An ideal alley and a subtle gear change is all El Toranado needs to revive his Magic Millions hopes, according to trainer Maryann Thexton.

El Toranado finished fourth to Sister Magic from a wide barrier at his first start on December 1 at Eagle Farm but cruelled his chances by hanging in under pressure.

Thexton has made several gear changes including removing winkers and adding an off-side bubble cheeker to improve his racing manners.

"We had to resolve that issue because that will always cost him lengths if he's going to be fighting the jockey," Thexton said.

"Straight after that race I made the gear change and my trackwork riders advise me that he's happy, bright and hasn't put a foot wrong."

In Saturday's Phelan Ready Stakes El Toranado has drawn perfectly in barrier four and Thexton believes this factor will help him race more truly for jockey Jim Byrne.

"He should be able to get some cover this time and that will allow him to finish off the race really well," she said.

"Since his last race he's matured mentally and I keep touching wood because two-year-olds are a race-by-race prospect but at this stage he hasn't caused me any sleepless nights.

"He's a cheeky colt but it's not anything that's unmanageable and the great thing about him is there's no indication or need at this point to geld him."

Trips to the beach have also been an invaluable part of El Toranado's training program to keep him fresh and happy.

"I'm a believer that giving them a good solid walk in the water is ideal work for them," she said.

"He goes for about half an hour walking chest deep, just at his pace, then he has a roll in the sand before going back in the water where he just splashes and plays for another 20 minutes.

"It keeps him nice and happy and does him the world of good."