Portelli test drives another Testa Rossa

Warwick Farm trainer Gary Portelli is a Testa Rossa fan and he bought another bargain by the Vinery sire at the Adelaide Magic Millions this week.

Portelli paid $85,000 for the Testa Rossa – La Goulue colt that was presented by Murrulla Stud as agent for Raheen Stud on Tuesday.

Testa Rossa is also the sire of the Portelli trained sprinter-miler Test Edition who won six races and over $188,000 in NSW and Victoria.  “The Adelaide colt is a similar type to Test Edition,” Portelli explained.  “He’s a beautiful chestnut with a strong shoulder line and a big back-end.”

Portelli bought him on speck but shouldn’t have trouble selling shares while the colt’s pedigree continues to grow legs.  His dam La Goulue is a half-sister to South African star Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) and Ofcourseican (Mossman) who won the G3 Liverpool City Cup at Warwick Farm last Saturday.

Portelli knows at first hand how well that family is going.  Ofcourseican defeated his NZ bred galloper Somepin Anypin who was resuming after a G3 Hawkesbury Cup victory in November.

Raheen also sold a first-crop yearling by its Testa Rossa sire Publishing at the Adelaide Magic Millions.  The colt from Mine Counter (Zeditave) was purchased by Victorian trainer Ron Daniel for $20,000.

Raheen has entered 20 yearlings by Publishing among its draft for the Magic Millions QTIS Sale starting at the Gold Coast this Sunday.

GARY PORTELLI