Trainer can't split sprinters in Monash
From Racing and Sports 19/07/02

Brian Mayfield-Smith is unable to split his dynamic sprinting duo Rubitano and Prince Rubiton in tomorrow's $100,000 Sir John Monash Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield.

Mayfield-Smith said that both Rubiton gallopers, recent trial winners at Ballarat, had spelled together and this week even had similar blood counts.

"I couldn't honestly say with any degree of accuracy that one is more forward than the other," Mayfield-Smith said.

"They are both very good horses and there's really never been a lot between them.

"They went out and spelled together for about seven weeks and both have been back in the stable since the beginning of May."
Mayfield-Smith said their blood counts were only "a couple of points" apart.

Rubitano and Prince Rubiton haven't raced since clashing in the Newmarket Hcp (1200m) at Flemington in March.

Rubitano won the Group One feature while Prince Rubiton was only two lengths behind in tenth place.

Mayfield-Smith said Rubitano prevailed on that occasion because of a better preparation.

"Rubitano probably came in to the Newmarket better equipped that Prince Rubiton," Mayfield-Smith said.

"He had the benefit of a solid run the week before whereas Prince Rubiton hadn't raced for three weeks and he didn't get any cover in the race," he said.

Rubitano has won seven of his 10 starts and been placed on the other three occasions.

The gelding is a year younger than five-year-old Prince Rubiton who has won seven races and been placed twice in 13 starts.

The Monash could be the last time the two horses race one another this campaign.

Mayfield-Smith said he would like to step Rubitano up in distance and possibly make him a miler in the spring.

Brett Prebble first suggested the idea to Mayfield-Smith after winning the Newmarket on Rubitano.

"This time in I'd like to get Rubitano to run 1400 to 1600 metres and open up a few more options for him," Mayfield-Smith said.