Popular Perth owner Elio Galante is fired up for another big year starting with his star filly Schiffer in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 15.

And Galante could be still celebrating a week later when his pride and joy Scenic Blast arrives back from the United States.

Schiffer (2f Snitzel – Modave by Montjeu) is currently quoted at $6 for the Magic Millions Classic behind Karuta Queen ($3.40) and Pepper Jet ($5.50).

“Gerald (Ryan) is extremely happy with Schiffer,” Galante told the West Australian newspaper earlier this week.  “First-up, she was beaten by Karuta Queen at Wyong and then she jumped four lengths clear to win at Randwick.  It was a run you needed to see.”

Galante co-owns Schiffer with his wife Jacqui, George McDonald and owner-breeder Damien Flower.  She is by Arrowfield sire Snitzel and her dam is a sister to Avondale Gold Cup winner Sharvasti.

“Karuta Queen beat her over 1000m and is going to be hard to beat but our filly is going to be better suited over 1200m,” Galante explained.  “The barrier draw is going to be critical.”

Galante is also counting down to January 22 when he will welcome home Scenic Blast.  The 2009 Australian Horse of the Year will be quarantined at Eastern Creek for three weeks before rejoining trainer Dan Morton in Melbourne.

Scenic Blast (6g Scenic – Daughter’s Charm by Delgado) was last seen finishing third in the Vernon O. Underwood Stakes at Hollywood Park on November 25.  He is winless in 8 starts since the G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2009.  

The Perth sprinter travelled overseas after completing the G1 Lightning Stakes – Newmarket Hcp double at Flemington in March 2009.  He has earned over $1.89 million for Galante and the syndicate that bought him for $85,000 from Durham Lodge at the 2006 Perth Magic Millions yearling sale.

Connections were also reported to have collectively taken British bookies for a substantial six-figure sum at Royal Ascot.

Scenic Blast will link up with Scenic Shot in Melbourne.  His stablemate is being set for the G1 Australian Cup at Flemington on March 12.

Scenic Shot (8g Scenic – Sweepshot by Dr. Grace) has been off the scene since a stellar year in 2009 that was highlighted by a winning hat-trick in the Doomben Cup, O’Shea Stakes and Brisbane Cup.  He stayed in training to add another Group 1 in the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington before travelling back home to complete a hectic schedule at the Perth summer carnival.  

“Scenic Shot needed a good rest and he spent six months in the paddock last year,” Morton said.  “He’s injury free and feeling good.”

Galante bought Scenic Shot for $36,000 at the 2004 Perth Magic Millions yearling sale and the gelding has returned over $2.51 million in prizemoney.  He will head back to Brisbane with Scenic Blast who will bet set for feature sprints at the winter carnival.