“I’ve taken the tongue-tie off him. Hopefully that will make a difference,” Graham said.

Graham admits she is wrestling with Portatorio trying to get him back to his best.

“To be really honest I’m not 100 per cent sure how he’s really going,” she said earnestly. “I had him in a TAB Highway race at Randwick on Saturday but withdrew him after he worked last Tuesday.

“I wasn’t happy with his work that’s why I pulled him out.

“He just didn’t work as good as he normally does. I’m happy enough with him but we’ll just have to wait and see if he can get away with it at Kempsey.”

Portatorio, to be ridden by Graham’s daughter, 1.5kg claiming apprentice Melinda Graham, is scheduled to tackle the Heritage Hotel Gladstone 3YO Country Plate over 1250m.

He is sure to start a clear favourite despite Graham’s misgivings.

Graham has kept Portatorio on the fresh side with light work since the gallop last Tuesday. And he hasn’t worked without the tongue-tie, Graham preferring to remove the gear on raceday to see what happens.

Portatorio, raced by Sydney based couple Paul and Loraine Burke, has recorded three wins and a second from six starts. The Oratorio gelding, purchased for $12,000 as a yearling at the Scone sales, resumed as an easing favourite in a 1000m TAB Highway Hcp at Randwick on June 11. After jumping awkwardly and not having much luck in the run, Portatorio wound up 3.2 lengths sixth to Three Sheets. 

“He wasn’t really suited in a 1000m race,” Graham said. “I was happy enough with the run. “I think stepping up to the 1200 metres will suit him better. He’s fit enough to run well. “I know I’m sounding negative the reason is because I know how this horse can work and that hasn’t been up to normal.

“We’ll see what happens tomorrow. I believe I can get him right. He’s a very nice horse. Hopefully he can get it all back together.”