Gary Portelli has announced his intentions to target Kimochi at Saturday’s prestigious Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
Despite the notable presence of star New Zealand filly Orchestral and Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) victor Zardozi, who captured the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) in her latest outing, Portelli remains optimistic about Kimochi’s prospects in her maiden attempt over 2000 metres.
“I think they’ve got it wrong,” expressed Portelli in reference to the early betting markets.
“Zougotcha, what price would she be in a race like that? We’ve stretched Zougotcha in a Coolmore. She’s done nothing wrong, my filly.
“I know you’ve got two Group 1 winners there, my filly hasn’t won one yet but she has raced the best of them.
“I don’t think she should be that far out of the market, that’s for sure.
“She’s in great order. She’s going to the right race for her, I believe, over the 2000 metres. I’m pretty happy with her.”
“After the Thousand Guineas, Craig Williams said, ‘mate, she feels like a 2000-metre horse all day long’.
“She wants to settle, she wants to please you, she hasn’t got that zip that she does fresh. So I think we’re going to the right race at the right time.”
Kimochi is currently a +500 winning hope leading horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes.
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