Three-year-old Portofino brought up his third win from four starts since joining the Mudgee stable of Mack Griffith when he took out last Saturday’s edition of the TAB Highway series, a 1500-metre Class 3 handicap at Rosehill. 
Despite having drawn barrier 12 in a field of 16, apprentice Braith Nock was able to cross quickly and take up the lead.
From that point on Portofino ($7.50) was never headed, going on to win the race by a half-length from Whateley with Release Point a further three-quarters of a length away in third place. 
The favourite, Red Rags To Bulls, finished a further 2½ lengths away. 
Portofino, by champion sire I Am Invincible from dual stakes winner Palazzo Pubblico, was previously in the Chris Waller stable, having been purchased as a yearling for $750,000. 
“He came to us in great order when the stable bought him off Waller’s camp,” Griffith said. “He’s big and strong and has a great pedigree and the right attitude. I think he just needed a bit of time and I suppose by going around to country tracks he’s got a bit of toughness about him. 
“He’s a horse going places. It was a very brave win and a great ride by Braith.” 
For his part, Nock confessed to some pre-race anxiety.
“He had me a little bit worried on the way to the gates with how keen he went,” he said. “He’s a very bold-going horse. 
“Although I did control it, I was sitting against him a bit more than I needed to. If he can learn to relax, he can go on with things.”
Around the traps
Local trainer Aiden St Vincent was the toast of Coffs Harbour last Sunday after a popular early double at the track. Dancing Tilda won a 1505-metre maiden on the heavy 10 surface as $2 favourite, then Golden Copper took a 1205-metre Class 3 as the $2.90 public elect. Ben Looker and apprentice Poppie Gorton were the winning riders.
At Dubbo the same day Jake Pracey-Holmes and apprentice Nick Palmer were the leading riders with a double apiece.
Pierre Boudvillain rode two winners at Gundagai on Saturday, as did Jean Van Overmeire at Newcastle.
Van Overmeire’s winners were both for Kris Lees, who dominated on his home track taking four of the nine races.
Scone trainer Scott Singleton and apprentice Izzy Neale combined for a running double at Tamworth last Friday, while Boudvillain and Damon Budler rode doubles on the Acton track at Canberra.
Coming attractions
This Friday’s Tamworth meeting features a $50,000 Super Maiden over 1200 metres.
On Saturday, the Duck Creek Picnic Race Club will conduct its annual meeting at Nyngan, in the centre of the state, with the 1250-metre Nyngan Picnic Cup the highlight. 
Saturday is also cup day at Mungindi on the Queensland border, with the feature run over 1400 metres at benchmark 66 level. 
On Sunday in the Northern Rivers, the Clarence River Jockey Club carnival starts to warm up at Grafton on what promises to be a great afternoon of racing. 
The main races will be the John Carlton Quality (1175m) the Grafton Cup Quality Prelude (2200m) and the Grafton Guineas Prelude (1400m) for the three-year-olds.