Rebel Dane to resume in TJ Smith Stakes

Tuesday 14 January 2014, 5:29pm

The country's richest weight-for-age sprint will be the sole focus for Rebel Dane in the autumn.

Trainer Gary Portelli said Rebel Dane would have his first start of the year in the $2.5 million TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 12.

"He has never been beaten first-up so we will go straight into the TJ," Portelli said.

"He showed when he raced at Moonee Valley he was up to the best sprinters at weight-for-age.

"He is back in the stable and is the best I've seen him after a spell. He has put on weight and looks fantastic."

Rebel Dane fulfilled his promise when he won the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) in September.

He was an unlucky fifth in the Manikato Stakes four weeks later at Moonee Valley, finishing a length behind Buffering who will also be aimed at the TJ Smith.

Rebel Dane has won six of his 12 starts and is three from three first-up.

Portelli has also welcomed Group Three winner I'm All The Talk back to the stable and will take his preparation one race at a time.

The winner of the Skyline Stakes, I'm All The Talk had just two starts in the spring after a disappointing blood test delayed his campaign.

Portelli pulled the pin after he was unplaced in the Heritage Stakes at Randwick in September.

"He looks really good so hopefully all goes well this time," Portelli said.

The trainer also has autumn ambitions for Cosmic Cameo who is entered for a 1200m race at Randwick on Saturday.

"If he wins on Saturday we will look at a stakes race in the early autumn," he said.

"He is a very nice colt and we will get a guide on Saturday."

– AAP

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