It’s the Cox Plate weekend. Everyone can’t wait to see Winx run in her fourth Cox Plate. But the Manikato Stakes, on the same day brings a stellar field with no less than four international horses.
We bring you a horse-by-horse analysis of this deadly field:
Brave Smash: It was clear that this boy doesn’t like the slop. The Everest was a complete ‘wash out’ for him. He has an excellent form, as seen in the Moir Stakes and should be one of the leaders in this race.
Kementari: Godolphin’s Kementari can be tough to beat. He has been in the best races this season, including Missile Stakes and the Memsie Stakes. The Lonhro entire and jockey Glyn Schofield have a lot of scope to win this one if he produces his A-game.
Malaguerra: Malaguerra can run beautifully but has not raced since Darley Classic 12 months ago, where his performance was dismal. Could be an interesting watch this one.
Voodoo Lad: Voodoo Lad , he has won well at The Valley in the past but this is a tough field. He will need to step up considerably.
Jungle Edge: Jungle Edge loves the slop. He chased home Pierata to finish second in what was a strong edition of the Sydney Stakes at The Valley on Everest Day. But the track won’t be sloppy this time which would make it tough for him to beat the best.
Spirit Of Valour: Spirit Of Valour finished second behind Ball Of Muscle in the Schillaci Stakes. Oisin Murphy may have some tricky riding in front of him but he has the form and the aggression to land in the top three.
Intelligence Cross: The boy maybe out classed here. To win he needs a huge step up in class and confidence.
U S Navy Flag: U S Navy Flag missed the start in The Everest and there is no doubt that he didn’t enjoy the wet track. This time there is no chance of rain, so Ryan Moore should be able to take him straight to the front and that would make him tough to beat. The War Front colt is a horse that is capable of a high-rating performance on his day, as we saw when he won the July Cup.
Fleet Review: International runner, Fleet Review may not be in his fittest form.
Houtzen: Houtzen is unlikely to beat the likes of Brave Smash at the 1200 meter mark.
Tulip: Tulip was considered an Everest potential last year. Unfortunately, since then, she’s finished fourth in the Blazer Stakes at Flemington in her last start. It is unlikely she can win a race of this quality.
Spright: Spright was a good third in the Moir Stakes. But this race may just not be her kettle of fish!
Invincible Star: Invincible Star was withdrawn from The Everest after her dismal performance in the Premiere Stakes. Has her condition improved since then? We need to wait and watch. The trainer would have had some confidence if he decided to take her into the race.
Sunlight: Sunlight is brave and she has a great turn of foot. But this is a tough class of sprinters. We will just have to see her step up to this challenge.
Click Here to Watch Manikato Stakes Race 2017
1st Hey Doc (J: Luke Currie T: Tony McEvoy), 2nd In Her Time (J: Corey Brown T: Benjamin Smith), 3rd Malaguerra (J: Damien Oliver T: Peter Gelagotis), 4th Viddora (J: Joe Bowditch T: Lloyd Kennewell), 5th Vega Magic (J: Craig Williams T: David and B Hayes and T Dabernig), 6th Spieth (J: Nash Rawiller T: Bryce Heys), 7th Rock Magic (J: Jarrad Noske T: Chris Gangemi), 8th Super Cash (J: Katelyn Mallyon T: Andrew Noblet), 9th English (J: Mark Zahra T: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott)
1.Brave Smash (D Weir H Bowman), 2. Kementari (J Cummings G Schofield), 3. Malaguerra (P Gelagotis B Melham), 4. Voodoo Lad (D Weir M Zahra), 5. Jungle Edge (M Bell D Dunn), 6. Spirit Of Valor (A O'Brien O Murphy), 7. Intelligence Cross (A O'Brien E Mc Namara), 8. U S Navy Flag (A O'Brien R Moor), 9. Fleet Review (A O'Brien K McEvoy), 10. Houtzen (T Edmonds R Maloney), 11. Tulip (D & B Hayes & T Dabernig R Bayliss), 12. Spright (G Frazer D Oliver), 13. Invincible Star (G Waterhouse & A Bott S Baster), 14. Sunlight (T McEvoy T Clark)
Distance:1,200 metres, Surface:Turf, Track:Left-handed, Qualification:Three years old and older,Weight:Weight for Age, Purse:$1,000,000 (2017)
Credit: Ritesh Jamkhedkar ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com