Manikato Stakes Tips - Baraqiel to maintain perfect Valley record in showdown with Lady Shenandoah

Lady Shenandoah is favourite after final acceptances, despite drawing barrier 10. The Chris Waller–trained mare has been earmarked for an Everest slot and comes off a narrow and unlucky defeat in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick. The three-time Group 1 winner will be hard to beat. 

Baraqiel looms large after his Moir Stakes (1000m) victory and is four from four at Moonee Valley. He is one of six that come out of the Moonee Valley Group 1, including the runner-up, Alabama Lass, as well as Payline and the unlucky Skybird, who was first up after her triumph in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington earlier this year. 

Rothfire is another that was unlucky in the Moir Stakes and will strip fitter. The veteran was runner-up in the Doomben 10000 (1200m) when second up at his last preparation. 

Charm Stone and Ameena are others in the field of 10 that is worth $2 million and will be run at 9:45pm

Expect a solid pace with Alabama Lass drawn to take advantage from barrier 5. Sir Sway might tuck in behind her, while Rothfire and Baraqiel are among those that might push up to be handy. Magic Time draws barrier 1 and will either push up to sit leaders back or be three back, while Lady Shenandoah will look to slot into a midfield spot with James McDonald on board. Skybird is likely to get back and be saved for one last crack at them. 

Hard to ignore Baraqiel’s form at Moonee Valley and his best benchmark figures have come over the 1200m, going 12 lengths faster than standard benchmark in both of his runs last year. The lightly raced seven-year-old went a tick under 10 lengths faster last time in the Moir and should have some improvement to come. Lady Shenandoah is the deserved favourite and went 13.5 lenghts faster when resuming. She improved more than seven lengths on figures at the second run of her autumn preparation to claim the Surround Stakes. Magic Time cannot be forgotten but it is hard to go past the top two in the market. It is a real flip of the coin between the two but Baraqiel gets the nod, given he draws slightly better and has the 1200m Valley form backed up by some slick times.  

Alabama Lass is a possible improver out of the Moir Stakes. The Kiwi mare settled handy but cost herself in the run by racing keenly throughout. She was checked on straightening and gave a kick in the straight, looking to be the winner before being bloused late by Baraqiel. Her best form back at home was over the 1200m and if she can settle a fraction better, she is right in this.