Rivellino justified odds-on favouritism, as he came home a comfortable winner of the 32Red.com Claiming Race.

The now nine time winner was third to Jon Ess on his last start over the course in February, and having opened at 1/2 on-course this evening, he eventually went off a 4/11 chance (was available at evens last night).

Settled in third by Robbie Downey, the Adrian McGuinness trained eight-year-old was ridden to lead over a furlong out, keeping on well from there to score by two and three parts of a length. Seanie finished second under Pat Smullen for David Marnane at 9/2, while Iron Ryan was another six lengths back in third.

"He was the classiest horse in the race and had run very good solid races here in handicap company," said McGuinness.

"His last couple of runs were rock solid and he was entitled to win it.

"He's there to be claimed. He's a good rock solid horse, and I wouldn't want to lose him as he's won three times for me, but if he is he is and that's why we put him in it.

"He was a classy horse in his day but he's slipped down the ratings a bit. He was a better horse than most of them there."

Rivellino was later claimed by Ian Barrett of the Melbourne 10 Racing Club, and he will now be trained by Jamie Osborne.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson