Tips Category: Manikato Stakes

*Note: Due to a storm in Victoria on Friday 21st October, the Manikato Stakes has been moved to Cox Plate day, at the same track, Moonee Valley. The Manikato Stake will be Race 11 on the card, taking place at 6.25pm.*

Named in honour of Champion sprinter, Manikato, the Manikato Stakes is a 1200m Group 1 race held at Moonee Valley racecourse. Some fantastic sprinters have won the $2m weight-for-age feature, which since 2012 has been run under lights, and kicks off a massive weekend of racing at the Valley.

Last year’s Manikato was taken out by Qld sprinter, Jonker, who led from barrier to box and held off the late charge of Bella Nipotina, lines up again in this year’s race. She’s (Bella Nipotina) currently a $4.80 chance with Dabble, with Paulele the only runner in front of her in the market at $3.60. Last start G1 winner, Coolangatta, is on the next line at $5.50 and Queenslander, Rothfire, is a $6.50 chance.

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and the tight Valley circuit can be hard to handle for some horses. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Manikato Stakes along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Behemoth (16) – $34
Jockey – Ben Melham 58.5kg
Trainer – David Jolly

Well beaten in two Adelaide runs this prep. Has since trialled well and gets blinkers first time here, but is struggling to find his best form and will likely end up in a sticky spot from the wide gate.

2. Eleven Eleven (7) – $16
Jockey – Hugh Bowman 58.5kg
Trainer – Greg Hickman

Resumes here off the back of a nice trial win at Randwick. Went close to claiming G1 victory last prep before a disappointing run in the Stradbroke, where he started favourite. Usually takes a run to find his best form, as suggested by his first up record, but will get a nice cart into the race from the good gate and will finish hard.

The barriers for the Manikato Stakes are in 👊 pic.twitter.com/lXulK36BQo

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 17, 2022

3. Streets Of Avalon (10) – $91
Jockey – Zac Spain 58.5kg
Trainer – Shane Nichols

Resumes after failing to fire in two runs over the winter. Will roll forward from the middle gate and races well around the Valley, but might find a few of his rivals a bit sharp over the 1200m here.

4. The Inferno (17) – $41
Jockey – Blake Shinn 58.5kg
Trainer – Cliff Brown

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Found the line well late in the McEwen first up before a lacklustre effort last start in the Moir. Races well here and the step up to 1200m suits, but needs to improve on his latest run.

5. Paulele (6) – $3.60F
Jockey – James McDonald 58.5kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Only got warmed up late in the Moir first up before a strong last start win at Caulfield, where he copped more right hooks than a pro boxer. Should be cherry ripe third up out to 1200m and drawn well with McDonald on. Looks hard to beat again.

6. Shaquero (12) – $126
Jockey – Brett Prebble 58.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Ran ok first up at Rosehill in weaker grade before finishing down the track at Flemington last start. Never saw daylight last start and I think it’s fair to say he’s going better than his form on paper suggests but this looks a tough ask.

7. Rothfire (5) – $6.50
Jockey – Damian Lane 58.5kg
Trainer – Robert Heathcote

Scored a strong first up win here at the Valley in the McEwen followed by a close up fifth in the Moir last start. Will appreciate the rise in trip and comes up with a lovely gate. Looks one of the main hopes.

Latest @tabcomau market for Manikato Stakes after barrier draw this morning. pic.twitter.com/RauBuaXk04

— Glenn Munsie (@glennmunsieTAB) October 17, 2022

8. The Astrologist (8) – $21
Jockey – Fred Kerlsey 58.5kg
Trainer – Leon & Troy Corstens

Led and no match first up in the Bobbie Lewis before an improved effort last start behind Private Eye. That form reads well after last weekend’s Everest and should be ready to fire third up. Looks an abundance of early speed in the race which might be his biggest hurdle.

