Payline chasing 2025 Manikato Stakes success
Father-and-son team Chris and Corey Munce are banking on Payline to deliver them a coveted Group 1 when he contests the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
The gelding ran an eye-catching fifth in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at the same track earlier this month, flashing home late from the back in what was a fast-run race. He again meets Baraqiel, Alabama Lass, Rothfire, Skybird and Sir Sway, with Magic Time, Lady Shenandoah, Charm Stone and Ameena joining the field.
Corey Munce said Payline’s Moir effort showed he was up to the class.
“It was an outstanding effort in a high-pressure race at this track over that distance,” he said.
“Ideally you need to be handier than what his normal racing pattern is, but he overcame that obstacle and to be beaten a length-and-a-half, first-up in a Group 1, we were really happy.”
After another look around Moonee Valley on Monday, Munce believes the rise to 1200m and the small field size will play to his horse’s strengths.
The stable also decided against blinkers for Friday despite trying him in the gear last week.
“We worked him in blinkers last week and we elected to leave them off in his work on Monday just to see whether he had taken that step,” Munce said.
“Justin Huxtable, who rode him in the Moir, was on him, and he was happy.
“There was give in the track and while he wasn’t out to break any records, it was more about getting him to the track and getting the adrenaline going.
“He has worn blinkers in a race before and we put them on him sometimes in his work as he can be quite casual.
“He can work the house down, but as he’s getting a bit older, he’s starting to work it all out and he doesn’t have to overdo it in the morning.
“I think if we have some luck in running and his momentum is not stopped, he’ll run well.”
If you’re backing a runner in the Manikato Stakes, make sure to check out the best betting sites, compare trusted bookmakers and explore reliable betting apps before placing your bets.
More Racing News
Ka Ying Rising readies for The Everest despite minor trial setback
Hong Kong's celebrated galloper, Ka Ying Rising, faced a surprising defeat in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick this morning, finishing behind Ninja, though trainer and jockey remain unconcerned.The world's foremost racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, made a swift departure from the gates, establishing an early lead with Ninja in...
Caulfield Guineas draw favours Call Me Coach
The barrier draw for the 2019 Caulfield Guineas remains a vivid memory for Rod 'Rocket' Douglas.Douglas, serving as racing manager for owner Jonothan Munz, had the responsibility of drawing the Caulfield Guineas barriers for Anthony Freedman's stablemates, Super Seth and Groundswell, before the 2019 running.Super Seth ultimately started from barrier...
Sheza Alibi and Birdman set for Caulfield clash
Leading trainer Chris Waller is fully aware of the significant challenge that lies ahead for his charge, Birdman, as he prepares to face the talented mare Sheza Alibi at Caulfield.The highly anticipated clash between Birdman and Sheza Alibi is set for the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000m...
Melbourne Cup hopes boosted for Ciaron Maher runners after handicapping
Juja Kibo has taken a significant step towards a Melbourne Cup start, receiving a revised handicap following his impressive victory in The Metropolitan last Saturday.The chief handicapper for Racing Victoria, David Hegan, assigned the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer a 2kg penalty for the $10 million event, acknowledging his dominant 1-3/4-length win...
Crescent King set for Brian Crowley Stakes after Warwick Farm triumph
While Crescent King has not yet been tested in Saturday races, a commanding win at Warwick Farm on Monday could well have earned him a start in Stakes company.The Written Tycoon colt, a three-year-old, now boasts two wins from as many starts this preparation after he reeled in the speedy...
Attrition set for another tilt at the Hill Stakes
Mitch Freedman's primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he claimed with Skybird, but he was also an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.The Ballarat trainer expressed his satisfaction at seeing Cosmic Crusader achieve a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1...
Welcometotheshow primed for Toorak Handicap tilt
Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is preparing to mark a significant career milestone, readying his first Group 1 contender, Welcometotheshow.The race targeted for Welcometotheshow is the highly anticipated Toorak Handicap, a 1600-metre event at Caulfield this Saturday. This comes after the gelding secured his inaugural Stakes race victory at Flemington on September...
Flying For Fun targets Schillaci Stakes after impressive return
Bryce Heys has opted to keep Flying For Fun at shorter distances for now, with the mare's next start set to be in Melbourne for the Schillaci Stakes.The dual stakes winner is expected to be nominated for the 1100m sprint at Caulfield on Saturday. This comes after a promising return...
Close call as Skybird narrowly wins Gilgai Stakes
Depending on when you are reading this, trainer Mitchell Freedman and favourite backers may only just have exhaled as a unique characteristic nearly brought Skybird undone in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.Sent out the $2.90 market elect, Skybird looked set for an easy victory as jockey Ben Melham eased the...
Cosmic Crusader's Turnbull Stakes victory points to Cox Plate tilt
Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek has celebrated her most substantial success to date as Cosmic Crusader triumphed in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Leek is now aiming for an even greater prize, hoping to return to headquarters for Australia's premier weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper.The prestigious Cox...