Trainer Gary Portelli is keeping options open for Kimochi, following her Group 1 win in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the subsequent strong form from horses she competed against.

The four-year-old mare defeated Another Wil, who later won the CF Orr Stakes (1400m), and Jimmystar, who claimed the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) last month.

Kimochi returns to racing in Saturday’s Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Randwick, aiming to build on her impressive first-up record of three wins from five attempts.

“There have been two Group One winners from that race, and she’s good fresh,” Portelli said.

“She’s bigger, stronger, and flying at Randwick, so we’re looking forward to the weekend.”

The main concern is the 1000m distance, but Kimochi’s versatility, having previously won the Toy Show Quality over 1100m, gives Portelli confidence.

Nash Rawiller will ride from barrier five, and the result will help determine Kimochi’s future races, including the T J Smith Stakes (1200m) and options in Brisbane.

Portelli also saddles Encap in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), where he doesn’t expect a win but hopes for a solid run.