Trainer Michael Freedman is eyeing another feature race success this spring as his classy mare Manaal gears up for Saturday’s Group 2 The Invitation (1400m) at Rosehill.
A Group 1 winner as a juvenile in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Manaal has been in sparkling form this campaign, adding both the Sheraco Stakes and Golden Pendant to her resume and boosting her career earnings to nearly $2 million.
Set to carry 59kg under the set weights and penalties conditions, just half a kilogram below multiple Group 1 winner Stefi Magnetica, Freedman said the conditions are ideal for his in-form mare.
“She’s great and she’ll line up in The Invitation,” Freedman said. “It looks a really suitable race for her.”
Having already beaten several key rivals including Gerringong, Firestorm and Gangsta Granny this prep while giving them weight, Manaal looks well placed to continue her winning streak. Freedman hinted that a strong performance on Saturday could pave the way for a crack at the Golden Eagle (1500m) the following week.
“She’s probably a little unproven at the mile, but I think the 1500 metres will be fine,” he said. “She ran a terrific race in the Coolmore Classic in the autumn over that trip. The only other time she went beyond that was in the Champagne Stakes as a two-year-old when it was knee-deep in mud.”
Manaal is the $4 favourite for The Invitation ahead of Miss Roumbini and Stefi Magnetica, while she sits at $21 in early markets for the Golden Eagle, where she could clash with unbeaten star Autumn Glow.