It kicks off a huge weekend of racing at The Valley and the Manikato Stakes has drawn another open field of sprinters!
Paulele couldn’t have been more impressive on his way to winning the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield a fortnight ago, and he has opened a fitting favourite in Manikato Stakes betting, but there is a case to be made for many of them, and it’s another outstanding betting race.
Manikato Stakes – Winner
No. 5 Paulele
He is one of my favourite horses and the Manikato Stakes is the perfect opportunity for Paulele to win a Group 1 feature.
The Dawn Approach entire has been an outstanding horse throughout his career, and he was unlucky not to record his first win at the highest level when placing in three-consecutive Group 1 features earlier this year.
He copped an accident whip to the face from a rival jockey in the Schillaci Stakes and still let down to win, and he takes his place this week in peak order, and under James McDonald.
Manikato Stakes – 2nd
No. 10 Bella Nipotina
I think that the market has the top two lines of betting correct and Bella Nipotina can fight out the finish of the Manikato Stakes.
Bella Nipotina won the Carlyon Stakes here at The Valley when resuming and absolutely attacked the line to finish second, beaten a head in the Moir Stakes here last time out.
She is a Valley specialist, I like that she has been kept fresh for this race and she should receive every chance again under Craig Williams.
Manikato Stakes – 3rd
No. 2 Eleven Eleven
This is something of a speculative tip, but we do know how good Eleven Eleven can be at his best, and I think he’ll run a bolter in the Manikato!
The Fastnet Rock gelding is a three-time winner at the Magic Millions, and he returned some excellent performances during the Winter Carnival this year, charging home to finish third, beaten a head in the Kingsford-Smith Cup most notably.
He might find a couple of these rivals a little too sharp, but I am confident that his class will see him into the finish.
Manikato Stakes – 4th
No. 13 Best Of Bordeaux
Best Of Bordeaux looks a touch of overs at Manikato Stakes odds of $16 (at publish).
The Snitzel colt won the Canonbury Stakes and the Silver Slipper on debut in the autumn and was put away after finishing second in the Golden Slipper.
He needed his first two runs back this time to tine up, but returned to winning form with a dominant performance in the Roman Consul Stakes last time out.
He’s untested at The Valley, but he’ll be ideally suited to every other condition in the Manikato Stakes, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right in the finish.
Manikato Stakes Suggested Bets
- 5 Units straight out #5 Paulele
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below