Defending the weight-for-age record of Rebel Dane might be easier for Gary Portelli than giving the Missile Stakes favourite the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the horse's demeanour.

Rebel Dane returns against a field of genuine spring aspirants on Saturday, and while Portelli has had misgivings about the merit of a recent barrier trial, he can't fault the horse's spirit heading into Randwick.

"He's just tried to bite my arm off so he's feeling all right," Portelli said as he delivered a lunchtime biscuit of hay to Rebel Dane's box on race eve.

"He's not trying to kill you but he just wants to let you know who is the boss and sometimes it can be quite painful."

Rebel Dane is among a pack of Australian sprinters trying to close the gap on Lankan Rupee but he has been unsuccessful in six starts at weight-for-age.

His TJ Smith Stakes placing to Lankan Rupee is his best return at the elite level of racing and Portelli concedes there have been missed opportunities through no fault of his horse.

"In all fairness if you look at the Manikato Stakes last year he got butchered and if anything that day he confirmed he is a chance to make it at weight-for-age," Portelli said.

"In the Doomben 10,000 the leaders had a paradise and he was back and wide so there's another run wasted.

"I couldn't really say he's not a weight-for-age horse yet but I think tomorrow he gets his chance to show whether he is or isn't."

Portelli is happy Blake Shinn is starting to develop an affinity with Rebel Dane after several track gallops but said a new jockey would not bring fresh riding tactics.

"When we have done something on him mid-race before he has looked ordinary," Portelli said.

"It happened in the All Aged Stakes. He was ridden to suit the race just up on the speed and when they quickened he just whacked away."

Rebel Dane is up and about for the new-season weight-for-races to dodge Lankan Rupee and Portelli hopes his plan is rewarded with a Group One win in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield later this month.

"The idea is to get back early, try to get a win and the rest is for a bit of fun and a bit of prize money," Portelli said.