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Consistent filly Nicci’s Fling will chase an overdue win at Randwick.
Gary Portelli has been on a jockey merry-go-round this week but his decision to wait it out has led to the booking of top rider Rachel King for his Inglis Guineas placegetter Nicci's Fling.
The stable initially sought out an apprentice but when both Samantha Clenton and Louise Day became belatedly unavailable for various reasons, Portelli was left without a rider.
"It was just a comedy of errors and we ended up with no-one, so we thought we'd just sit on the fence and see what happened and if there was a scratching, we'd just take the best jockey available," Portelli said.
"Then bang, Ms Rachel King, up you go. The old playing cards. If you haven't got the right hand you wait for the ace."
King became available when her original booking, Fashchanel, was scratched after acceptances and Portelli wasted little time snapping up her services.
He is hoping she can help deliver Nicci's Fling an overdue win after a series of near-misses, including a second to Midland in the Inglis Guineas.
While the filly has been up for some time, she continues to thrive.
"If you throw enough darts at the target you eventually hit the bullseye and she just comes back looking for more," Portelli said.
"The most dangerous place for a horse is in the paddock so if she's well, we will keep her racing. Particularly at this time of year, it's nice and warm in the stable and I think they appreciate being there."
Portelli will also saddle-up Disruptor in the Uphire Handicap (1500m) where the horse will continue his comeback after injuring the same tendon twice.
While Disruptor has been in training for an extended period, Portelli said he needed the run first up and probably will again at Randwick on Saturday.
"He tore his tendon at trackwork after he won (in June 2019) then he came back from a spell, won again (in August 2020) with 61 kilos and bowed the tendon again," Portelli said.
"Not many get back after bowing it the first time but he came back and was able to win.
"We've got a good system where we work them on the treadmill and swimming and so far, so good."
