2020 Manikato Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds, & Tips

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.