Trainer Robbie Griffiths says rising Group 1 hope Rey Magnerio has flourished during his first interstate campaign.

Rey Magnerio will take his place in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday as Griffiths chases a second elite-level win.

Griffiths, who claimed the 2016 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) with The Quarterback, has deliberately given the sprinter a light Melbourne spring to target this race.

His only concern had been how Rey Magnerio would handle the long haul from Cranbourne to Perth.

Before this trip, the gelding’s furthest journey had been to Echuca for The Discovery in April.

The Perth mission required a float to Sydney before a charter flight across the Nullarbor.

“He went on the road to Sydney, he travelled fantastic and his first flight on a plane, he travelled well without a hitch,” Griffiths said.

“He settled in over there without a worry and has been loving the warm weather.

“His appetite has been fantastic.”

Rey Magnerio has worked strongly since arriving, including a solid gallop last Saturday.

Griffiths arrived in Perth on Thursday, leaving the horse in the care of Reid Balfour, who reports the gelding is thriving.

“It’s all about keeping him in the right frame of mind,” Griffiths said.

Leading local jockey William Pike takes the ride.