Stratford scored his second Magic Millions raceday success in as many years when he romped home in today’s $100,000 Sky Racing Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m).

A winner last year of the rich Magic Millions Maiden Plate, Stratford was back twelve months later to do it again, this time in the Class 6 event.

And already connections are eyeing off history by winning a race at a third straight Magic Millions raceday in 2013.

Connections decided to head to the Gold Coast after also accepting for the classy galloper in last night’s Canterbury Classic. Such is Stratford’s reputation that he opened early favourite for that stakes event.

The four-year-old, prepared by Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, was heavily backed in today’s Magic Millions event and was ridden to success again by top local jockey Jason Taylor.

“He was a little bit tardy early,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said. “The first couple of strides he got back a little.”

“When he came to the corner and he was behind them a bit I did hold my breath.”

“He had to angle out and he did and when he balanced up he was very good it was all over at the 100 (metre mark).”

“We’ve always had a good opinion of the horse. We originally bought him for the two-year-old race but he went sore.”

“He’s done a great job and hopefully we’ll bring him back next year for the (Magic Millions) Cup.”

Hawkes said they would get their talented gelding back to Sydney and he would most likely run in three to four weeks.

“We’ll take him through his grades, but he’s a nice horse and we’re having a lot of fun with him.”

Stratford was purchased by his senior part owner David Russo for $130,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The lightly raced but highly promising galloper has already earned his connections over $260,000 from just eight runs – of which he’s won four and been runner-up on two other occasions.

By former star Magic Millions graduate and Golden Slipper winner Stratum, Stratford is one of six winners produced by the grand True Version mare Celebration Bell.

A city winner in her own right, Celebration Bell is the dam of the stakes winners Whoever and Speedy Bell – the latter being the dam of Adrian Knox Stakes winner Speedy Natalie.

Winner: Stratford
Breeding: Stratum-Celebration Bell (True Version)
Race: Sky Racing Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m)
Sold for: $130,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Segenhoe Stud
Buyer: David Russo
Earnings: $260,197
Owner(s): DV Russo, Ms MA Attard & D Healey
Trainer: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes (Rosehill)