9. September Run (13) – $19
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Got run off her legs first up in the Moir. Will appreciate the step up to 1200m and genuine tempo here, and won William Reid second up last prep at this track/distance. Worth throwing in trifectas and first fours.

10. Bella Nipotina (2) – $4.80
Jockey – Craig Williams 56.5kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Too good first up in the Norman Carlyon before a brilliant second in the Moir last start. Finished second in this race last year and can go one better providing she can get the gaps in the straight.

11. Roch ‘N’ Horse (15) – $26
Jockey – Patrick Moloney 56.5kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Got nailed on the line in the Bobbie Lewis two starts back before a gallant second to Private Eye last start. That form is strong and she’ll have no issue measuring up here, but will need luck from the wide gate.

12. Jamaea (9) – $41
Jockey – Jye McNeil 56.5kg
Trainer – Luke & Robert Price

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Hasn’t been far away this prep in G2/G3 over the border. This is tougher but she should enjoy a nice cart into the race from the gate and will be strong at the 1200m. Could represent some good each way value.

Four more of our runners in Friday night’s Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in the sale ring! All proudly sold by Magic Millions!

🐴 The Astrologist
🐴 Jamaea
🐴 Best of Bordeaux
🐴 Coolangatta

Best of luck to all of our runners! pic.twitter.com/GLIRVaexHC

— Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) October 18, 2022

13. Best Of Bordeaux (14) – $14
Jockey – Tim Clark 53kg
Trainer – Kacy Fogden

Finished a gallant second in the Run to the Rose behind the smart, In Secret, before a dominant win in the Roman Consul last start. This is tougher and he will be used up early from the wide gate. Willing to leave him out of the numbers here.

14. Coolangatta (1) – $5.50
Jockey – Jamie Kah 51kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Led from go to whoa last start in the Moir from the inside gate. Will more than likely adopt similar tactics here from the rail draw and will be hard to run down with 51kg on her back. The last 100m will be the challenge.

15e. Savatoxl (18) – $81
Jockey – Linda Meech 58.5kg
Trainer – Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Resumes here. Has a dynamite fresh record and is a winner around the tight Valley circuit, but will need a lot of luck from the outside gate if he is to gain a start and recent form isn’t flash.

16e. General Beau (11) – $71
Jockey – N/A 58.5kg
Trainer – Mathew Ellerton

Had a good run in transit but was no match for Paulele first up. Hard to see him turning the tables on that galloper here, but did run a good race in the William Reid last prep and isn’t the worst in this field.

17e. In The Boat (3) – $41
Jockey – Blaike McDougall 58.5kg
Trainer – Lindsey Smith

Only missed a place twice in his thirteen start career and both of those unplaced runs have been this prep. Does have a brilliant record here at 1200m but will be tested up front and needs to find on recent form.

The final field for the 2022 @ladbrokescomau Manikato Stakes is in 👀

Behemoth
Eleven Eleven
Streets Of Avalon
The Inferno
Paulele
Shaquero
Rothfire
The Astrologist
September Run
Bella Nipotina
Roch ‘N’ Horse
Jamaea
Best Of Bordeaux
Coolangatta#LEGENDARY

— Cox Plate Carnival (@CoxPlate) October 17, 2022

18e. Sweet Ride (4) – $51
Jockey – Chad Schofield 53kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Honest colt who chased hard in the Roman Consul behind Best Of Bordeaux last start. Will get a nice run behind the speed and can run a race at big odds, but looks unlikely to gain a start in the final field.

Final Word

A strong field of quality sprinters line up in this year’s Manikato Stakes, and the early speed looks electric! Some rain is forecast for Friday but here’s hoping the track is in good condition for Friday night and of course Saturday’s Cox Plate.

It’s hard to go past the Blue Army here and their 4YO entire, Paulele. His closing splits were very good first up in the Moir before a dominant last start win at Caulfield. He should enjoy a nice run behind a hot tempo and have the last crack at them.

