Star colt Rubick’s spring return has been delayed with trainer Gerald Ryan saying a virus which has affected him is prevalent in many other stables.

Ryan said Rubick spiked a temperature on Tuesday but he hoped he would recover in time with the Coolmore Stud Stakes in November still a Group One target.

“There is a virus going through stables, both harness and thoroughbreds, up and down the eastern seaboard,” Ryan said.

“If you didn’t take their temperatures you wouldn’t know they had it.

“They keep eating up and there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong.

“I know other trainers who have horses with it.”

Ryan said Black Opal Stakes winner Lucky Raquie also had the virus and her spring was on hold.

“She has gone out,” he said.

“The plan with Rubick was to run in the San Domencio and the Danehill in Melbourne then to back off him with the Coolmore Stud Stakes in mind.

“Now we will change that around and hopefully get him back for the Schillaci and then the Coolmore.”

Ryan’s spirits were lifted a little on Saturday with the win of Oakfield Commands in the TAB Rewards (1200m).

Oakfield Commands was given a short break after he struggled over the 1350m of the Civic Stakes but was in his comfort zone over the shorter distance.

Sent out at $5, Oakfield Commands led all the way under Ryan’s apprentice Lester Grace to hold off The Peak ($5) by a short neck with a long head to the favourite Skip Town ($3.30).

“It wasn’t necessarily the plan to lead but Lester judged the race perfectly,” Ryan said.

“He is a very under-rated rider and the hardest worker in the stable.”