![Performance [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2224016.jpg)
The weekend stocks of Gary Portelli will hinge on Sydney’s weather with up to half his Rosehill team unlikely to take their place if the track deteriorates.
Portelli is preparing to saddle up six runners on Saturday, including lightly raced three-year-old Performance.
But she will only run in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m) if conditions remain a soft 5 or improve, while Portelli is reluctant to start Mother Goose from a wide gate in the Midway Handicap (1300m) unless there are a number of scratchings.
“Performance, Miss Hades and Flying Trapeze could quite easily come out if the rain hits that they’re forecasting. And Mother Goose (due to the gate),” Portelli said.
“So I might be left with two runners. It’s all down to the weather.”
If Performance does get conditions to suit, Portelli is confident of a forward return.
Runner-up to subsequent Group placegetter Mareth on debut at Canterbury in December, Performance then posted a game win at her next start at Randwick.
She has been sharp in two recent trials and Portelli says the filly, who stands at over 16 hands, has improved and strengthened since her initial campaign.
“If this weather doesn’t hit, she is a nice chance first-up,” he said.
“I’ve always had a lot of time for her. She had a few growing pains, so we’ve had to wait until she has been ready to handle some solid work.
“But she’s a big, strong, filly. Beautiful filly.”
Godolphin mare Thames could be a surprise packet in the Midway Handicap after having genuine excuses at her past two starts when failing on a heavy 9 track at Rosehill, then making a mid-race move in an unsuitably run race last time out.
“Thames’ run last start on the Kenso was enormous. She got back, wide, took off around the whole field because the tempo slackened and got pulling,” Portelli said.
“Back to 1200 at Rosehill, I think she will run well, particularly if the track isn’t as heavy as when she failed there. She is a nice mare.”
Portelli can make a case for all his horses running well on Saturday, pending track conditions.
“Miss Hades always runs well first-up. She needs it dry as well. She’s not adept on soft to heavy ground,” he said.
“So Rebellious, he’s a nice 2000-metre three-year-old by Rebel Dane resuming, and Flying Trapeze is coming back from a rig operation.
“He ran really well first-up in a very strong benchmark race at Canterbury, a track that doesn’t suit him. He could sprint well but again, we need a dry track for him.”
