Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths is confident his winner of more than $1.1m in prizemoney can turn the tables on Munhamek when they again clash at Flemington on Saturday.
Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock-trained King Magnus placed third last start behind Munhamek and Windstorm in The David Bourke (1620m) on a Good 4 track a month between runs.
Less than half a length separated the trifecta, set to square off again on Saturday on a likely Soft 5 surface owing to cold and frosty mornings forecast this week.
King Magnus has won two of 14 starts at Flemington and placed on a further three occasions.
The rising nine-year-old has won six of 13 starts on rain-affected tracks compared to three of 23 on Good decks.
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“He’s got everything ready to go there, the right race record, the right Flemington record,” Griffiths said.
“Ticks the boxes really well, he’s coming off a good run with a month between runs so you would think with the benefit of that … we hope that can bridge us the gap.”
Munhamek is a $4.80 favourite with TAB from Duke De Sessa ($5.50), Pounding ($7), Windstorm ($7.50) and Green Fly ($8.50).
King Magnus, to be ridden by Thomas Stockdale, is rated a $14 chance.
The winner of more than $1.1 million in prizemoney finished midfield in the Winter Championship Final last year, beaten 3.65 lengths, after sluggish start.
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“He didn’t get away that well and then all of a sudden he found himself in a bit of an awkward spot,” Griffiths said.
“He’s in good order, luck in running plays a key role in these events, especially now you’re up in the weights.
‘He seems to be holding his form in his later years, a good enough form line for this type of race, hence his last run there where there wasn’t much between the top three.”
Stockdale moved to 96 Victorian winners on Wednesday with success at Sandown.
The 25-year-old has ridden King Magnus eight times for three wins, including the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes last year.
“He was riding him as a claiming apprentice and doing a great job … won a Group race on him, in Tommy’s first year as a senior (jockey),” Griffiths said.
“He’s really hitting his straps now Tommy and well into the riding ranks with his success.
“He’s won on him enough times, let’s hope they partner well on the weekend.”