Portelli Has Three-Pronged Attack in Magic Millions

Gary Portelli will have triple the chance of finding success in the Gold Coast Magic Millions on January 10 after the trainer revealed he is taking three of his horses up north.

Racy is one of three horses representing trainer Gary Portelli in the Magic Millions Race Day on January 10.

Racy is one of three horses representing trainer Gary Portelli in the Magic Millions Race Day on January 10. Photo by Jenny Barnes.

Testashadow will run in the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), Straturbo will run in the $200,000 Magic Millions Open Sprint (1100m), and Racy will contest the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) – the main event of the race day.

Three-year-old gelding Testashadow won a Benchmark 72 over 1400m last time out, but only just. After hitting the front, Testashadow allowed Tree Of Jesse to catch him before a late rally saw him put his nose in front on the line.

“I’ve never had a horse do that before,” Portelli told Sky Racing.

“I put the visor on him and three strides out I thought it was a waste of time.

“He’ll go to the Magic Millions Guineas now and hopefully he doesn’t do that again.”

Despite this mishap, Testashadow has found himself the $8 second favourite in the Magic Million 3YO Guineas odds at Ladbrokes.com.au, behind favourite Hijack Hussy at $4.80.

Five-year-old gelding Straturbo began his campaign with a second placing in the Tony Beddison Cup (1000m) on November 29 before finishing midfield in a Benchmark 90 over 1000m at Flemington on Saturday.

But it is two-year-old filly Racy that Portelli believes is his best chance at finding success at the Gold Coast meeting. Racy won the Pro Ride Plate (1000m) on debut earlier this month, winning by a comfortable one length despite running a little greenly.

Racy is a $17 chance to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au, for which Wicked Intent ($3.60) is the favourite.

“She runs at Canterbury on Saturday and then goes to Magic Millions,” Portelli said.

“She has done really well since her debut win and I have big opinion of her.”

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