Rothfire in line for 2025 Manikato Stakes honours
Veteran sprinter Rothfire will attempt to turn the clock back at Moonee Valley when he contests Friday night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes. Trainer Rob Heathcote has vivid memories of September 26, 2020, when Rothfire broke down in the Golden Rose while leading.
Five years on, the now eight-year-old has defied the odds to return to racing’s top level. “I shudder to think how good he could have been without that injury,” Heathcote said. “But he’s here, he’s sound, and he’s still got that enthusiasm.”
Rothfire had a searching gallop at The Valley on Monday, with Blake Shinn deputising for regular rider Nash Rawiller. “Blake came back saying he was glad he didn’t have to ride him every day,” Heathcote joked. “He’s that strong. But he was delighted with his work.”
While his first-up run in the Moir Stakes didn’t go to plan, Heathcote is banking on his galloper’s excellent Valley record. “He loves the track and he’s run second in this race before. He’ll give a good account.”
The Manikato has attracted ten acceptors including Moir winner Baraqiel, Lady Shenandoah, Magic Time, Charm Stone and Alabama Lass. Barriers will be drawn on Tuesday evening.
More Racing News
Ingham triumph puts Yorkshire in 2026 Doncaster Mile mix
Tom Charlton may have been only five years old when John O’Shea secured the 2000 Villiers Stakes, but on Saturday the duo jointly celebrated Yorkshire’s commanding victory in the modern equivalent, The Ingham (1600m), at Randwick. The triumph delivered O’Shea a fourth win in the prestigious race and marked Charlton’s first...
Weeping Woman too good in the 2025 Razor Sharp Handicap
Joe Pride’s team fired on all cylinders on Saturday, with six runners producing two wins, three seconds and a third across three states, including a dominant stable quinella in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick. Weeping Woman ($2.60 fav) finished strongest to overhaul Coal Crusher ($6), only 35 minutes after...
Warnie flies late to win The Supernova 2025
With a composed ride inspired by Mark Zahra, jockey Thomas Stockdale steered Warnie to a breakthrough victory in the lucrative The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham. It was a signature moment for Stockdale, who delivered a tactically brilliant performance as the Ciaron Maher-trained runner stormed to victory in Southside Racing’s second slot...
Taramansour provides locals with a win in the Pakenham Cup 2025
Taramansour produced a remarkable form reversal to hand Phillip Stokes his first victory in the Pakenham Cup, delivering an emotional local triumph. Stokes, who splits his time between his Morphettville operation and his Pakenham base, has had the Cup on his radar since establishing himself at the training centre in 2019. On...
Bargain buy Where’s The Circus dominates 2025 Inglis Nursery
Jean Van Overmeire made the right call in giving up a full provincial book at Newcastle to focus on a single Randwick mount, with Where’s The Circus landing a stunning upset in the Inglis Nursery. The filly, picked up online for just $1250, had impressed Van Overmeire when winning a recent...
Fox on the hunt of 2025 The Supernova win
Emma-Lee and David Browne will “roll the dice” one more time with Statuario as they search for a fairytale hometown victory in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m). The Kiwi trainers shifted to Victoria in 2022 and settled into Pakenham last season, where a local Cup triumph would be particularly meaningful —...
Kris Lees sets sights on another summer strike
Kris Lees has frequently struck during Sydney’s summer feature program, and he will again field a strong hand across Randwick’s stakes races on Saturday. Lees’ achievements over the past decade include victories in The Ingham with Loch Eagle and Sense Of Occasion, as well as Razor Sharp Handicap wins with Special...
2025 Pakenham Cup: Browne’s roll the dice one more time
Emma-Lee and David Browne will “roll the dice” one more time with Statuario as they search for a fairytale hometown victory in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m). The Kiwi trainers shifted to Victoria in 2022 and settled into Pakenham last season, where a local Cup triumph would be particularly meaningful —...
Yorkshire out to make a summer statement in 2025 The Ingham
John O’Shea’s first major breakthrough as a solo trainer came 25 years ago when Grey And Gold captured the Villiers Stakes. He added another victory with On A High and later won the race again in its rebranded form as The Ingham (1600m) in 2022 with Kirwin’s Lane. Now a decorated horseman...
Warm weather suits Rey Magnerio in 2025 The Gold Rush
Trainer Robbie Griffiths is already turning his attention to next autumn’s The Quokka, believing Rey Magnerio’s successful transition to Perth makes a return visit highly likely. Before that, the gelding steps into Saturday’s Group 3 The Gold Rush (1400m), his second appearance in Western Australia. Griffiths said the gelding has adapted superbly...