Jockey Glen Colless declared comeback mare Missy Longstocking a certainty beaten after she finished third to Sydney galloper Straturbo on Saturday.

Missy Longstocking, who was having her first start in a year, was backed from $3.60 into $2.80 in the Magic Millions Sprint (1100m) but found trouble at the top of the straight.

"She should have won for sure. She ran into two dead ends and by the time I got clear it was too late," Colless said.

Straturbo ($7) scored by a long neck to Happy Galaxy ($9) with a half length to Missy Longstocking in third place.

While Colless was glum on returning to scale, Straturbo's trainer Gary Portelli was all smiles.

"I love it when a plan comes to a successful conclusion. We picked this race out a long time ago for Straturbo and to win it was very pleasing."

Winning jockey James McDonald, who completed an early double on Straturbo, said he had got a nice cart into the race from the 600m.

"He sprinted very quickly when I asked for an effort," McDonald said.