Trainers are creatures of habit and Gary Portelli is using the same strategy that landed Straturbo victory in a rich sprint race on the Gold Coast a year ago.

Portelli has Straturbo aimed at a defence of the Magic Millions Sprint (1100m) on January 9 but admits it looks like being a more difficult race this time around.

The prize money for the 2016 Sprint is up to $1 million and is part of Australia's richest race day with $10 million on offer.

"I'm not sure it will be as easy a task this year," Portelli said.

"We've just got to present him in good order and hope for the best."

As part of the lead-up to his Gold Coast success, Straturbo had his preparation in Melbourne, running second first-up at Moonee Valley before running seventh over 1000m at Flemington last December.

Straturbo kicked off his title defence finishing fourth at Moonee Valley on November 28 and goes to the corresponding benchmark 90 race as last year at Flemington on Saturday.

Portelli is hoping Straturbo can be ridden more conservatively on Saturday.

"We'll see where we draw," Portelli said.

"Craig Williams (who rode him last year) said he was looking for a turn after racing in daylight all the way and didn't quite know what was going on.

"We'll hopefully ride him quieter, expose him late and let him finish off like he did at the Valley last time."

Straturbo returned to Portelli's Warwick Farm stable following his first-up run and will be back in Melbourne on Friday morning.

After he races at Flemington, he will head back up the highway on Sunday, a float trip of 10 hours.

"We always take our horses home," Portelli said.

"A lot of trainers who move their horses interstate find they do better if you get them home quickly into their home environment."

Portelli said Straturbo came through his first-up run in good order and had a nice gallop at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

Damien Oliver, who rode Straturbo first-up, takes the ride on Saturday.