Rosehill trainer Gerald Ryan says his boom youngster Rubick has come through Tuesday's trial in good shape ahead of a likely clash against star sprinter Lankan Rupee in the Group II Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on October 11.
Rubick's start to his preparation was delayed when the three-year-old was struck down by a virus that swept through the trainer's stables. Ryan subsequently realigned his spring campaign towards the Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 1.
The Schillaci Stakes remains Rubick's most likely first-up run despite Mick Price all but guaranteeing that Lankan Rupee will start in the Group II event at Caulfield following Friday night's defeat in the Group I Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
"Lankan Rupee, I reckon he's going to be five lengths better away from Moonee Valley," Ryan said. "That's ok, we're not going to dodge him."
Ryan also said the Listed Blue Sapphire (1200m) at the same course four days later is a back-up as is the Group II Caulfield Sprint (1100m) a week after the Schillaci Stakes.
"Priority one remains the Schillaci but if he was to travel south and go off his food for a day or something then they are the other options," he said.
Whichever avenue Ryan elects to take, he is confident that the virus which delayed Rubick's preparation won't be a hindrance during his Melbourne stint.
"He (Rubick) had a temperature, it was for one day," Ryan said. "Every horse since the virus has raced well, my last three winners in the last week – all had it.
"Peace Force, she had it for three days and she came out and won on Sunday."
Rubick is expected to be on a float to Melbourne in the coming days after winning a 900 metre trial over Group II winning stablemate Time For War at Rosehill on Tuesday morning.
Time For War will follow a similar path to Rubick, with one lead-up run in Saturday's Group II Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Randwick before a shot at Group I glory down the Flemington straight.
"He's galloped with Rubick a couple of times and there's never more than a length between them which was the case again in the trial this morning," Ryan said.
"Time For War is a very underrated horse and he's going well too."
