Group 1 racing returns to The Valley on Friday night and an open edition of the Manikato Stakes headlines the eight-race program.
The story of Savatoxl has been captivating, and The Goodwood winner has opened a warm favourite to secure his second win at the highest level in the Manikato Stakes.
Check out my 2021 Manikato Stakes Tips below to find out if I think he’s up to it!
Manikato Stakes – Winner – No. 2 Jonker
He has gone to another level since joining Tony Gollan’s team, and I think that Jonker can record his first Group 1 victory in this open edition of the Manikato Stakes.
He stamped himself as a runner to follow during his debut season, and while he did go off the boil for a couple of years, he returned to slick form through a summer and autumn prep this year.
That spell was highlighted by a win at the Magic Millions, as well as placings in The Galaxy and the Kingsford-Smith Cup.
He is yet to show his best form in two starts back this time, but fitter third-up and from the good draw, I am happy to stick with him.
Manikato Stakes – 2nd – No. 11 Ingratiating
Three-year-old Ingratiating looms as a key winning chance in the Manikato Stakes 2021.
The Frosted colt was a model of consistency through the best two-year-old races in autumn, winning a couple of Listed races and placing in both the Neds Blue Diamond and the Golden Slipper.
Having recorded an eye-catching win the Neds Vain Stakes when resuming this time, he only just missed in the Poseidon Stakes second-up, but did return a rare flat effort down the straight at Flemington last time.
He steps out in peak condition on Friday night, gets into this race well as a three-year-old and will be ridden by Craig Williams.
Manikato Stakes – 3rd – No. 8 Bella Nipotina
She has been a model of consistency again this prep and I am confident that Bella Nipotina can and will fight out the finish of the Manikato Stakes.
The Pride Of Dubai mare hasn’t missed placing in five starts back this time, scoring twice, and laying a great account for herself when third, beaten only a head in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes last time.
She kept all of her best work for late in that race, and given that she was only just held out by Savatoxl, I think that she is over the odds in this contest (and he is unders).
Manikato Stakes – 4th – No. 13 Crystal Bound
Two three-year-old fillies will take their place in the Manikato Stakes field, each will carry just 51kgs and Crystal Bound is the one I want to be with.
Crystal Bound has made just four appearances at the races so far, but has won twice and found form around some of the better fillies of her generation.
Fitter third-up on Friday night, I think she can run a cheeky race.
Manikato Stakes Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #2 Jonker
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below