Rubiton Stakes a springboard for Rey Magnerio’s autumn Group 1 ambitions

Trainer Robbie Griffiths has warned Rey Magnerio won’t be at his peak in the Rubiton Stakes with a pair of Group 1 targets on the radar.

Trainer Robbie Griffiths has tempered expectations on Rey Magnerio for the Group 2 Herald Sun Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

While Rey Magnerio jumped out nicely last Monday and has won – and placed – first-up previously, Griffiths has Group 1 Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap circled as targets.

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“We’re going to the races confident he’s going to give us a good run, but we are cautioning everyone we want him to hit peak form in the Newmarket third run in,” Griffiths said.

“Last time we wanted him to peak on Derby Day (second in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes) and he probably should’ve won and he backed up seven days later for a (Listed) win.

“He’s a pretty good target horse, it would be fairytale to win Saturday and the Oakleigh Plate on the way through (to Newmarket) but realistically he’s a good chance with room to improve.”

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Maharba, Insurrection and Rey Magnerio lead the market from Prairie Flower and Band Of Brothers.

Rey Magnerio has won seven of 17 starts and placed seven times.

He finished a luckless ninth in the Oakleigh Plate last year only beaten 2½ lengths.

Rey Magnerio falls short against Maharba in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes on Derby Day with the pair to clash again in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“It would be no surprise if he improves again because he didn’t start racing until 10 days before his four-year-old season so he’s got that opportunity to still develop,” Griffiths said.

“He’s shaping the right way (Group 1 contender), when you see Maharba run second in the Winterbottom and Estriella run so well at the top level, you think he doesn’t have to take too big a step to be among them.

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“I suppose Saturday will tell us whether he’s going to race his way into Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket (contention), we think he’s more likely to.

“The form is solid around him so let’s hope it works for us.”

Rey Magnerio charged late to run third first-up last spring beaten a head in a blanket finish.

Estriella and Maharba then touched off the developing sprinter in subsequent starts before the Listed win at Flemington on Champions Day and then finished second in The Meteorite.

Originally published as Rubiton Stakes a springboard for Rey Magnerio’s autumn Group 1 ambitions