Trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock to aim King Magnus at Cummings Stakes in Adelaide

Favourable weight terms will greet the ever-reliable galloper King Magnus in Saturday’s Group 3 Cummings Stakes at Morphettville.

Superior weight terms and a little more cash will prompt trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock to hit the road with grand performer King Magnus.

The Cranbourne training duo accepted for King Magnus to run in Saturday’s Selangor Turf Club Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield as well as the Group 3 Cummings Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville.

The Cummings Stakes is worth $70,000 more than the Caulfield race but de Kock said the set weights and penalties format of the Adelaide race made it attractive.

King Magnus is the equal highest-rated runner in the Cummings Stakes but will carry only 3.5kg more than the lowest-rated acceptor.

“It’s worth slightly more money and it’s set weights and penalties and with him off a 105 rating, we’re fairly well in at the weights,” de Kock said.

“I think the race sets up nicely for him at the weight scale and he looks a good chance there.”

Robbie Griffiths (left) and Mathew de Kock (right) are eyeing an Adelaide win with rising nine-year-old King Magnus.

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King Magnus resumed with a solid third to on-pacer Edison, giving away 7kg to the winner, in a 1400m race at Caulfield on April 27.

King Magnus has won three of six second-up starts and de Kock said the rising nine-year-old has improved since that outing.

“We liked his first-up run and he’s come on a bit since then,” de Kock said.

The winner of more than $1.1 million has had 36 starts since making a late start to his career in January 2020 but de Kock said the gelding still showed plenty of zest for his work.

He added King Magnus needed a little more attention in some areas as he got older but remained in great condition.

"Edison stole it."

Some ride from @TatumBull! 👏 @nryanracingpic.twitter.com/tX1FZ7eXtH

— Racing.com (@Racing) April 27, 2024

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“He’s an enthusiastic horse that always tries his best,” de Kock said.

“He’s easy in some areas but in some areas, he’s a bit older now, so his body takes a bit more maintenance and TLC.

“As far as his attitude and his willingness to do things, he’s very easy.”

King Magnus has drawn barrier 11 but jockey William Pike will probably send the 10-time winner forward early in the event.

“He likes to have soft ground in his races and he’s always got to be within striking distance to perform at his best,” de Kock said.

“He doesn’t have a great turn of foot but he lengthens well so when he’s in a good spot, he always runs well.”

King Magnus remained solid at $9.50 in TAB’s latest market on The Cummings Stakes.

Originally published as Trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock to aim King Magnus at Cummings Stakes in Adelaide