Gary Portelli Seeks Second Major Win with Craig Williams and Verona Rose in Coolmore Classic
Trainer Gary Portelli is hoping for a repeat of past success as jockey Craig Williams partners with Verona Rose in the upcoming Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens. The mare is on a quest for her first Group 1 victory, with Williams having previously delivered a breakthrough win for Portelli's former star, Kimochi, in the 2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes after multiple top-level placings.
Strong Partnership Between Trainer and Jockey
Portelli holds immense respect for Williams, not only for his exceptional riding skills but also for his professionalism and business acumen off the track. "We've got a good association and I just love being able to leg him on," Portelli said. "You don't have to talk about the race too much. He's done his homework, he comes out and tells the owners what he wants, where he wants to be, and then we might talk about the Ukraine war or something like that. It breaks up the nervousness."
He added, "Craig is fantastic. I love his business acumen. His word is his word and importantly, he's a great rider. He is very professional." Williams remains unbeaten in two rides on Verona Rose, having won the Inglis Bracelet at Flemington in the spring and the Guy Walter Stakes at Randwick in their most recent outing.
Optimism for Coolmore Classic Performance
Verona Rose is currently priced at $10 for Saturday's Coolmore Classic over 1500 meters at Rosehill. With a field of 14 competitors, Portelli is hopeful for a genuine pace that will allow the mare to unleash her strong finishing sprint. "We had a dream that she'd run in a Coolmore last campaign, but we wanted to see something from her that would warrant going around and not making a fool of ourselves," Portelli explained. "After her last run, we're now at the reality that we're a legitimate chance of winning."
Additional Entries in Kembla Grange Classic
Portelli's weekend racing team also includes fillies Queen Of Clubs and Long Legs in Friday's Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic over 1600 meters, a race that Verona Rose won twelve months ago. Queen Of Clubs underperformed in the Surround Stakes last start, but Portelli attributed this to fitness issues. "She pulled up really fat. She is a gross filly, and she is taking a lot of work to get fit," he said. "I don't work my horses very hard, and it showed up last start."
He expects improved conditions at Kembla Grange, which was rated a slow 7 on Thursday, and has made a key gear change by removing blinkers. "If she is going towards the Oaks, she needs to do a lot more this week," Portelli noted. "Blinkers off, she should run well." Long Legs, who placed in the Spring Stakes at Newcastle last preparation, is anticipated to deliver another competitive performance.
