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Portelli finally gets his Boy to The Valley

Spaceboy is set to be sent from Sydney to contest a stakes race at The Valley.

SPACEBOY.
SPACEBOY. Picture: Racing and Sports

It has taken just over two years but Sydney trainer Gary Portelli has finally got his wish with sprinter Spaceboy

The five-year-old son of Deep Field will have his first start at The Valley in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) on Saturday. 

Portelli has spent countless hours scouring the program looking for the right race to send Spaceboy, a four-time winner from 25 starts, and a further 14 placings, to The Valley. 

What specifically attracted Portelli to the Carlyon Stakes was the 1000m journey. 

"I've been wanting to race him at The Valley since I've had him as a two-year-old as I think he's the ideal horse for The Valley," Portelli said. 

"This race is one we picked out early on and we just had to get a couple of runs under his belt to get his fitness up." 

Portelli said Spaceboy should be at his peak for Saturday's assignment following two runs from a spell. 

He was run down late by Kalkarni Royale, also a nomination on Saturday, over 1000m at Flemington on July 17 before again finishing in the runner-up position behind Valaquenta over 1100m at Randwick two weeks later. 

Portelli said one of Spaceboy's best assets was his speed and with that the sprinter needs to be right at the top of his game. 

"He's a high-speed horse from the gates and these types of horses need to be super fit to be able to do it at both ends," Portelli said. 

"It will be his third run in and I couldn't be happier with him. He hasn't raced around a corner the Melbourne way yet, but I don't see that as a problem. 

"And the travel won't be worry as he's been down and run at Flemington before." 

Ben Melham will be reunited with Spaceboy on Saturday having partnered the gelding at Flemington. 


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