Manikato Stakes Tips - Veight to click through the gears in his first run since the autumn

This could be a bit of a messy race early on but I expect Recommendation and Estriella to vye for the lead, while a number of others will look to settle handy. Not sure whether there will be enough pace in the race for the likes of I Wish I Win to launch over the top of them late. Willing to take on Growing Empire and keen on Veight at his first run back from a spell. The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained galloper generally likes to position handy in his runs and Damian Lane will look to find a spot in the running line early on. The son of Grunt produced excellent figures in all four of his runs last time and has won three of four at the distance, including a strong win here when first up. 

Southport Tycoon was runner-up behind Veight in the Australia Stakes earlier this year before going on to claim the Australian Guineas (1600m). His first up effort saw him place 5th at Randwick but his run was better than it looked, given the lack of early tempo up front in the early stages. He was well back early on but came home in 33.20 over the last 600m. I expect him to settle a bit closer in the run this time around from barrier 3 and he heads to Melbourne for the first time since his Guineas triumph. The $20 on offer looks to be value.