Brett Partelle’s love affair with the rich Magic Millions race series continued on Sunday when his quality three-year-old Torio’s Quest scored a thrilling win in the $100,000 Magic Millions Wyong 3YO Stakes (1200m).

In a thrilling finish, Torio’s Quest edged out Top Drop to win by a nose, with Biggietupac another half neck back in third place.

The win capped a massive 2010 for Partelle following his win with Walking or Dancing in January’s Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.

A three time winner from just four outings, Torio’s Quest will be out to extend the stable’s run when he heads to January’s $1 million Events Queensland Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.

Partelle will be heartened to know last year’s Wyong 3YO Stakes winner Graceful Anna went to the Gold Coast to win the Guineas about five weeks later.

“I’m over the moon, I can’t put it into better words than that,” Partelle told AAP.

“Not many trainers win two Magic Millions races in one year!”

Torio’s Quest, by Danehill’s Irish bred son Oratorio, was purchased by major stable client Bert Vieira for just $15,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Adelaide Yearlling Sale.

Vieira also purchased Walking or Dancing and Torio’s Quest is raced by his family.

Torio’s Quest has already earned $100,000 more than his purchase price after just four runs and there’s no doubt that figure will grow over the coming months.

Winning rider Hugh Bowman has a good opinion of Torio’s Quest and he is confident that he can be one of the horses to beat in the million dollar feature in January.

“It was a very strong pace and he was running at his top for most of the way,” Bowman said.

“Not many horses can find after doing that so it was a good effort.”

“The step up to 1400 metres is going to suit him and I just loved the way he stuck his head out when he needed to,” Bowman added.

Gerald Ryan, trainer of the fast finishing runner-up Top Drop, was delighted with the effort of his charge.

“He’s an honest little fella and tries really hard,” he said. “He needed the run today.”

Ryan said Top Drop would run on Boxing Day in either Brisbane or Sydney before his maiden aim at the Gold Coast.

The Magic Millions Guineas is building a reputation as one of the country’s best races for three-year-olds.

The first nine horses over the line in January’s race have all subsequently won stakes races – two of them at Group One level, Shoot Out and Captain Sonador.

Winner: Torio’s Quest (Oratorio IRE-Quest for Pleasure)
Race: Magic Millions Wyong 3YO Stakes (1200m)
Sold for: $15,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale
Vendor: Bowness Stud
Buyer: Bert Vieira
Earnings: $115,150
Owner(s): Mrs SG Vieira, T Vieira, Mrs C Vieira-Choy, H Vieira & Vieira Racing
Trainer: Brett Partelle (Broadmeadow)