Warwick Farm-based trainer Gary Portelli describes it as a 'surreal experience' as he puts the finishing touches on Rebel Dane's preparation for Sunday's Group I Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).
The HK $18.5million sprint comprises the best local sprinters from Hong Kong, two Group I-winning Australian horses plus Group I performers from Japan, Europe and the USA.
Rebel Dane hasn't raced since winning the Group I Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on October 21, and Portelli says the seven-year-old entire is ready to rumble.
"He was a bit agitated when he first arrived but he's gradually settled into his routine and now he's very relaxed," he said.
"He's almost starting to get bored now. He needs to race."
Beating such a high quality line-up is a difficult task, but Portelli is taking confidence from the support he's received from the right form students.
"Gary Krispe was talking to me and said that if he can reproduce his rating from the Manikato then he's in with a huge chance," Portelli said.
"He maps well. There looks to be good speed in the race which will suit."
As for the experience of preparing a horse in Hong Kong to compete on the world stage, Portelli was genuinely humbled.
"It's surreal," he said. "To get an invitation to race here was surreal and to be actually be here is unbelievable.
"It's such a professionally run situation. You have to see it to really understand the gravity of it all. How helpful everyone is. It's amazing.
"For me it's like being at the Olympics. I'm training an athlete to compete on the world stage at the highest level.
"It's ridiculous."
Rebel Dane will be ridden by Ben Melham with the race scheduled to jump at 5.40pm (AEDT).
