January’s $2 million BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic could have its first international runner after Travino notched back to back stakes wins in New Zealand on Saturday.

A precocious juvenile colt by General Nediym, Travino led home his rivals in the listed Wentwood Grange at Te Rapa – a start after winning the listed Murdoch Newell Stakes at Pukekohe.

On Friday trainer Peter McKay lodged a first acceptance for Travino for Queensland’s richest race – the be contested at the Gold Coast on January 14.

A day later his young charge was on the track doing what he does best, winning. The success was his third in succession.

McKay purchased Travino for $130,000 from the Brooklyn Lodge draft at January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and he races the classy youngster with his wife Kim.

Travino would almost certainly now have earned enough prizemoney to make the cut in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and McKay has said he would consider a trip to Australia in the coming weeks.

McKay said he wasn’t sure whether Australia and a $2 million lure at the Gold Coast would be his preference over a tilt at New Zealand’s feature races for two and three-year-olds.

If Travino stays in New Zealand he could contest the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day or even the Wakefield Stakes at Trentham.

Cambridge based jockey Jason Waddell had Travino travelling well, just off the speed, in the Wentwood Grange Stakes before making his move in the straight.

He shot to the front and then hold out the challenges of rivals, headed by race favourite Oasis Rose – at the post he was still a half length clear of the field.

Travino is the first named foal for Miss Keaton, a lightly raced full sister to three stakes gallopers including Newmarket Handicap and Salinger Stakes winner Rubitano.

Travino is by General Nediym, a Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner, and sire of Classic winners Regimental Gal and Military Rose.

He is one of 35 stakes winners and 463 winners for the former outstanding sprinting son of Nediym – a winner of 13 races, including five at two.

Winner: Travino
Breeding: General Nediym-Miss Keaton (Rubiton)
Sold for: $130,000
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Brooklyn Lodge
Buyer: Peter McKay
Earnings: NZ$64,375
Owner(s): Mr P & Mrs K McKay
Trainer: Peter McKay