Manikato Stakes Tips - Runner-by-Runner Guide for the Moonee Valley Group 1
- Group 1 Manikato Stakes held over 1200m at The Valley
- Historical wins by champion sprinters such as Manikato, Miss Andretti, and Chautauqua
- Top picks: I Wish I Win, Estriella, Southport Tycoon and Hayasugi promising a competitive race
Run at The Valley the night before the AFL Grand Final, the Group 1 Manikato Stakes is run over 1200m under weight-for-age conditions.
The race was first held in 1968 and has been won by some champion sprinters including Manikato (1979,82), Miss Andretti (2006) and Chautauqua (2015).
We have gone through every horse in the field this year and offered our thoughts and top 4 selections below.
1. I Wish I Win (12)
For the first time in almost two years the Moody and Coleman trained gelding missed a place when he resumed in the Moir Stakes here at The Valley.
The 1000m didn’t suit him but he made up considerable ground late to only be beaten just over a length and he’ll no doubt improve into this race second up.
2. Veight (9)
Won the Group 2 Australia Stakes at this track and distance first up from a spell last campaign and he has had two nice trials leading into this assignment.
While he may be better over further, he has won three times from four attempts at 1200m and represents great each way value at his current price.
3. Recommendation (5)
Finished third to Veight in that Australia Stakes back in January but has gone to another level since then.
He gets his shot at Group 1 racing off the back of three Group 3 victories in a row and if he can get to the front from barrier five it will be a brave punter to suggest he won’t feature in the finish.
4. Southport Tycoon (3)
Another horse to have contested that Australia Stakes over 1200m at The Valley where he was beaten a nose and following that he took out the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington.
Was beaten four lengths behind Joliestar first up but he did make up ground in the straight and will improve off that effort.
5. Johnny Rocker (13)
He’s an honest sprinting horse and although he finished seventh in the Moir Stakes, he was only two lengths away from the winner.
I’m confident he’ll run another good race but I’m convinced he’s a level below the top line sprinters.
6. Caballus (8)
Was far from disgraced in the Moir Stakes first up but was never a winning hope.
Has trialed in between runs but is out of his depth at this level in my opinion.
7. Chain Of Lightning (4)
Another that didn’t feature in the blanket finish in the Moir Stakes first up but wasn’t beaten far on paper.
The short course at THe Valley was never her go and the 1200m suits.
Is capable on a good track but would prefer some rain which is unlikely.
8. Estriella (10)
Raced wide without any cover in the Moir Stakes so she was very brave to finish under a length from the winner.
She proved she can mix it with the best at the top level and the extra 200m will only suit her although she has drawn a sticky gate.
9. Kimochi (6)
This daughter of Brave Smash has had five goes at Group 1 level for three minor placings including a close third in the Coolmore Classic against the older mares.
She was impressive beating Commemorative first up over 1100m and will appreciate the extra distance for this event.
10. Climbing Star (11)
The 2024 Group 1 Sangster winner resumes and her fresh record is solid having won twice from four first up runs.
She’s a consistent sprinting mare but I’m not sure she is up to winning a race of this quality.
11. Coleman (1)
There is no doubting he is a talented colt who probably deserves a Group 1 having placed twice at the top level to close out his two-year-old season.
He made up considerable ground late in the Moir Stakes first up but most horses were entitled to with the way the race was set up.
I Wish I Win and Hayasugi both went past him late and I’d prefer them going out to 1200m.
12. Growing Empire (7)
This is an exciting colt who has now won four of five career starts including an arrogant win at Listed level down the Flemington straight two weeks ago.
I loved the way he responded when he was challenged at the 200m in that race and with just 52kg on his back, and Craig Williams steering, why not have a throw at the stumps!
13. Hayasugi (2)
Unlike the three-year-old above, this filly has proven herself at the top level heading into this race.
She is already a Group 1 winner and was flashing late against the older horses in the Moir Stakes first up at this track.
Should get a nice run in transit in barrier two and I can’t see why she won’t be storming home late yet again.
Verdict
1st: No. 1 I Wish I Win
2nd: No. 8 Estriella
3rd: No. 4 Southport Tycoon
4th: No. 13 Hayasugi
I Wish I Win
Each-Way
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