Trainer Gary Portelli is banking on another quick back-up to spark Encap in Saturday’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick.

The gelding produced a career-best when finishing third in the Doncaster Mile earlier this year off a four-day turnaround, and Portelli hopes a seven-day gap this time will bring out the same response.

“In the Doncaster he raced four days before and he really hit the line that day,” Portelli said.

“He’s a funny horse… maybe that quick back-up might be what he needs.”

Encap drew barrier six but is more dependent on tempo, with Portelli noting his tendency to drift back.

“He won’t go early and he comes home late. If it’s a truly run race he will be joining in at some point.”

Stablemate Verona Rose also lines up from gate three, dropping to 50kg after her Tibbie Stakes second, as Portelli tests her in open Group 1 company ahead of a possible Golden Eagle campaign.