Halmahera chasing historic third victory in Portland Handicap
Kevin Ryan’s sprinter short-headed Injaaz in a blanket finish to this heritage handicap two years ago and defeated Corridor Creeper by half a length 12 months ago to become the eighth horse to win back-to-back Portlands.
Successful under 8st 13lb in 2002 and under 9st 4lb last season, Halmahera will carry 9st 10lb this time.
He also aims to be the first nine-year-old to score since Dawn’s Delight in 1987.
The Thirsk trainer said: “He’s in tremendous order.
“He seems as good as ever and is on great terms with himself. He’s got a decent enough draw (13) and we are hopeful.
“No matter what he does tomorrow he owes us nothing, so we are looking forward to the race with him.”
Doncaster track manager Malcolm Taylor believes high numbers will have the edge on the straight course this week.
“High numbers have called the tune all season and I think it will be the same this week,” he said.
“There’s a patch of ground that is faster than the rest.
“The jockeys have been utilising it and we’ve tried to nullify it.”
Corridor Creeper bids to go one better than last year, but his trainer Milton Bradley believes the seven-year-old is 6lb too high in the weights.
“He’s such a genuine little horse and deserves to win a good race, but the handicapper has been so hard on him,” said Bradley.
“He is 10lb higher than when he last won last year. He’s had a lot of runs since, but the handicapper has not relented.
“He runs his heart out every time and we’re hoping for a big run out of him. If he had 6lb less he could nearly win it.”
The seven-year-old is one of three runners from Bradley’s Chepstow yard. Both Whitbarrow and Whistler make quick reappearances after running at Haydock on Saturday, when they both finished unplaced behind Forever Phoenix, who will shoulder top weight of 9st 11lb today thanks to a 7lb penalty for that success.
“Whistler got left a long way in the stalls. He stumbled and I think the jockey thought the horse had hurt himself.
“The horse was all right and then the rest of the field was gone,” added Bradley.
“It was one of those things and one of those races you disregard.
“Forget Saturday’s run, that wasn’t in character with him. He has won three for us this year.
“Whitbarrow showed up well until a furlong out. He’s a character. He’s got enough ability to win if he says yes, but he doesn’t tell us when!”
Mark Tompkins is hoping the ground is on the fast side for his contender, Connect.
“He’s a grand old horse. If the ground’s fast enough he’ll certainly run a nice race and then go for the Ayr Gold Cup,” said Bradley.
