MANIKATO STAKES NIGHT

Race 1

Happy to be with Biased Witness here at the each-way value. Disappointed as favourite last start but down 3kg and Moonee Valley will suit, his trackwork was good having a look around on Tuesday morning. Showpero looks to be a handy type from Adelaide, raced well in a strong Lightening Stakes last start. Should box seat my only concern is up 4.5kg in the weights. At the prices I’d rather be on Biased Witness. Snitty Kitty ran a solid third behind Slypheed last start at Caulfield, will more than likely be sitting one out one back and will make his own luck.

Numbers 6-4-10-2

Race 2

Mihany looks the good thing of the night, Led all the way this course and distance two starts ago in what was a better race than this, then he just found Royal Rapture too good last time out at Caulfield, he will either take up the lead or sit just behind Sandhill Warrior and be too good for these. Marwood run a solid third behind Mr Individual on this track three weeks ago, I hold reservations about him running the mile but on form has to be considered. Refulgent, Sandhill Warrior and Profit Share all hold place claims .

Numbers 1*-6-2-5

Race 3

Tarquin has finally found the right race, fourth up he should be nearing peak fitness, ran huge last start in the JRA Cup behind Real Love, did a power of work so that run cannot be underestimated. He’s ready to produce his best effort. No knock on Nozomi’s win last start, the 2040m holds concerns in what is a stronger race than what he faced at Caulfield, however he must be respected. Nevis and Second Bullet are both good enough however they both need a lift on recent form.

Numbers 5-7-4-3

Race 4

Going with Gabella here, her form doesn’t look great on paper but she’s been racing in much tougher grades than this up against the likes of Euro Angel and Jameka, she raced well last start at Caulfield making ground against the pattern of the day only finishing 4 lengths from eventual winner Euro Angel, from a nice barrier I think this race sets up nicely for her. C’est Beau La Vie has form in better races than this however she had every chance last start and will have to do more work here from gate 13. Ultra consistent galloper Powderworks always has to be considered in every race she runs this is tougher though. Tears of Joy will be fitter and can run well at a price.

Numbers 1-2-7-4

Race 5

Golden Spin is the class horse in the race, as long as he’s fit enough he’ll go close, should sit on the speed and be able to control the race. Brockhoff won’t have any problem with the track and distance and goes well first up, i think he’s just a class below Golden Spin. Runson is the fit horse in the racing competing in this race three weeks ago, might just not be up to these but he’ll make his own luck on the pace.

Numbers 5-8-6-2

Race 6

D’day here for Rageese, Third up after two solid runs in better races than this behind horses such as Chetwood, Hellbent and Sheidel, drawn perfectly and should be winning here. Scherzoso worked very impressively with Don’t Doubt Mamma, he will improve over further but it a race with not alot of depth he should be hitting line line well. Whenever Phillip Stokes brings a horse east of the border you have to take notice, looks a very nice type, the market will be a good guide. Very happy to be with Rageese here.

Numbers 3-1-11-2

Race 7

Chautauqa looked underdone last start and raced that way, His last 100m was as impressive as ever, he’ll be fitter second up and the 1200m will suit down to the ground. Expecting the best sprinter in the world to show his authority. The slipper winning Capitalist is the untapped potential, he’s coming out of a hot form racing in Sydney behind Astern and Russian Revolution, is right up to these. Japonisme has been horribly out of form and has had some problems as of late, he trialed well in Sydney and was the most impressive horse in trackwork on Tuesday at the valley, expecting him to run a race at big odds. Holler is coming back after this Royal Ascot campagin, should run a forward race but he still has to prove himself at this level for me.

Number 2-11-7-9

Race 8

Sir Bacchus should’ve won last start with any luck in running, got held up until the last 75m where he finally got out and charged home to finish a close up fifth to Fast Cash, with even luck in running this start, which he should get from a perfect gate three he should be winning this. Rough Justice impressed first up running second to Chetwood, coming back in distance is the only negative but he should run well. Fast Cash had a good win last start and there’s no reason why he can’t run well again.

Numbers 11-6-7-2