Testashadow’s talent is obvious but what goes on inside his head is a mystery, especially to his trainer Gary Portelli.
The three-year-old earned a trip to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Guineas with victory at Rosehill on Saturday, a race he had to win twice.
He hit the front and let Tree Of Jesse catch him before rallying to put his nose in front.
“I’ve never had a horse do that before,” Portelli said.
“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.
“I will be taking three horses – Testashadow, Straturbo and Racy.”
Despite his antics, Testashadow has been promoted in Guineas markets and is now the $7 second favourite behind Hijack Hussy at $4.
Straturbo finished midfield at Flemington on Saturday and will run in the Sprint while Racy will contest the $2 million Classic for two-year-olds.
Portelli believes the filly is the best chance he has ever had in the rich feature.
“She runs at Canterbury on Saturday and then goes to Magic Millions,” he said.
“She has done really well since her debut win and I have big opinion of her.”
Racy won over 1000 metres at Randwick on December 10, beating Look To The Stars by a length.
The Clarry Conners-trained runner-up is among the 19 entries for the 1200m race on Saturday.
The Magic Millions day on January 10 is restricted to horses sold through the sales company with Racy a $180,000 yearling earlier this year.
Testashadow and Straturbo are owned by long-term Portelli clients Elite Thoroughbreds and cost $50,000 and $45,000 respectively.
Racy is a $21 chance with the TAB for the Magic Millions Classic.
