Stratford starts another Magic Millions campaign

Talented sprinter Stratford had kicked off his latest campaign, which could culminate in him becoming the first horse to win three races in as many years on Magic Millions day at the Gold Coast in January.

The Hawkes Racing-trained galloper won his first race when successful in the $80,000 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1200m) in January 2011. Twelve months later Stratford returned to the Gold Coast and again collected the prize in the $80,000 Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m).

In 2013, Stratford is being targeted at the $400,000 Magic Millions Cup (1400m).

"He's great, come back really good," co-trainer Michael Hawkes said. "We gave him a good break after his last campaign and he's come back bigger, stronger and better.

"He's a lot more relaxed horse this preparation and that gives us the indication 1400 metres won't be beyond him."

On Tuesday at Rosehill , Stratford won a 900-metre barrier trial when running down Startreusse to score by a half neck in a slick 53.70 seconds.

"He flew out, we got him travelling and he settled in behind them," Hawkes said. "On straightening he was about five lengths off the leader which had kicked away and he reeled it in doing it himself.

"He's a real professional racehorse and he trialled as good as ever this morning. You'd love a stable for him."

Hawkes said Stratford is likely to trial again before heading back to the races. The five-year-old Stratum gelding has won four of his nine starts.

Story: Clinton Payne RaceNet