Manikato Stakes Tips & Runner-by-Runner Preview
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- The sprinters are in action over 1200m at The Valley
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Manikato Stakes Tips & Runner-by-Runner Preview
The Manikato Stakes is a top sprint race at Moonee Valley on Friday, and a field of 12 lines up.
The Everest might have taken some of the potential runners out of this field, so it's not as strong as recent editions. However, it's a good betting field with each-way odds available throughout.
We look at the form of every runner in the Manikato Stakes on Friday.
Streets of Avalon
The seven-year-old isn't running well enough for our liking. He might be a two-time winner at The Valley and a 10-time winner overall, but he would need a big form turnaround to push them close. Barrier nine isn't going to help his chances either.
Jonker
There has been steady money for the Queenslander, despite not running overly well in two starts this season. He is a smart type on his day, but he's only a four-time winner, punters haven't consistently cashed with him. He's too risky, and the odds are too short.
Savatoxl
The South Australian owns 17 wins from 31 starts, and he's an underrated type. He showed excellent form when winning at Caulfield last time out, which should be a top form guide for this race He has yet to race at The Valley, but he loves the distance and we love his chances.
Express Pass
Already a two-time winner this preparation but he would need to find an extra gear to beat this field. We're looking at other runners to provide punters with better value.
Lombardo
We are keen on Lombardo, who has gone to another level over his last three starts. They have all been impressive wins, including an easy victory on this track last time out. He has the most progression of any runner in the field, so it would be foolish to leave him out. Punters are getting value odds.
Away Game
The quality mare didn't show much down the Flemington straight last start, which was a concern. Her form prior was solid, but we don't know how well she pulled up out of that race. The betting suggests she will struggle on Friday.
Bella Nipotina
She is only a three-time winner and has yet to win at The Valley, but Bella Nipotina has upside off the inside draw. She is always around the mark, and there has been solid betting support for her throughout the week.
Swats That
The four-year-old showed plenty of ability as a youngster, but she hasn't lived up to expectations since. We like her ability overall, but she might need a few more runs.
La Mexicana
Lovely odds for a consistent performer. She hasn't done much wrong this season, and although yet to win, she is firmly knocking on the door. We wouldn't be leaving her out.
Ingratiating
A tough three-year-old, who gets in with a light weight. Could be dangerous with 53kg on his back, but the betting drift from $5 to $8 is a concern.
Sneaky Five
Unbeaten after three starts and she is the pick of the bunch from the Maher/Eustace stable. 51kg on her back is ideal, so watch for her late.
Crystal Bound
Two wins and two placings from four starts. Only fair last time out, but she could bounce back at the weights.
Verdict
We're going with Lombardo to score the Manikato Stakes at each-way odds. He has been electric this season, and he could rise to another level.
Leaving out Savatoxl would be a mistake, and we're confident with Sneaky Five as the best three-year-old option.
Lombardo
Manikato Stakes Winner
@4/1 - 5 Units
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