Portman's progression took another big stride yesterday when he won in good style on his handicap debut at Bendigo in Australia.

The Danny O'Brien-trained four-year-old son of Makfi broke his duck at the same track last month, when winning easily under Craig Williams, but due to his absence in Hong Kong, Portman was partnered by Daniel Moor for his latest victory.

Moor said: ‚"He was really good today. He bounced out and took up a good position off a nice pace, then dropped the bridle turning for home before running to the line really well. He's a horse I've got a lot of time for it's onwards and upwards for him.‚"

O'Brien acknowledged that it was a big step up for Portman to go straight from maiden company into a race against seasoned handicappers, but said: ‚"He had done really well between runs, and he shaped nicely in a barrier trial at Werribee earlier in the week, so we weren't worried about jumping him up in class.‚"

The first three horses were all bred in New Zealand, with another son of Makfi, Secret Prophet, taking second, and Battlecamp finishing third.