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Saturday an Epsom springboard for Somepin
By Mandy Cottell
16:01 AEST Wed Sep 19 2012

Gary Portelli has Group One aspirations for Somepin Anypin, although he doesn't expect they will be realised in Saturday's George Main Stakes.

A compact but classy field has been assembled for the 1600m weight-for-age feature, historically an important stepping stone to the Epsom Handicap two weeks later.

The Chris Waller-trained trio of Shoot Out, Rangirangdoo and Danleigh loom large, as does bonny mare Secret Admirer.

Also there is three-year-old All Too Hard, stepping out against older horses for the first time and looking to restore his reputation following two sound but unspectacular runs from a spell.

Like the colt, Somepin Anypin still has it all to prove.

A runaway winner of the Group Three Hawkesbury Cup in November, his autumn was aborted after two runs when he stood on a nail.

The George Main (1600m) at Randwick will be his first test at Group One level and Portelli concedes it is a tough one.

"I think he's going to be better suited under handicap conditions. Realistically, 59kg against some of the best milers in Australia this weekend, he's got the task ahead," Portelli said.

"But the following fortnight he gets down to 52 in the Epsom and I think that's where we will really see him stretch out."

Somepin Anypin resumed with a third to Moment Of Change in the Show County Quality (1200m) then tired late after setting a strong tempo when fourth to Danleigh in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).

The obvious race leader, Somepin Anypin's natural speed can be a blessing and a burden for riders.

Jay Ford has been the man in the saddle for both starts this preparation and Portelli is hoping the hoop can put those experiences to good use on Saturday.

He also cautioned against any rivals trying to take his charge on for the lead.

"He's a hard horse to judge because he's so fast," he said.

"What feels like you're cantering is actually about 11-1/2 (seconds) to the furlong. Trackwork is even the same...Hopefully now Jay has had a few rides on him he can work that out on the weekend.

"We'd be happy if we led on our own but if they take us on they will know they've been in a mile race because you take my bloke on and they get running."

Somepin Anypin was $11 in TAB's opening fixed odds market for the George Main with Secret Admirer favourite at $3.60.

All Too Hard is $5.50 to become the first three-year-old to win since Viscount 11 years ago.

Portelli won't be represented in the Group Two Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) after sending Single Style to the paddock.

The filly disappointed in the first two legs of the Princess series, finishing down the track in the Silver Shadow and Furious Stakes.

The three fillies who fought out the finish of the latter - Dear Demi, Meidung and Jade Marauder - will resume their rivalry on Saturday.


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