Manikato Stakes

Race Preview

The Manikato Stakes is a Group 1 race held each year at Moonee Valley racecourse in Melbourne. The race was traditionally the first Group 1 race of the Australian racing season, but this year has been pushed forward to the Friday night before the AFL Grand Final. It is sure to be a grand nights racing as it is held the same night as the Group 2 Stutt Stakes and the Group 3 Champagne Stakes.

The race is held over a distance of 1200 metres and is a quality race held at weight-for-age conditions, carrying prize money of $500,000. It was first run in 1968 and known as the Freeway Stakes, but in 1984 renamed to the Manikato Stakes in honour of the great horse who won a number of great races in the 1970’s at this course.

Some fantastic horses have won the race over the years including Manikato, Rubiton, Strawberry Road and Vain. But more recently Gold Edition, Miss Andretti, Spark of Life, Sunline and Redoute’s Choice have won the race. In 2009 the race will be part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series with the winner automatically qualifying for a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in the United States.

Spotting Winners

When analysing the field in the Manikato Stakes, be sure to check out important lead up races of a similar nature such as the Bletchingly Stakes, Ian McEwen Stakes and Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes.

Let Go Thommo won the Bletchingly Stakes ahead of Orange County and Mr Baritone, while Nicconi won the McEwen Stakes ahead of Morgan Dollar and Secret Flyer. Whobegotyou won the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes ahead of Mic Mac and Jolie’s Shinju.

Previous Manikato Stakes Winners