Portman steps impressively from maiden to BM70 win

Qatar Bloodstock's Portman showed his classy maiden win was no fluke with an impressive performance stepping successfully straight to Benchmark 70 grade at Bendigo on Sunday.

The Makfi gelding, ridden well by Daniel Moor, put in another fine display at the "Nursery of Champions" to claim back-to-back victories and have trainer Danny O'Brien looking to town with the progressive galloper.

"We have always had a big opinion of him, but to see him come back this preparation after such a long lay-off and start to show it is pleasing," O'Brien said.

"He is still learning his craft but horses rarely step from maiden to BM70 and continue on their winning way. He has a nice future."

O'Brien is looking at taking the four-year-old to Flemington on New Year's Day for a 1400m BM70 event at his next start.

"We will keep raising the bar with him and see how far he can go."

Pic by Racing Photos