In the competitive world of horse racing, trainer Gary Portelli takes a strategic approach with Kintyre, aiming for success in the Group 3 Festival Stakes by adopting a patient riding style for this talented gelding.
In the fast-paced world of horse racing, having a strategic mindset and the ability to adapt is essential for achieving success. Gary Portelli, a trainer well-regarded for his understanding of horse behavior and racing strategies, has decided to change his approach for the four-year-old gelding Kintyre as he prepares for the forthcoming Group 3 Festival Stakes at Rosehill this Saturday. Following an insightful barrier trial, Portelli reaffirmed his belief that Kintyre thrives when allowed to run calmly—this is the tactic he intends to repeat for the horse's upcoming race.
Kintyre, a horse with an impressive record at the highest levels, has secured victories in the Frank Packer Plate (2000m) and the Queensland Guineas (1600m) during his three-year-old season while racing near the front. However, trainer Portelli believes that the gelding's earlier performances, where he came from off the pace, were more successful, prompting a change in strategy. Although the horse's recent performances have been inconsistent—with notable results including a fifth-place finish in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) and a fourth in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m)—his latest race in the Golden Eagle (1500m) was disappointing.
To reverse the recent trend, Portelli brought Kintyre back to the trials, giving the horse the opportunity to find his rhythm and finish powerfully. The outcome was impressive—Kintyre showcased his inherent talent, surging across the finish line in the 1200m trial at Warwick Farm. This performance was sufficient to reinforce Portelli's faith in returning to a more conservative riding approach, which he plans to adopt for the Festival Stakes.
“We’ve been approaching it all wrong,” Portelli conceded, recognizing the need for a change in strategy. “I kept him back during the trial recently and he really surged at the finish, so we’ll adopt a quieter ride in the Festival.” It’s evident that Portelli has faith that Kintyre’s strength and competitive spirit will become evident when he is allowed to establish his own pace.
Kintyre, as a half-brother to Fireburn, the 2022 Golden Slipper champion trained by Portelli, possesses both the lineage and innate talent to compete at the highest echelons. With the Festival Stakes serving as a conventional precursor to next month's Group 2 The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick, Portelli is optimistic that a strong showing at Rosehill will pave the way for future achievements. The gelding’s performances at home have been consistent, and his trial has instilled confidence in the trainer that he is on the correct trajectory.
Portelli has another promising horse in his stable, Encap, who is considering a run in The Ingham after a respectable fifth-place finish in The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange. With Portelli’s keen strategic insight, both Kintyre and Encap could emerge as formidable competitors in the forthcoming Group 2 race.
The narrative of Kintyre underscores the significance of patience and flexibility in the realm of horse racing. Trainers who can interpret their horses’ performances and make appropriate adjustments frequently achieve success, and Portelli’s choice to return to fundamental strategies with Kintyre may prove to be a brilliant move. As the gelding readies himself for an important race at Rosehill, all attention will be focused on his reaction to the shift in tactics—and whether he can recapture the form that once showcased his exceptional abilities as a three-year-old.
