The performance of in-form three-year-old Kintyre at Doomben will be pivotal in determining his next start with trainer Gary Portelli refusing to rule out a Queensland Derby bid.

The half-brother to 2022 Golden Slipper winner Fireburn will be shooting for his third successive victory in Saturday’s Rough Habit Plate (2000m), having captured Group victories at his past two starts.

But beyond this weekend, Portelli is considering the merits of backing up Kintyre against the older horses in the Doomben Cup (2000m) on Saturday week, testing his stamina in the Queensland Derby (2400m) seven days later, or sending him to the paddock with a long-term view towards the Golden Eagle (1500m) in the spring.

“We have to make a serious decision after the races on Saturday, do we push on or do we spell?” Portelli said.

“We’ve got the Doomben Cup or Derby depending on how he goes on the weekend.

“With three-year-olds, class goes a long way, and he might be able to get the 2400. I haven’t completely given up on it yet.

“It would be a lot weaker race class-wise than the Doomben Cup, but it’s no good being a weak race if you can’t run the trip out.”

Kintyre is drawn to get every opportunity to showcase his wares from barrier one at Doomben where he will clash with the horse he edged out in the Frank Packer Plate, Gold Bullion, and ATC Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel, who is a clear-cut Rough Habit Plate favourite.

She will be having her first start in just over a month and has an awkward gate in 14, while Portelli says Kintyre has continued to thrive since his last-start Queensland Guineas triumph.

“Every time he goes to the races he comes out the next day and bucks his brand off,” Portelli said.

“He’s a machine. He is a very tough horse and there are plenty of years of racing left in him.”

Apprentice Cejay Graham will continue her association with Kintyre in the Rough Habit Plate after celebrating the biggest win of her fledgling career aboard the gelding in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas.