While all eyes have been on the headline acts for Saturday's $10 million Golden Eagle, one contender has been quietly preparing for what could be the performance of his career. Feroce, the four-year-old gelding from Gary Portelli's stable, is being tipped as the dark horse who could upset the favourites in Sydney's richest race.
"He's the forgotten horse in this race," Portelli told 7NEWS. "Everyone's talking about the big names, but this bloke has been working brilliantly and I couldn't be happier with his preparation."
The trainer revealed that Feroce has shown significant improvement since his last campaign, with the horse maturing both physically and mentally. "He's come back a different animal this preparation," Portelli enthused. "He's stronger, more focused, and he's really learned how to race properly."
Perfect Conditions for an Upset
With the Golden Eagle field taking shape and barrier draw completed, racing experts are beginning to take notice of Feroce's credentials. The gelding has drawn ideally and will appreciate the expected track conditions at Rosehill.
"He's always shown us plenty of ability, but now he's putting it all together," Portelli explained. "His work on Tuesday morning was outstanding - he worked with one of our better horses and matched him every step of the way."
The $10 Million Question
The Golden Eagle represents not just a massive payday but also the opportunity for Feroce to establish himself among Australia's racing elite. For Portelli, who has experienced both the highs and lows of training, this race represents another shot at Group 1 glory.
"In this game, you need everything to go right on the day," the trainer acknowledged. "But I can honestly say we couldn't have him any better. He's eating well, working well, and his coat is shining. Now we just need that little bit of racing luck."
With the racing world focused on the more fancied runners, Feroce continues to fly under the radar - exactly how Portelli wants it. As the trainer noted with a smile: "Sometimes it's better when nobody's talking about you. It means you can surprise them all."
