 Flemington based trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith looks likely to have
three runners in next Saturday's $752,500 Group One Rosemount Estate Newmarket Handicap
after the impressive win of Rubitano in the $75,000 WJ (Bill) Adams Stakes at Caulfield
today.Mayfield-Smith has already confirmed last
Saturday's Oakleigh Plate winner Sudurka and the classy performer Prince Rubiton as
runners in the big sprint down the straight six at Flemington.
Rubitano who was described as a "serious Group
horse" by his trainer has done a remarkable job in what has been his first
preparation on the track.
 "You must remember
this is his ninth start at his first preparation. After his sixth start he had a couple of
weeks off doing light exercise," Mayfield-Smith said.
"So really he's done a great job and he's a top class
performer," he added.
The winner is likely to handle a rise in distance in the
future as his trainer plans to make a gear chance.
"With the blinkers on he tends to race a bit too hard
and Brett (Prebble) said he would get a longer trip if they were taken off,"
Mayfield-Smith reported.
Mayfield-Smith felt the win was full of merit as he handled
the rather greasy conditions well and stopped the clock in good time.
 "Really the time
(1-9.67) was pretty good as the track is deteriorating and is certainly not in a fast
condition," he added.
The win of Rubitano gave Brett Prebble a race to race
double after winning the third race aboard the Leon Corstens trained Haste Ye Back.
Mayfield-Smith was also quick to send out a swipe to a
local media identity who "bagged" the gelding and progeny of Rubiton during an
radio preview this morning.
At the end of the 1200 metre listed race Rubitano had an
advantage of a length and a quarter over St Chrisoph, while Roktzar was a neck away in
third place.
PICS - Quentin
Lang. |
