This season's Newmarket Handicap hero Rubitano led home Ruby Slipper and Prince Rubiton in a clean sweep for the Blue Gum Farm champion.

The unique Monash Stakes result comes after the champion's book had already been filled for the upcoming breeding season.

Rubitano, who like the third placegetter Prince Rubiton is trained by Brian Mayfield-Smith, was bred and is part owned by Des Pope.

Pope, the man behind Pope Packaging, made what he now calls a "brilliant decision" to become a shareholder in Rubiton when he relocated to Victoria from the now defunct Trans Media Park Stud.

The excited breeder and part owner was not surprisingly praising Blue Gum Farm's famous stallion.

"Rubiton is a marvel," Pope said. "To trifecta the race is an incredible achievement."

Rubitano and Ruby Slipper are again set to clash in the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes in a fortnight, while Prince Rubiton will headed to the Aurie's Star Plate at Flemington eight days later.

Mayfield-Smith is even looking at aiming Rubitano for the Cox Plate where he is expected to clash with champion gallopers Sunline and Northerly in October at Moonee Valley.

"He's a really high class horse," the astute trainer said. "I'd really like to stretch him out to longer trips while keeping the other fellow (Prince Rubiton) back in the sprints."

Demand for Rubiton is amazing at present and there's little wonder why!

This season the former Horse of the Year has been represented by a swag of top class performers including Rubitano, Ruby Slipper, Fields of Omagh and Prince Rubiton.

Another of Rubiton's stars this season, the flying two-year-old filly Innovation Girl, will travel to Adelaide on Saturday to run in the Group Three Dermody Stakes at Cheltenham.

Rubiton is standing the 2002 season again at Blue Gum Farm in Victoria for a service of just $8,800. He is already fully booked along with Encosta de Lago.

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