The Robbie Griffiths and Mathew De Kock stable is looking forward to getting back to Flemington where they will saddle Rey Magnerio in the VRC Super Saturday, 9 March Handicap.
Griffiths and de Kock prepared a winner at the final Flemington meeting for 2023 before Magnapur got the ball rolling for the stable on New Year’s Day.
Rey Magnerio is no stranger to success at Flemington having taken out a Grand Handicap over 1100m on the final day of last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
That win was sandwiched between a Sale 1000m win and a first-up win at Geelong on January 6 when Reg Magnerio was heavily supported.
Rey Manerio steps out to 1200m on Saturday, a trip he was successful over at his second start at Sale back last September.
Once a backmarker, Rey Magnerio has responded to racing with his last two wins achieved being ridden closer to the speed.
“He seems the more he’s racing, the more on-speed that he is racing,” de Kock said.
“Early doors he was out the back and would like a bit of speed, but his last couple of wins, he’s been right up there on the speed, and I think he’s going to be racing in that kind of fashion these days.”
Jye McNeil will bid for a fourth straight win aboard Rey Magnerio after the jockey’s apprentice brother Logan rode the gelding in his first four starts.
De Kock said Rey Magnerio had taken improvement from his first-up success at Geelong after having a freshen up following his Flemington win.
“He came through Geelong very well,” de Kock said.
“He had a little bit of room for improvement, so we’re pretty happy with him.
“He had a little freshen up after the Spring Carnival and had some time at the water walker and had a break there as with the seasons so close together, you can’t really stop.
“It hasn’t bothered him. He’s a pretty strong horse. He never leaves an oat.”
De Kock is unsure of what level Rey Magnerio can get to, but Saturday’s outcome will dictate where the sprinter next heads.
“I wish I had a crystal ball,” de Kock said.
“Every time he goes to the races these days, it’s a harder test. He doesn’t seem to disappoint and long may that continue.
“We’ll let Saturday dictate where he gets to and if he can get to a grander race, all the better.”
