O'Brien-trained Portman powers to another win

Qatar Bloodstock's home-bred Portman produced another excellent performance when winning at Flemington, near Melbourne, today.

The four-year-old, a son of Makfi and trained by Danny O'Brien (pictured right), beat nine rivals when landing a $60,000 handicap in the hands of apprentice jockey Ben Allen. The partnership crossed the line 2.3 lengths and 3.1 lengths clear of their nearest pursuers, Jest For The Road and Hokkaido.

Geoffrey Faber, Qatar Bloodstock's Australian representative, was quoted by horsebetting.com.au, saying: ‚"He handles fast tracks now, so onward and upwards. There's a handicap and a possible Group Three, so we'll see.

‚"He's come right we nearly lost him as a three-year-old [when he] had pneumonia. We gave him a long break, turned him out, then he damaged his knee while he was out. He's come back in super form and he should really be unbeaten, but it's great to have him where he is now, because he's a home-bred too, so it's fantastic.‚"

Pearl Congenial, another Qatar Bloodstock runner, finished unplaced in an earlier race on Flemington's card, but American History produced another good performance when second in a maiden at Lingfield Park yesterday.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, the John Gosden-trained three-year-old went down by a neck to the favourite, Fashion Business, and clearly handled a step up in trip to ten furlongs. A son of High Chaparral, American History is one of eight horses that are in training and being offered by Qatar Racing at Tattersalls' two-day February Sale on Thursday and Friday.

Selling as Lot 430 from Jamie Railton's consignment, he clearly offers scope for further racing on the Flat or over Jumps see full details about him, his pedigree and other members of the draft, under 'Horses' on the home page of this website.

You can also view his catalogue page via www.tattersalls.com.