Trainer Robbie Griffiths feels more content this time around with the preparation Rey Magnerio has undertaken in the lead up to a Group 1 race at Caulfield.
Rey Magnerio lines up for a second tilt at the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on Saturday having finished ninth in the sprint last year.
Griffiths said Rey Magnerio was basically still in his first preparation when contesting the Oakleigh Plate 12 months ago, whereas this time around he has been able to plan the gelding’s preparation.
“Two years ago, when he won at the Spring Carnival, it was a benchmark 80,” Griffiths said.
“He didn’t have enough points, and he would have been horribly disadvantaged to tuck him away for a crack at an Oakleigh Plate last year, so we had a crack at the summer series.
“He won at Geelong, he won at Caulfield, and he ran his way in without a proper break, just a freshen, in basically his first racing campaign.
“This time around it’s been different. We’ve had a chance to rest him up, target the spring with five runs, finish after the Meteorite (at Cranbourne), freshen and go again.
“And you’re not constantly jumping in grades all the time.”
During the spring, Rey Magnerio raced mainly in Stakes company and resumed his latest campaign with victory in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on February 8.
“He was running at a high level in the spring, and he’s come back in the autumn ready for the big boys whereas it was such a big thing to do early in his career last year,” Griffiths said.
“Last year we drew poorly, and it took its toll and this year, he’s a stronger horse and we’ve drawn complimentary in five and there are good horses around him.
“We’re excited about going there. He came back with a great return and has galloped beautifully since and from the draw it looks like he will get a good opportunity.
“That being the case and knowing his fighting spirit, I think we’re in with a chance.”
Griffiths also has his sights on the second big handicap sprint in Melbourne with Rey Magnerio, the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.
The Newmarket Handicap provided Griffiths with his first Group 1 win when The Quarterback scored in 2016.
