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By Ray Hickson

A year ago trainer Gary Portelli changed his mind about giving Encap a shot at 2000m and regretted it so he’s hoping the decision to step up at Randwick on Saturday pays dividends.

Trainer Gary Portelli (Pic: Bradley Photos).

On the back of a close up fifth in the Randwick Guineas in 2024, Portelli elected to go back in trip but after a slashing third in the Doncaster Mile two weeks ago he says the Group 3 $250,000 Myplates JRA Plate (2000m) is the right platform.

It was the second time over the Randwick mile this season that Encap has charged into the placings, he ran third in The Ingham, and Portelli sees it as an opportunity to finally answer the question.

“As a three-year-old he went around in the Randwick Guineas and we decided to go back to the Ryder, and I remember that day thinking he was dour and we should have gone to the Rosehill Guineas,’’ Portelli said.

“It’s a situation where he’s been hitting the line solidly in the back end of these 1500m and 1600m races and the last 50m of the Doncaster was the strongest part of his race.

“They say a good 2000m horse is what you’re looking for with a strong mile at Randwick.

“So it’s a throw at the stumps and it might open up a few doors for us. We’ll see if I’m right or wrong.”

With early favourite Fawkner Park out of the way, Encap was a $4.80 chance with TAB on Thursday.

The four-year-old posted the second fastest last 600m of the Doncaster Mile, running 33.32 (Punter’s Intelligence), while his last 200m of 11.35 was the quickest.

Portelli said Encap’s ability to relax in his races gives him some confidence that 2000m won’t be beyond him but it’s vitally important he’s not put too far out of his comfort zone early.

“You’ve got to be careful because if you push him too hard he can get a bit strong,’’ he said.

“I’m hoping he begins and can be midfield and give himself a chance. I don’t want to be chasing a good spot then find out he doesn’t run 2000m because I’ve got him too close.

“From that gate we’ve got options. All he wants to do is finish his races off so I’m hoping we’re looking at a horse screaming at us to put him over further.”

The barrier draw wasn’t overly kind to Kimochi going into the Group 1 $1.5 million Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) but Portelli isn’t as disappointed as he was initially.

The mare was a gallant fifth after racing wide in the TJ Smith Stakes and the trainer sees a chance for her to offset the barrier quickly.

“If she jumps like she has been she probably takes up a forward position,’’ he said.

“When I first saw the barrier I thought it was a disaster, but after working out where everything is going to be she can probably get in front of a few quite quickly.

“Hopefully she can get into a good position rather than be three deep and doing it tough.”

Encap runs third in the Doncaster Mile

Gary Portelli on Tenderize (race 1): “He’s in good order, he’s been working sharp again and should run well. He’s had a big preparation so hopefully he can continue his form. I think 1400m is not a problem.”

On Kintyre (race 10): “It’s not a gate I was too excited about that’s for sure. When horses are in good form they can overcome bad gates sometimes. He needs to have this run to get to the Hawkesbury Cup.”