Trainer Robbie Griffiths backs Rey Magnerio to rebound in Group 1 William Reid Stakes at The Valley

Trainer Robbie Griffiths is confident Rey Magnerio can get back to his best in the William Reid Stakes after finishing outside the placings last start for just the second time in his career.

Rey Magnerio has the runs on the board for trainer Robbie Griffiths to forecast a rebound on Saturday in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.

The consistent performer overraced early from a low draw at Flemington last start to lead the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) field and consequently faded out of contention.

It would be only the second time Rey Magnerio, a winner of eight races including the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m), has finished outside the top four in 20 starts.

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“He just burned his energy early,” Griffiths said.

“He’s never been able to do it at both ends, even when he kicked off his career he was ridden back in a synthetic maiden at Pakenham.

“He’s got into a bit of a habit of getting a bit keen … we thought if he got a backside he’d spit the bit out, but as soon as he tried to get behind Growing Empire he couldn’t get there.

“He burned the energy trying to get to the front, which is shame, if you’re going to make an error you’d rather it not be in the Newmarket but anyway, he’s come through the run well.”

Rey Magnerio winning the Rubiton Stakes first-up at Caulfield last month. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

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Griffiths used a jumpout, last Tuesday at Cranbourne, “to take the edge off” Rey Magnerio.

“You would think the way Moonee Valley races, it’s normally a high-speed track, that should rectify what went wrong in the Newmarket,” Griffiths said.

“Whether he can match it at weight-for-age, Jimmysstar has beaten him two for two, but you never know, racing is a funny thing, if you’ve got a ticket in the lottery you’ve got a chance.”

Rey Magnerio is $11 for the William Reid behind Jimmysstar ($3.20), She’s Bulletproof ($5), Benedetta ($6), Schwarz ($8) and Stretan Angel ($9.50).

He should also be able to land in a stalking position with cover on Saturday from barrier four.

“We’ve got a really good draw, that’s where it went wrong at Flemington,” Griffiths said.

“He drew four but down the straight you’d rather draw 14, and everyone turned right and he couldn’t get a backside … four is good, he gets an opportunity to get cover straight away.”

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Griffiths planned to peak Rey Magnerio in the Newmarket and then target the William Reid or The Galaxy, also on Saturday in Sydney, before a shot at The Goodwood in Adelaide.

“He’s a horse that can hold his peak,” Griffiths said.

“We weren’t afraid to keep going and look at this or The Galaxy, the reason we went against The Galaxy is we thought he’s going to get back and Private Harry looks pretty smart.

“We’re pretty keen on going to The Goodwood (in May), if you start travelling you end up all over Australia, go to Sydney, next minute you’re in Perth for the Quokka.

“You can’t do everything, we thought concentrate here and then go to The Goodwood.”

Originally published as Trainer Robbie Griffiths backs Rey Magnerio to rebound in Group 1 William Reid Stakes at The Valley