Racing: Adams can handle pressure, says Portelli

Peter V'Landys called for help for Christchurch. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Inexperience in the saddle and a wide draw will not be used as excuses if Somepin Anypin's winning run comes to an end in the Hobartville Stakes today.

Somepin Anypin will be chasing a hat-trick of Sydney wins when he steps into stakes company for the first time in the group two race at Rosehill.

The 3-year-old has opened favourite despite drawing barrier 12 in a field of 13 with an apprentice rider - albeit a gifted one - replacing the evergreen veteran Jim Cassidy.

Josh Adams, who rides with a 2kg allowance, has been entrusted with the important mount but trainer Gary Portelli is an unashamed fan of the way the 19-year-old rides.

"He's a thinker and he's a kid who doesn't get fazed by pressure," Portelli said on Thursday. "We had a few choices but I said I didn't think you could go past the kid.

"Including a barrier trial he's ridden him three times and he won first-up on him before he had a lot of trouble with him second-up. the horse was like a bull at a gate. He over-raced and made the kid look bad.

"You could have put anyone on him that day and he would have done the same thing," he said.

Portelli's decision to remove the blinkers in unison with increasing the headstrong colt's work paid immediate and spectacular dividends.

"The blinkers came off and I worked him a bit harder leading up to the Rosehill race when he won by seven and everything went to plan," he said.

As for the wide marble, Portelli says Somepin Anypin's early tactical speed will be an asset.

"I must admit my heart dropped when I first saw the draw but it's not so bad," he said.

The Hobartville Stakes is the first leg in a race series offering a $1 million bonus.

A horse must win three of four designated races with the series also comprising the Randwick Guineas, the Rosehill Guineas and the 150th AJC Australian Derby.

* Racegoers across New South Wales this weekend will be asked to support the Red Cross appeal to assist victims of the Christchurch quake.

"The racing industries in Australia and New Zealand are closely intertwined and we all feel a deep sorrow at the tragedy that has damaged so many lives across the Tasman," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said.

"Racing in this state employs many New Zealanders and some of our most successful trainers and jockeys are among them."

Meetings are at Rosehill, Kembla Grange, Casino, Coonabarabran, Balranald, Moree and Condobolin today and Dubbo tomorrow.

- AAP