Single Bullet under pressure to hit mark

Trainer Gary Portelli will put blinkers on Single Bullet for the Group Three Eskimo Prince Stakes and more drastic measures await if a second career win continues to prove elusive at Warwick Farm.

As well as his victory in the Pago Pago Stakes, Single Bullet has racked up eight minor placings from 12 starts.

“He’ll be gelded shortly if he doesn’t win again. That’s where’s he’s heading. He’s been warned,” Portelli said.

Single Bullet worked in blinkers on Tuesday and he seemed more focused.

“He’s tough and he’s not a horse that trains off easily,” Portelli said.

“He’s got tons of ability but he’s difficult to saddle and he gets quite amorous on race day. He’s a bit of a playboy.

“He’s been a little bit frustrating for us so hopefully we can pull one out of the bag with him.”

The Warwick Farm trainer queried whether Single Bullet deserved to be rated the $21 outsider in a market led by Group One-placed colt Kementari ($3.40).

“He’s not going as badly as the price suggests, I think he’s in good order and hopefully he’s over the odds,” Portelli said.

Now Or Never has also had a gear change with Portelli introducing a tongue tie in the $250,000 Inglis Classic (1200m) after unplaced outings at Canterbury and Kembla Grange.