Manikato Stakes Tips - Complete guide to the Moonee Valley Group 1 sprint
- Runner-by-Runner Guide to the Manikato Stakes
- Imperatriz is the red-hot favourite
- Who will take out the Moonee Valley Group 1?
The Group 1 Manikato Stakes is run over 1200m at The Valley racecourse under weight-for-age conditions. Who will the top sprinter in 2023?
The race was first run in 1968 and has been some by some champion sprinters including Manikato himself twice (1979,82), Sunline (2000) and Chautauqua (2015).
We have a fantastic field assembled and I’ve run through every runner below and taken a look at the best odds from Picklebet.
1. The Inferno (3)
Resumed in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at The Valley and was beaten 3.25 lengths behind Imperatriz.
Has won six of 13 at 1200m so the step up in distance suits but he’ll need to go to a new level to turn the tables on the favourites.
2. Buenos Noches (5)
The four-year-old gelding has had his runs spaced this prep and he was last seen finishing 3.5 lengths off Think About It in The Everest at Royal Randwick two weeks ago.
This will be his first trip around The Valley but he should settle just off the speed from barrier five.
3. Uncommon James (2)
Resumed in the Moir Stakes where he placed behind Imperatriz and found one better in Asfoora in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes two weeks ago at Caulfield.
He has an incredibly consistent resume, missing a place just once in 12 career starts and has won three of four over 1200m.
4. Jigsaw (7)
Was disappointing first up in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes down the straight at Flemington.
He’s a Group 2 winner here at The Valley back in January and he won five of six starts during that prep.
A progressive type of horse but I’m concerned he’s come back as well after his fresh performance.
5. I Am War (1)
Was beaten a combined 47 lengths in his last three runs last campaign and while he wasn’t beaten far when resuming here at The Valley it was in a much easier grade of race.
6. Imperatriz (4)
Connections decided to avoid the best sprinters in the country in The Everest by staying in Melbourne and it is paying dividends.
She couldn’t have been more dominant in two wins this prep in both the McEwen Stakes and Moir Stakes.
She’s now a two-time Group 1 winner at a track she clearly loves and it’s tough to see this field beating her.
7. I Am Me (6)
Won four of five during her last campaign and has now won two of three this prep.
She beat Airman and Bella Nipotina to take out the Group 3 Sydney Stakes at Randwick last start and although this is her first time at The Valley, she’s going very well right at the minute.
Verdict
SELECTIONS
1st: No. 6 Imperatriz
2nd: No. 3 Uncommon James
3rd: No. 2 Buenos Noches
4th: No. 7 I Am Me
2nd: No. 3 Uncommon James
3rd: No. 2 Buenos Noches
4th: No. 7 I Am Me
Imperatriz
To Win
@1/2 - 5 Units
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