Pleasantly surprised with upset win

PLEASANTLY surprised is how trainer Brian Portelli described his win at Club Menangle tonight.

While he had faith in his entrant’s ability, Portelli “wasn’t overly confident” in Hotjane Bling’s prospects under the race’s conditions.

A last start winner around the world class venue in a mobile event, Hotjane Bling was back to a standing start this time, which saw her listed among the outsiders at $26 on the Tote.

“She is feeling terrific so I knew she would run a good race if all went well,” Portelli said. “Given how she is in stands though I wasn’t overly confident.

“I was pleasantly surprised tonight as she was on top of her game and came away with the win.”

With Joshua Gallagher holding the reins, Hotjane Bling began safely from her 10-metre handicap to settle midfield as Law Legend, More Shades Of Gold and Majestic Courtney took turns as leading.

Complete with tongue hanging out of her mouth, the daughter of Eilean Donon was angled three-wide around the final bend before sprinting to a three-and-a-half metre win from Adelle.

First-up since last March, Tough Monarch produced an eye-catching run when a half-head away third from his 30-metre back mark.

Rating 1:58.7 over 2300 metres, Hotjane Bling took her record to 15 wins and 13 placings from 66 starts for owner Charlie Cordina.

The six-year-old will be given an opportunity to add to her tally when she returns to Club Menangle next week.

“I haven’t got anything special in mind for her at this stage,” Portelli said. “Besides it’s too hard to plan too far ahead these days.

“She’ll race at Menangle against next week and then I’ll find another race for her after that.”