Few trainers have more success with the progeny of Widden Stud’s evergreen stallion Magnus than Robbie Griffith, and he looks to have unearthed another likely type in Rey Magnerio.
Making his career debut a week before his fourth birthday, Rey Magnerio made short work of seven maidens of an 1100m 3yo maiden on the Pakenham synthetic on Tuesday.
Ridden by Logan McNeil, Rey Magnerio jumped well but was shuffled back through the field before moving into a challenging position on the turn.
Eased to the centre of the track, the son of Magnus rounded the field up in a matter of strides and was strong to the line defeating Made The Effort (Reward For Effort) by two and a quarter lengths with Duel Venture (Bel Esprit) one and a half lengths back in third.
Robbie Griffith now trains in partnership with Mathew de Kock who believes Rey Magnerio has a bright future.
“That was impressive. He has had a lot of practice in jumpouts and trials, and the owners have been patient and were rewarded today,” de Kock said.
“I am particularly happy for Logan McNeil, who has joined us as the stable apprentice, and it’s nice to get the first win for the team.
“With these Magnus’ you must remember they take time to learn. Lachie King suggested we put blinkers on and trialled well with them on at Taralgon, and it has proved to be a good change of gear.”
A three-quarter sister to Group III MRC Naturalism Stakes winner Magnapal and a half-brother to recent Sandown winner Vitruvius (Star Witness), Rey Magnerio is the second winner from three to race for the Testa Rossa mare Luchardo.
Luchardo has a yearling colt by Star Turn and was covered by Star Witness last spring.
Magnus covers his 16th book of mares at Widden Stud, Victoria, in 2003 for a fee of $16,500.
