Feature race in Victoria on the weekend is the Chester Manifold Stakes over seven furlongs. Last start winner, one of only two in the race, British General is the early favourite at $2.70 with Sportsbet but, with a further six runners at or under the $11.00 quote, he’ll face plenty of competition.

Magic Millions 2YO Classic Form Guide

1. VEEWAP (2)

Tony Vasil had the 7yo in fine form over the Spring Carnival that included a win in Open company, a third in the Listed Weekend Hussler behind Instinction and a close up fifth in the Sale Cup behind Sertorius. Returned in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) off an eight week break and finished sixth (beaten 2.7 lengths) behind Undeniably. Can only be better for that and his spring form is strong but hasn’t cracked it for a win in eight starts at Flemington.

Odds: $13.00

2. ROCKPECKER – D Lane (6)

Made good ground late three starts back in the Listed Kevin Heffernan Stakes behind Mid Summer Music and backed that up with a close up fourth to Shout Out Loud (beaten 1.6) in an Open Handicap. Just held his ground last start under 59kgs, finishing eighth (beaten 3 ¼ lengths) behind Future Solution. Wins have been well spaced in the past few years.

Odds: $26.00

3. UNDER THE EIFFEL – V Duric (11)

It’s been over a year and eleven starts since this Mossman 5yo has saluted the judge. Frustratingly, he has started under the 5/1 quote in eight of those races! He was again close – and maybe a touch unlucky, last start finishing 1 ¾ lengths behind Future Solution in an Open Handicap. Draw won’t help but can’t totally dismiss him at $8.00 as he is never far away.

Odds: $8.50

4. ORBIT EXPRESS – J Winks (7)

It has been close to two years since his last win – which coincidentally was over this track and trip which he holds the good record of 3 wins and 3 second from 11 starts. Draw wide and got back last start when fifth (beaten 3.1 lengths) behind British General who dictated the race from the front. Will be faced with a similar situation again here and not sure he’ll be able to turn the result around.

Odds: $9.00

5. GOLD SAND – R Wheeler (3)

Despite being first up for six months and being quoted at 20/1, he produced a fantastic effort in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) when finishing just over a length from Undeniably. Can only be better for that run and has a win over Faster Son and Utah Saints last prep over this trip. Capable of a cheeky effort from a good draw and good price ($13.00).

Odds: $13.00

6. BY THE WAY – J Benbow (9)

He ran Fawkner to three quarter’s of a length is the Listed Tavern Stakes over this track and trip before an eighth of eleven in the Sale Cup. Produced a good finish when first up since the Sale Cup, finishing two lengths behind Undeniably in the Christmas Stakes. A capable galloper who must rate a chance off his first up run and his effort behind Fawkner in the Spring.

Odds: $11.00

7. COSMIC CAUSEWAY – (5)

Peter Moody trained galloper who returns to racing after finishing fourth of eight (beaten 4.6 lengths) behind Streets Away in an Open class race at Moonee Valley in August. First up record consists of one third from four attempts and best efforts are generally a few runs into his preparation.

Odds: $31.00

8. FUTURE SOLUTION – D Stackhouse (8)

Good win last start, when claiming an Open class race over this track and trip last start, defeating Lone Command and Lord Of Brazil. Start before, chased home British General (who won again) so he’s form is solid enough to give him serious consideration.

Odds: $9.00

9. BRITISH GENERAL – G Boss (1)

Sat on speed and prevailed by a head two starts back in a RST 89 event, defeating The New Boy before stepping up to Open company and again, from the front of the field, proved too strong and recorded ¾ length win. Sticking with the proven formula of this track and trip, G. Boss and looks the natural leader again – and hard to beat.

Odds: $2.70

10. BIG BUDDIE – D Smith (10)

Recorded a good second to Adamantium two starts back and then chased home the same horse in the G3 Standish Handicap on New Year’s Day, finishing seventh (beaten 5 ¼ lengths. Better suited back to this grade but awkward draw and makes it a little difficult.

Odds: $11.00

11. DASH FOR VIZ – N Hall (4)

Has continued her frustrating habit of running second (she has 12 second compared to four wins overall) by running by running second at three of her last five starts including her last start, when ¾ length behind British General. Goes well this track and trip and whilst can’t tip her on top, can include her in any multiples.

Odds: $8.50

OVERVIEW

When on a good thing, stick to it the saying goes and that’s what Dan O’Sullivan, trainer of British General, has done. Flemington 1400m, Glenn Boss and a good draw – has been a winning combination and there’s a good chance of making it three straight. Thought Gold Sand was capable of producing a good run and represents value as does By The Way.