Portman steps into handicap company

Impressive maiden winner Portman steps into handicap company tomorrow 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.

Daniel Moor, who takes the reins for tomorrow's test, partnered Portman in an 800m trial at Werribee earlier this week, and said later: ‚"He bounced out of the gates really well and galloped with a nice, clean action, and had a good blow-out for the race that's coming up.‚"

Portman finished third on his only start as a two-year-old, was twice unplaced at three, but beat eight rivals with ease when landing his maiden on his first start for six months.

In Britain tomorrow, Newmarket trainer William Haggas runs a Qatar Racing newcomer, Dreaming Of Paris, in Lingfield's opener, a race for maiden fillies (12.25). Minor issues have prevented Haggas getting the daughter of Oasis Dream to the track before now, and she has been drawn wide of the field in stall eight. Richard Kingscote will be in the saddle for her debut.

Photo: Laurence Squire