In a compelling performance on Saturday afternoon, Encap, with odds at +340, clinched victory in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality, rewarding the faith of its followers after an unfortunate outing in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes in its previous race.
Trained by Gary Portelli, the three-year-old Encap had hinted at its potential in the last race and jockey Brett Prebble made amends this time. Prebble gave Encap an excellent ride from barrier one, securing a prime position just behind the leaders throughout the 1400m feature.
Raf Attack (+800) set a brisk pace for the eventual winner to track, while the market favorite, Tom Kitten (+280), put in a credible effort, finishing in third place.
Ceolwulf (+1600), a relatively lightly raced contender from the Joseph Pride stable, displayed strength down the stretch. Cafe Millennium (+3300) and Tannhauser (+1600) also showed promise as potential contenders heading towards the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes later in the campaign.
However, the spotlight was firmly on Encap, who secured its maiden victory in impressive style on Saturday.
2023 Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality – Encap
Trainer Gary Portelli expressed his delight with the progress of the son of Capitalist throughout the campaign.
“What he did first-up at Warwick Farm surprised the hell out of me,” said Portelli. “I thought I could have a really serious racehorse here… He's a proper horse.”
Portelli hinted at the possibility of targeting the Golden Rose in two weeks, considering it a suitable race for Encap, pending discussions with jockey Brett Prebble.
Brett Prebble, ecstatic about the victory aboard Encap, believed that his understanding of the horse after the previous ride played a crucial role in the success.
He noted Encap's raw and timid nature, as well as its unique action, and emphasized the importance of a favorable barrier draw, which they secured in barrier one.
“Now that I've had one ride on him, I've got a good understanding of the horse,” said Prebble.
“I knew he'd win” when the barrier draw came up favourably.