A horse who should get a similar cart into the race is Rothfire. He was excellent winning the McEwen first up and wasn’t far away in the Moir last start. The step up to 1200m will suit and he looks a big danger.

Bella Nipotina is racing well and jockey Craig Williams will be looking to win back-to-back sprint features after taking out last Saturday’s Everest in Sydney. He has the right horse under him to do so but will need to produce another brilliant ride here from the low draw. 

Sydney-siders, Eleven Eleven and Jamaea, both look good value and can finish in the money with a bit of luck off the back of a fast tempo.

Manikato Stakes Tip

5. Paulele – Win ($3.60)

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If you need more news, information and tips, head over to our Manikato Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

It is Cox Plate weekend and there is no better way to start than the Group One 1200m Manikato Stakes under lights on Friday night. 13 horses accepted the challenge but with an early scratching of Despatch, there are currently 12 set to face the starter.

Savatoxl is currently $4.60 favourite, at the time of writing on Thursday morning, courtesy of Australia’s newest and most exciting betting app – Dabble. He is followed by Lomabrdo ($5) and exciting three-year-old Godolphin colt, Ingratiating ($6.50). At the time of writing the track is rated a Good(4) but there is 6-10mm of rain predicted for Melbourne on Friday afternoon & evening, meaning this track could be deep into the soft range by the time we get to race seven, which will be at 8:15pm.

There has been plenty of talk of this being a weak Group One, given the top level sprinters competed in The Everest and the Sydney Stakes last weekend, but that means that we will potentially be able to unearth a new class sprinter from this race. We have taken the time to provide you with a runner by runner preview of the 2021 Manikato Stakes and provide The Shark’s best tip below!

The barrier draw for the Manikato Stakes 👇

📷: @Racing pic.twitter.com/YG6lmRJfsa

— RSN927am (@RSN927) October 18, 2021

1. Streets Of Avalon (8) – $31
Jockey – Zac Spain
Trainer – Shane Nichols

The seven-year-old gelding comes into this off a seven-week freshen but will be hoping to have found something in his time off. Streets Of Avalon is better over further and has no fresh wins in his long career.

2. Jonker (4) – $9
Jockey – Daniel Moor
Trainer – Tony Golan

Has been unlucky in both starts this prep but a 3.2L sixth to Masked Crusader looks good enough for this, given how The Everest played out last weekend. Will need the rain to stay away and the track to be good, but has won third up and his best stats are at 1200m.

3. Despatch (SCR)

4. Savatoxl (7) – $4.60
Jockey – Luke Currie
Trainer – Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Will jump as favourite after his last start win in the G2 Schillaci over 11000m. Rising up to 1200m is no problem, as he has won half his races at the distance, including the G1 Goodwood in May. Clearly the horse to beat off his stats and career history.

G2 winner for @CompasStallions Kuroshio as SAVATOXL claims Schillaci Stakes at @MelbRacingClub Caulfield. AU$1,000,000 G1 Manikato Stakes could be next for the @mcevoymitchell trainee! 🇦🇺🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/Gu8gB258fC

— ITM (@IREthoroughbred) October 9, 2021

5. Express Pass (10) – $23
Jockey – Rhys Mcleod
Trainer – Nick Ryan

Has had five weeks off from running but was an impressive winner over this track and distance two runs ago. He does his best work fresh so the little break may have him in good order and he won’t mind if the rain comes, with a 5:3-0-1 record on soft tracks.

6. Lombardo (3) – $5
Jockey – Jye McNeil
Trainer – Mike Price & Michael Kent Jnr

While this is a massive jump in class, when you consider he was running in a BM78 six weeks ago, Lombardo has won three on the trot, all at 1200m. Two starts back he won here at the Valley and while he had a weight advantage on the day, he still smacked them by 4 lengths. While he will prefer it to be a good track, he has won on soft before and clearly looks primed to compete in what is a weak Group One.

