Co-trainer Troy Corstens has rediscovered the thrill of Group 1 success and is determined to experience it again as stable star Baraqiel lines up at Moonee Valley this Friday night.
Baraqiel, trained in partnership by Leon and Troy Corstens with Will Larkin, claimed the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on September 6 and now chases another elite victory in the Manikato Stakes (1200m).
Corstens said the Moir triumph ended an eight-year drought since Montoya’s Secret’s 2017 Vinery Stud Stakes win at Rosehill, and he has no intention of waiting that long for another.
“We got the Group 1, but once you’ve got one, you want more unfortunately, because we’re greedy,” Corstens said.
“Winning Group 1’s is really addictive. It was eight years since my last one and I’m hoping it won’t be eight years until my next one.”
The stable had pinpointed the Manikato as Baraqiel’s main spring goal when he resumed after his latest setback. His path altered slightly after being scratched from the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in July following a vet check, but he made up for it with the Moir win.
“This was always going to be our Grand Final, but we may change that afterwards as I always say as a horse trainer, I deserve the right to change my mind at any time of the day,” Corstens said.
“I would love to look at The Everest, if I can. I think Nathan (Bennett) has had a couple of little phone calls, but nothing serious just yet.
“I think everyone is holding back for Friday night and to win the Moir, it was a bonus.
“We were going to start off in the Bletchingly and then we were open as to how we were going to get to the Manikato.
“It might have been the Moir anyway, but when we missed the Bletchingly, it forced our hand.”
Baraqiel has drawn barrier seven in the 10-horse Manikato field and will once again be ridden by Ben Allen, who has partnered the gelding in all 12 of his career runs for eight victories.
Corstens said Allen will have full licence to judge the race as it unfolds.
“It will be interesting to see what goes forward,” Corstens said.
“Maybe Sir Sway goes forward, Alabama Lass will probably go forward. Rothfire is drawn outside us, so that might make it OK for us if he goes forward and then it depends where he gets posted.
“I try not and pin Ben down with much. He knows what he’s doing and knows the horse very well.
“We’ll let him ride the horse and the race and go from there.”
With Friday’s running the last Manikato Stakes to be held at the current Valley track before redevelopment, Corstens said victory would be especially memorable.
“I love Moonee Valley, so to win it would be unbelievable,” he said.
Punters eyeing off the Manikato Stakes can find the leading betting sites, trusted bookmakers and the best betting apps for race-day wagers.
