G1 Manikato Night Review

Monday, 30 September 2024 by Gavin Haynes

Same same but different 114/108 beats 108/115 - 2 genuine stars

R1. I was eagerly awaiting the return of Gallant Son whom i had $2.20 off a predicted Sr 94 and we got 95/88 when 2nd behind 89 horse Stolli Bolli who ran a new peak of 103/101, that 89 was +13 so we knew there was still plenty in the tank. They are the only 2 worth following from this.

R2 We find the Trifecta in our top 4 with top pick and 1 x 3 play War Machine running 2nd. We were looking for 96 and got 100/99, so it looks like he has come on. the winner Baraquiel surprised me, up in trip off a neg split run jumping from 10 but the money kept coming and he made it 5 from 7 with 103/101. Looks most progressive. They had 4 lengths on the rest.

R3 My advice was to stay out of the 955m uber sprint , we did find the winner  92 horse Holy Rocket as an overlay 87/89 was sound. We dodged bullets with Passagiata and Frilled with GM'r Peace Treaty coming out.

R4 was the G2 Feehan and we got what we wanted  a battle of the 2 WFA stars with Pride Of Jenni being ridden as I hoped, handle bars down! 114/108 was excellent as was runner up Mr Brightside, gee he is honest 108/115. Antino 105/113 wasnt all that a surprise being confirmed XR 105 with a best of XR113. As ever will be a strong form reference going forward.

R5 saw top pick 95 horse Geegees Misstruth ran on strongly with 90/94, his XR was 8 better than the 3rd place Tobeornotobe I had the $9.50 winner Belatrix Star at $10.80 93/95 here clearly her best but barn to suggest she has really come on. they both have a ton of upside.

R6 was the G2 Stutt and the power of the XR and knowledge of who was positive splitting proved vital we had 93 horse Evaporate at $3 off XR92 +7 and we got 97/98 in a strong win. We dodged unplaced fav Dawn Service who was 60/60 and something not right, we also dodged Daggers. I mean entered in 3 races until the last moment, then they pull the wrong rein. runner  was 90 horse Heinlin who was coming in off +7 and +8 and we got 93/96. . We can follow them both

R7 If you read the Lay article I put up On Sunday you will read I talk about Gods stable and Chaos Theory and here we race in the Manikato with Southport Tycoon at start 10 when first up at 1200m. We know he is good 117/117 in an Aust Guineas confirm that but his previous best 104/103 was now 12 months old.  It surprised most to see him find best with 100/105. Top pick Gold Miner I Wish i Win ran 3rd at $5 92/99 below his best but the Valley just doesnt suit his get back run on style.  Great effort by Growing Empire , we have an Sr 106 at the 1200m but gee he was thrown in the deep in and did a super job with 100/97 Climbing Star Xr 95 and Kimochi Xr 92 both get pass marks.

R8 8 saw Gold miners cheer for Alsiphina for the 2nd time in a row, 84/93 was +9 and she was a class above these.  Lady Jones with 81/90

Horses to Follow

War Machine

Antino

Geegees Mistruth

Evaporate

Heinlein