Tonight will see the running of the Group 1 Manikato Stakes under the lights of Moonee Valley as the club kicks off the Cox Plate Carnival. Last year many eyes were on the track as the Grey Flash – Chautauqua stepped out in a barrier trial under race conditions to see if this would spark him back into racing, as the gates opened everyone watched on he infamously stood in the gates, before eventually being ridden down the straight to the roar and applause of the crowd.
As the big weekend kicks off, our weekend of many runners starts today with the JSR truck being filled up and headed to the nations capital with 3 runners today, looking to start the winners:
Race 4- Wilo Pumps Handicap 2000m
Horse: STICK ‘EM UP
Jockey: Robbie Dolan
This is an Oaks trial for the filly by Dundeel, should the she run well in today’s assignment she will then book herself on the float to head down to Melbourne next week to take her place in the Kennedy Oaks. She is bred to stay and gets her chance to show her ability today.
Race 6- Plasson Plate 1600m
Horse: Prince Camelot
Jockey: Robbie Dolan
A distance still short of his best as has won over the 2100m, John believes that at his next start he will be at peak fitness and back to suitable distance that should see him competitive, hopefully back in the winners circle.
Race 9- Biajag Handicap 1300m
Horse: Katie Did It
Jockey: Robbie Dolan
Back to a better suited track and a gear change with blinkers applied should see an improvement in the filly.
Good Luck to all connections associated with all today’s runners.
