Warm weather suits Rey Magnerio in 2025 The Gold Rush

Trainer Robbie Griffiths is already turning his attention to next autumn’s The Quokka, believing Rey Magnerio’s successful transition to Perth makes a return visit highly likely.

Before that, the gelding steps into Saturday’s Group 3 The Gold Rush (1400m), his second appearance in Western Australia.

Griffiths said the gelding has adapted superbly since arriving.

“There’s been interest in him for The Quokka and the way he’s travelled and thrived, it’s something we should consider,” he said.

“Whenever we’ve tried to go to The Goodwood he grows a winter coat early, so this time we chased warm weather and he’s really responded.”

Griffiths outlined an ideal warm-climate program that could include the Doomben 10,000 and The Stradbroke later in the year.

Rey Magnerio’s Perth debut came in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m), where he closed strongly into third. William Pike rides again.

While untested at 1400m, Griffiths believes the step up is well within his scope.

“He’s always had sprint races mapped out, so we haven’t needed to stretch him,” he said.

“But he pulled up super from the Winterbottom and instead of waiting for a $200,000 Rubiton, there’s a $1.5 million race waiting for him now, and he’s thriving.

“He’s out of a Testa Rossa mare, and horses from the family have handled 2000 metres. Our Magnus’ like King Magnus have produced their best at a mile. Genetically, he should get it comfortably.”

From barrier five, Rey Magnerio should settle close to the speed, though the final tactics will be in Pike’s hands.

“He won’t be far off them,” Griffiths said.

“Pikey was convinced that with Jokers Grin’s draw in the Winterbottom he’d have had the perfect trail, and things might have been very different.”

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