7. Away Game (12) – $26
Jockey – Linda Meech
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

She was no good up the straight on a soft track last start but had finished 2nd in both her runs prior to that this prep. Is a 1200m specialist but hasn’t run at the Valley before and has drawn wide. That will allow her to have clear air to burst home but she will need to find a few lengths here.

8. Bella Nipotina (1) – $11
Jockey – John Allen
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Bella Nipotina has been a revelation for the Maher & Eustace camp, finishing top three in all four of her runs this prep, including two wins. She finished second to Express Pass in her run this T/D in September but meets him 2kg better at the weights here and should put in another honest performance.

9. Swats That (11) – $19
Jockey – Damien Oliver
Trainer – Leon & Troy Corstens

While she has finished 1.8L behind Nature Strip previously, her first up run in the Moir left a lot to be desired. Especially when the first two contested The Everest last week and finished 9th and 12th respectively. Two of her three career wins are at the distance, including one at the Valley, but can’t be backing her off her last start effort.

10. La Mexicana (9) – $20
Jockey – Damian Lane
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

La Mexicana is such an honest performer, always putting in a great run. She has finished in the top four without winning in all four of her runs this prep but is 1/1 at this track and distance and clearly performs well over this trip. She will be up there on the speed and likes rain affected ground, which will give her every chance to compete in this.

Everyone right now… AGAIN#Ingratiating pic.twitter.com/VdEpXriKYE

— Mugspunting (@mugspunting) September 11, 2021

11. Ingratiating (6) – $6.50
Jockey – Craig Williams
Trainer – James Cummings

Well the decision by Godolphin to send Ingratiating here and Paulele to the Coolmore may have ruined some futures bets for the punters. He had excuses last start, with something going wrong in the run, and drops down to 53kg under WFA conditions. His best is good enough and the fast pace opens the door for swoopers, but this is his first step up to 1200m this prep, after three runs at 1100m, and he hasn’t won over this distance from three tries. Will he suck us in on his potential, probably. Will we be let down again, probably, but only time will tell.

12. Sneaky Five (5) – $8
Jockey – Dean Yendall
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

The first of two interesting three-year-old fillies from the Maher & Eustace camp, Sneaky Five is yet to lose from three tries in her career. She was very impressive first up against her own age and drops 6kg from that race. Her time was only 1 second slower than Lombardo’s last win over 1200m and he rises up in weight while Sneaky Five decreases in weight. If the race is brutal up the front and they blow themselves up contesting the lead, she could find a gap and burst through here.

 13. Crystal Bound (2) – $12
Jockey – Damien Thornton
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

The other Maher/Eustace filly, Crystal Bound, comes in off a race where she had no hope of winning from gate one, getting buried in traffic. She does draw barrier two for this race but Bella Nipotina, on her inside, doesn’t have great early speed so she can go forward. Like Sneaky Five, the drop in weights is a massive boost for her chances and Damien Thornton is in form at the moment.

Final Word

While Savatoxl is a deserved favourite on the back of some impressive form last prep and a brilliant first up win, there are some questions heading into the Manikato. He has never seen the Valley before, which is clearly a massive query, and favourites haven’t fared that well over recent years, with only three winning since 2010 and none of the last five years.

Interestingly, the last two winners, Loving Gaby and Hey Doc, both won the race when third up in their preparation, with only Jonker and Crystal Bound matching that description here, the latter being a Maher & Eustace trained filly, much like Loving Gaby. However, five-year-olds and geldings have had the best success over the last 10 years and there is a five-year-old gelding that sticks out like a sore thumb in this field.

Can Lombardo win the Manikato Stakes? pic.twitter.com/0DdWl0W7Oa

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 9, 2021

Lombardo has won three on the trot, all at 1200m, and unlike some others in the field, has actually raced at the Valley, and won. The Price & Kent Jnr camp have been targeting him at this race and given it is a weak Group One, this looks a perfect opportunity for him to complete his rise through the ranks. Given Dabble, Australia’s newest and best sports betting app, is offering a special ‘Rocket Boost’ for this race, you can get Lombardo’s odds higher than what any other bookie is offering for the race!

