Affectionately known as Mr Trifecta after filling the top three placings in the same race at his home track in 2018, Gratz Vella is hoping to quinella tomorrow’s feature race at Canberra.

After a devasting 8 length victory last start, Chop The Ice, will enter the TAB Federal (1280m) as the  market fancy, while Gratz Vella thinks stablemate Vella Magic is a likely improver. 

Chop The Ice will line up at the same track and trip as his previous outing which was a blistering  return to form, overcoming the widest barrier to run away from his Class 2 rivals. 

He will step up to Benchmark 78 company here but Vella thinks his son of Santos is right in it.  

“I thought he was a good winning chance last start but didn’t expect him to come out and win like  that.” Vella said “He’s up in class here but he’s right down in the weights.” 

Chop The Ice will carry 5kgs less than last start with 55kgs and long-time partner Damon Budler  aboard.  

“I’ve spoken to Damon and we won’t lead at all costs but if he can comfortably then we will.” Vella  said. 

“He’s got a great bunch of owners who were excited and impressed last start and I think a few more  are heading down tomorrow to watch him.” 

Stablemate Vella Magic is looking to bounce back to form after finishing 12th, 6th and 6th in her last  three starts respectively. 

Like Chop the Ice, the daughter of Magic Albert is drawn beautifully in barrier 4 and has senior rider  Jeff Penza pencilled in for the ride. 

“She just hasn’t been in the right place at the right time recently.” Vella said. “I think she will  tomorrow with plenty of pace involved and drawn well.” 

“I think she’s going to improve. I’m hoping for a Vella quinella!”