Single Bullet and Pure Rebel for Rosehill

Single Bullet will attempt to add to his Pago Pago Stakes win under top weight at Rosehill.

The horse Gary Portelli has earmarked as a potential Golden Slipper contender will be saved for another day while the titleholder will make her way to Rosehill, but not to race.

She Will Reign will gallop between races on Saturday as she prepares for the autumn but two-year-old Exceltic’s debut will be delayed a week.

Exceltic has won all three of his barrier trials and had been entered to run in the 2Y0 Plate.

“He jarred up a bit so we will wait for the following week at Randwick,” Portelli said.

“The Inglis Classic could also be an option.”

The trainer has opted not to take Secret Lady to Melbourne for the Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield on Saturday and she will be kept for the Widden Stakes.

All three went to Botany Bay on Wednesday for a swim while the stable’s confirmed Rosehill runners, Single Bullet and Pure Rebel stayed at Warwick Farm ahead of their Saturday assignments.

Single Bullet, winner of last year’s Pago Pago Stakes but unplaced in the Slipper, runs in the Wilkes Quality (1100m) trying to capture another win to go with his seven minor placings.

“This race is a bit of an afterthought,” Portelli said.

“I wasn’t ready for the 61 kilos but it he’s racing for money instead of a barrier trial.

“It’s a small field and he’s worked very well so hopefully he can get it done.”

Pure Rebel, who had also been entered for Warwick Farm on Friday, runs in the Farewell Chris Toogood Handicap (1300m), named for the long-serving Rosehill track manager who is retiring.

At his most recent start, Pure Rebel finished sixth in the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast , 1-1/2 lengths from the winner Zafina.

And while he hopes both Single Bullet and Pure Rebel do well, the trainer’s main focus will be on She Will Reign as she has a tune-up for the Inglis Sprint at Warwick Farm on February 10 and a possible clash with emerging Melbourne speedster Nature Strip.

“We want to give her a trip away from home with the atmosphere of race day rather than another trial,” Portelli said.