Single Bullet ridden by the Tye Angland (centre) wins the Pago Pago Stakes race during Ladies Day at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney, Saturday, March 11, 2017. (AAP Image/David Moir) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

But when asked how his two Slipper hopes compare, Portelli shot straight from the hip: “She Will Reign is the superior two-year-old.’’

“But I tell you Single Bullet is honest. If things go wrong in the Slipper, as they can do, I’ve got Plan B.”

She Will Reign has been the long-time favourite for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper next Saturday and remains at the top of betting at $4 with Houtzen while Single Bullet firmed from$51 to $26 after his win in the Group 3 $175,000 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m).

TAB FIXED ODDS: GOLDEN SLIPPER

RACEDAY FOCUS: ROSEHILL

VIDEO: ‘I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK WATCHING IT HAPPEN’

Portelli is renowned as a superb conditioner of two-year-olds and it is a remarkable feat to qualify two outstanding Golden Slipper chances from just 15 youngsters on his books this season.

“It is unbelievable isn’t it,’’ Portelli said. “I think I’ve had four or five two-year-olds to win a race this season — it has been one of those years.’’

Single Bullet ($5), ridden by Tye Angland, sat outside leader Ducimus ($2.10) favourite) until the turn and the duo staged a thrilling straight-long duel before Portelli’s colt drew a short neck clear on the line with Coruscate ($10) more than a length away third.

Single Bullet dug deep to hold out Ducimus in the Pago Pago Stakes.Source:AAP

The Pago Pago Stakes proved a nightmare for trainer Gerald Ryan as both his highly-rated youngsters, pre-race favourite Condor Heroes and Albumin were late scratchings at the barrier.

Condor Heroes bolted on the way to the barriers while Albumin got his leg caught in the stalls, prompting stewards to order both be withdrawn on vet’s advice.

For Portelli, he is going into the world’s richest juvenile race next Saturday with two definite winning chances.

“I believe things happen for a reason,’’ Portelli said.

“When he missed the start at his first go at Wyong, a barrier attendant was holding him by the bridle, he was being silly and was slow away before he ran second.

“Tye said to me that day, that missing the start might have cost you the Magic Millions but it might win the Golden Slipper.

Gary Portelli will have two runners in next weekend’s Golden Slipper.Source:News Corp Australia

“In the back of my mind I always thought we might be better off in the Slipper. I’m not saying we can win it but we are in it. That is half the battle.”

Angland said he had hoped to ride Single Bullet with cover but when the speed came out of the race with the late scratchings, he decided to be more urgent out of the barriers.

“We ended up sitting outside the leader and he was too strong late — it was a nice win,’’ Angland said.

“But he is a completely different horse held up and allowed to show that turn of foot he possesses.”

Ducimus made a brave bid to lead throughout with the youngsters running about late under pressure the first time racing in the Sydney directions.

“He ran really well, a little bit of inexperience cost him. He’s got huge potential and is definitely one to follow,’’ Ducimus’s jockey Blake Shinn.

Originally published as Portelli adds Bullet to Slipper arsenal