The Oracle Magic Millions Cup on January 12 is the main target for quality Gold Coast galloper Startsmeup after his thrilling win in Saturday’s Group Three George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

The $400,000 feature event, the third richest race on Magic Millions raceday, the Cup carries restricted listed status for the first time in 2013 and it’s shaping as a red hot contest.

Less than a head separated the first three runners – Startsmeup, Phelan Ready and Morning Captain – all Magic Millions graduates with the first and second placegetters set for a rematch in the Magic Millions Cup.

A graduate of the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and 2009 National Horses in Training Sale, Startsmeup is now the winner of seven races and 13 placings from 31 starts.

The five-year-old’s earnings have soared past $700,000 – not bad considering he could have been yours for just $50,000 as a yearling when offered by Bellerive Stud.

For a number of hours after the race trainer Gillian Heinrich thought she was losing the horse after owner’s expressed their disappointment over the booking of a jockey.

But connections changed their mind after the win and the tough gelding will be staying in Heinrich’s Gold Coast stable after all.

“I’ve developed a real affection for him,” Heinrich told The Courier Mail.

“It would have been terribly difficult to watch him run around in the Magic Millions for someone else.”

“He ran second in it last year for us and hopefully he will go one better this time around,” she added.

Runner-up Phelan Ready showed he was on track for another big race success when he stormed home from last, producing outstanding sectionals to be beaten a mere nose.

“He’s been racing consistently which is a good sign,” rider Damien Browne said. “I actually thought he had just made it in time.”

“He’s looking for further now, but his sectional times for his last 400 metres must have been amazing,” he added.

One of 40 individual stakes winners for Danehill’s Golden Slipper winning son Danzero, Startsmeup is one of three winners from three runners for his dam Bluevien.

An unplaced daughter of Bluebird, Bluevien is a half sister to stakes performers Airigead and Thong and Pushbike. They are all products of the multiple group winning mare Genevien.

Winner: Startsmeup
Breeding: Danzero-Bluevien (Bluebird)
Race: BRC George Moore Stakes G3 (1200m)
Passed for: $47,500
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Bellerive Stud (As Agent)
Reserve: $50,000
Earnings: $701,550
Owner(s): Heran Racing Pty Ltd
Trainer: Gillian Heinrich (Gold Coast)