Best Manikato Stakes Tip: Lombardo – Win ($5)

There is plenty more Group One racing happening this weekend! If you want to check out our Runner-By-Runner analysis for the main event of the weekend, Saturday’s Cox Plate, click here! If you want a preview of the talented three-year-olds contesting the Bondi Stakes, click here! 

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Manikato Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Dabble. 

The Valley is home to some outstanding racing over the weekend, highlighted by the 100^th running of the Cox Plate (2040m). However, let’s not forget about the Group 1 action on Friday night, with a Manikato Stakes (1200m) chock full of value!

The big question mark is just how much rain we’re going to get, with showers forecast on Friday night. If the rain comes, don’t be surprised to see them come off the rail and even the playing field on the usually leaders-friendly Moonee Valley circuit.

Let’s take a look at each and every runner in the 2020 Manikato Stakes (1200m)…

1 – Trekking – $4 ?

Probably the best horse in the race, with one of the worst setups. Is obviously a class runner as evidenced by his flashing light run first up in the Moir Stakes, and massive effort to finish 4^th in The Everest. However, off a six-day break from a brutal Everest and with his racing pattern, I’m happy to bet around the favourite in search for some value, though still goes in exotics.

2 – Hey Doc – $10 ???

Did a stack of work first up in the Moir Stakes when he was caught wide and fought well last start in the Schillaci Stakes. Has won this race before and looks to map perfectly to stalk the leaders and pounce at the right time. Will appreciate the step up to 1200m third up and looks ready to win at the double figure quote.

3 – Kementari – $17 ??

Loomed to win in the Gilgai Stakes but just didn’t have enough in the tank first up. I usually wouldn’t be a fan of backing him with his racing style but Willo has the knack of getting them to jump well, and if he can settle forward of midfield, he’s a massive chance at long odds from the draw.

4 – Splintex – $34 ?

Sped out to lead at a suicidal tempo in the Schillaci, but stuck on well and is bringing the A grade Sydney form from earlier this preparation. Won’t mind if the rain comes and should be suited by being on-speed. Only query is the wide gate meaning he will have to sit outside Pippie, but is a chance at big odds.

5 – Order Of Command – $67

The price says it all, would have to start running now to have a chance.

6 – Dirty Work – $6

Another class runner that I’m happy to take on with the get back racing style and barrier, and short price in the market. Came over the top of them late to win the Schillaci thanks to the hot tempo, but think this setup is a lot worse for the Hawkes’ galloper.

7 – Lyre – $21

Hasn’t won for 86-weeks and always seems to find itself in trouble because it settles so far back. Talented mare, but happy to be against her here.

8 – Pippie – $6 ???

Won easily in the Moir Stakes, but there are some question marks over her ability over 1200m. She’s right in this again and is probably the one to beat with the gun inside draw.

9 – Bella Vella – $14 ?

Love this horse but happy to be against her this time around. She enjoys The Valley and is in great form, but from barrier 10, she’ll be covering a stack of ground, which makes it very tough. Is probably worth throwing into exotics at the price.

10 – Diamond Effort – $10 ???

Had no luck in the Moir Stakes and was very impressive in the Schillaci Stakes last start. Maps absolutely perfectly to boxseat behind Pippie, and will relish any rain that comes on the night. Right in this at the double figure quote and goes in everything.

11 – Brooklyn Hustle – $11

We’ve all seen the eye-catching runs from the back of the field, but she’ll need everything to go right here to have a gap to go through. Doesn’t handle wet tracks, and with the likely rain, it’s safe to bet around her here.

Tip: 2-10-8-3

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

*Odds accurate at time of posting article.