Racing
Charm Stone lands Manikato knock-out
Birthday boy Blake Shinn has guided Charm Stone to victory in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Charm Stone has upstaged her more fancied opponents to claim a second Group 1 victory when resuming from a spell.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare won the Sangster Stakes against the mares last campaign when resuming but took on all-comers to claim the Manikato Stakes (1200m) first-up at Moonee Valley on Friday.
Given a perfect ride by 'birthday boy' Blake Shinn, Charm Stone ($31) raced past Baraqiel ($4.60) to score a two-length victory with Magic Time ($7.50) a half-neck away third.
Price said he was left scratching his head after Charm Stone made a second trip to Adelaide after her Sangster win when finishing in the second-half of the field in the Group 1 The Goodwood.
"She's a mare that needs the edge on her," Price said.
"I thought she was pretty right when we ran her in The Goodwood last preparation, but she said 'no I'm not very right' and got out the back.
"She's not a mare that I would back up (again)."
Price resorted to preparing the mare from his stables without the usual process of sending the mare to a pre-trainer.
He said Charm Stone had not put a foot wrong throughout her entire preparation.
"I've got to thank all the staff, we've got the East farm, the West farm," Price said.
"They're all fantastic people.
"There was a little bit of speed in front of her, Blake got off the fence at the right time.
"She's a beautiful mare and it's so great to see her win another Group 1."
Shinn said it was a special day to celebrate winning a Group 1 race.
He said seeing former jockey Gary Willetts, who was associated Manikato in the presentation area brought back a lot of memories.
"She was dominant," Shinn said.
"She pinged the lids, got a great trail, and got out at the turn. She put the race to bed, and it was a phenomenal win."
From barrier two, Shinn said he went into Friday night's race with an open mind.
"We had a discussion pre-race to jump positive, have a little bit of intent for the first 50 (metres), and then just play it by ear," Shinn said.
"Looking at her replays, she's got very good gate speed and we wanted to utilise that, but then just ride the horse to run well."
A 10 per cent share in Charm Stone was sold during the week for $310,000 at the Inglis Digital September Sale which valued the mare at $3.1 million.
After Friday night's success, that value is sure to have increased.
"You couldn't put a figure on what she'd be worth as a broodmare," Shinn said.
"But it's great for the breeding industry. It's great for people who are investing in the game."
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