STABLE'S CHANGE OF HEART PUTS REY MAGNERIO BACK IN THE PICTURE FOR THE GOLD RUSH

By Graham Potter | Thursday, December 11, 2025

A change of heart has brought a new target into focus for the connections of Rey Magnerio with the Gold Rush now on the menu for the Winterbottom third place-getter.

The Robbie Griffiths trained son of Magnus originally was not nominated for the race, but connections have now paid a late entry fee to have the six-year-old facing the starter on Ascot on Saturday in the $1.5 million contest.

Read Balfour, Robbie Griffiths stable representative … talking to Racing WA … gave the background to that decision-making process.

“Well, he came over and settled in so well and he ran so well in the Winterbottom, we thought, while we were here, we may as well extend it just a couple of weeks and test him at the 1400 … which could add another string to his bow, later on,” explained Balfour.

It is unchartered territory for Rey Magnerio who steps up to 1400m for the first time.

“We think he will run it (the 1400m), but until you try you are never quite sure,” continued Balfour. “He’s enjoying life over here, so we thought we would give it a try.

“He’s pretty fit now. It’s just a matter of him relaxing in the early part of the race … and I’m sure he will finish off if he does so.

“He is out of a Tessa Rissa mare, and obviously Tessa Rossa could get out over a mile, so, hopefully, we can hang our hat on that.

‘He hasn’t missed a beat since he has been here,” continued Balfour. “He had a solo gallop last Saturday morning. He is a little bit lazy by himself, but we’ve still got a decent amount of work into him, so we are happy with him.”

Rey Magnerio has been stabled next to Overpass for the last couple of weeks giving Balfour a close-up view of one of Rey Magnerio’s main rivals.

“Yeah, it is a bit scary looking through the wire at him all the time,” conceded Balfour, “because he (Overpass) looks fantastic as well.

“He is going to be one of the main dangers to beat, obviously, but it is a very deep field this race. It has come up quite strong, so it is not just a one-horse race.

“They (Rey Magnerio and Overpass) have been good buddies down at the beach. They both enjoy being at the beach and having a roil in the sand afterwards, so that has been great for their brains and their legs.”

Rey Magnerio will again be ridden by Willie Pike, who partnered the Griffiths trained runner in the Winterbottom. He is currently an $8 chance.