knock himself around,’’ Portelli said.

“In the Doncaster he had a four day turnaround and he really hit the line that day. If we can get him switched on maybe that quick back up is what he needs.

“He won’t he go early and he comes home late. We need some speed on, if it’s a truly run race he’ll be joining in at some point.”

In the Shannon, Encap was typically out the back early but reeled off a last 600m of 32.90 (Punter’s Intelligence). It does frustrate Portelli knowing he has a horse with Group 1 ability but one that's so quirky.

It was a somewhat similar run to what he produced in the Doncaster Prelude where he ran a closing fourth before his third behind Stefi Magnetica.

“The last 400m was incredible on Saturday, good to see him hit the line, and he drops to 52kg,’’ he said.

“It’s a matter of how the race is going to be run now. He ran a huge race in the Doncaster and if he puts that together again he should be very hard to beat.

“I’ve got the horse that can do it, obviously the favourite is pretty good, and he could run top three quite easily.”

Stablemate Verona Rose showed Portelli she’s ready to hit her best form with a second-up placing in the Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle and another strong performance will encourage the trainer to target the $10 million Golden Eagle.

The four-year-old was given the chance to stay in the autumn, after wining the Kembla Grange Classic she ran fourth in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes then sixth in a very slowly run Australian Oaks.

“We’re treating her a little differently,’’ Portelli said.

“We had a crack at the staying trips but I think she has a bit of brilliance about her. We’ll keep her in the shorter races for this preparation and if that doesn’t work we can step her up.”

Verona Rose drew barrier three in the Epsom and with just 50kg it’s Portelli’s hope that Ben Thompson can take some advantage in the early stages.

“She can possie up in the first four quite comfortably, she’s a knockout chance with the 50kg for sure,’’ he said.

“Every time we step her up she handles the rise in class. I don’t know where she lies but I’m hoping a race like the Golden Eagle might be a race for her later on.”

Portelli has had his fingers crossed all week that Queen Of Clubs would draw favourably in the Group 1 $750,000 Darley Flight Stakes (1600m) and his wish was granted when she was handed four in the 11 horse field.

Encap runs fourth in the Shannon Stakes

The filly charged home in the Tea Rose two weeks ago to run fourth, just over two lengths shy of Apocalyptic, and Portelli said he’s confident out to the mile she can be a major force.

“I’ve never had a horse aimed at a race at this level going as well as she is,’’ he said.

“Usually you have little worries, this has been a good build up.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Epsom meeting at Randwick