2014 Manikato Stakes: Preview, live blog, tips and results

The Manikato Stakes (1200m, Group 1, handicap) brings together some of Australasia’s best sprinters under lights at 9:45pm (AEDT). With a $1 million purse, this is a sprint of the highest quality.

This race has been run on Cox Plate eve the past two years, with Sea Siren scoring first-up in 2012 and Buffering winning last year after he was thumped by Samaready in the Moir.

This meeting has generally been on-pace dominated, so look for horses to be winning no more than three off the fence.

Like a good sprint, this race is stacked with early gate speed. Expect Buffering to lead, but there will be plenty of pressure from the likes of Bounding, Temple of Boom and Moment of Change drawn wide. I’d also expect Craig Newitt to tuck in behind the leaders on Lankan Rupee, along with Terravista.

The first four home in the Moir Stakes return, where Buffering led throughout. He was unchallenged up-front, will improve from the run and has drawn perfectly. Lankan Rupee has not really handled the Valley at both starts this preparation. A minor hoof injury does not help his cause, but you cannot dismiss him based on his outstanding performances in the autumn.

Rebel Dane was a strong third and was unlucky up the straight. He ran a good race in this last year and Craig Williams is great from inside draws. Angelic Light was beaten less than a length in the same race, however she had a clear fitness advantage on her rivals on that occasion.

The favourite is Terravista, who pulled out two strong, fresh performances this preparation. This is his acid test, but the stable have a huge rap on him. Famous Seamus ran into him in The Shorts and meets him slightly better at the weights. His next start in the Premiere Stakes was excellent, given he was three wide and ridden on-speed against his usual pattern.

Of the others, Platelet comes off a sound second in the Schillaci Stakes behind crack three-year-old Rubick. She is super consistent, but unproven against the boys at this level. Iconic clocked some slashing sectionals behind her and while he will settle a long way back, the fast pace will suit. Not Listenin’tome had excuses, but will need to recapture his autumn form to be a chance here.

Bounding ran into Chautauqua last start and has built an impressive race record, while Temple of Boom was unusually poor down the straight, but pulled up with a slight respiratory problem.

It is scary to think that even without Slade Power, Chautauqua and the three-year-olds, this is sprint chock full of class.

With lots of speed, a firm track, and under lights, this promises to be one of the races of the carnival.

Selections
1. Buffering
2. Famous Seamus
3. Terravista
4. Rebel Dane