Brisbane or Sydney? Rain to decide Portland’s fate

Not often is a trainer spoilt with two suitable wintertime staying options on a Saturday but it will be rain that determines where Matthew Smith sends Portland this weekend.

The last start Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) winner has nominations for both the Group 2 The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm and the Listed Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Rosehill.

There will be no Pride Of Jenni, Half Yours or Vauban at Rosehill, but the prospect of a softer track in Brisbane could swing the choice north.

Portland is rated a $26 chance in all-in markets on Monday for The Q22 while the gelding is second favourite for the Sydney contest at $4.50

“That’s on the cards still, either that or the Q22,” Smith said.”

“We have put him in both and see what the tracks are like. He is a little bit dependent on getting a bit of give in the ground,” Smith said.

“The weather will make the decision for us. He needs some of cushion, he doesn’t want a firm track.”

The weather forecast ahead has up to eight millimetres of rain forecast until Wednesday with up to five predicted for Thursday and dry until Saturday.

Brisbane’s track fortunes will be in the hands of up to and between four and nine millimetres mentioned all week towards Stradbroke Day.

Either way, Smith is keen to see the five-year-old gelding up to the longer trips.

“I needed to see him do everything right (last time),” Smith added.

“He hadn’t been settling that well in his races, but he settled beautifully with Winona (Costin) the other day so I think now we can go to 2400.

“No worries about running 24, I don’t know about beyond that, but 24 shouldn’t be a problem now he is doing things right.”

Warwick Farm-based Smith holds a strong strike-rate when taking runners to Brisbane’s premier venue running at 10.8% winners and just short of 37% placings across 65 starters.

RAS NewsWire