Racing
Ladbrokes Blog: 2023 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Preview
The Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes sets the table this Saturday for a massive day of racing on Cox Plate Day at The Valley.
For more racing and sports previews, visit the Ladbrokes Blog.
Previously run the night prior, the 1200m sprint feature has attracted a small field of seven with $2 million on the line, the headline being Mark Walker's multiple Group 1 winning mare, Imperatriz.
The smart five-year-old is out for her third Group 1 since arriving in Australia, but she'll still have her work cut out against previous Everest runner Buenos Noches, and last-start Sydney Stakes winner, I Am Me.
It's one of the biggest races of the Spring Carnival, and our thoughts on every runner in this year's Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes field can be found here!
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Betting Strategy
► 4 Units Imperatriz
► 1 Unit The Inferno (Place)
1. The Inferno (3)
The Inferno has placed only once from seven starts at Group 1 level, but there was a lot to like about his first-up effort in the Moir Stakes a few weeks ago.
Cliff Brown's gelding was taken right back to the tail from the wide gate, making up plenty of late ground down the outside to finish fourth to Imperatriz.
His 400-200m split ranked the fastest of the meeting, suggesting he should appreciate the extra trip with a run under his belt now.
He's typically done some of his best racing second-up, and from a much better gate with a jump out between starts, a place wouldn't surprise if he can save something for late.
BET NOW: The Inferno
2. Buenos Noches (5)
Buenos Noches returns to Melbourne after giving chase to finish 3.5 lengths off Think About It in The Everest.
The Supido entire has mixed his form in Group 1s, but he does have some good form around horses like In Secret and Coolangatta over the last 12 months.
The Everest has always been a good form race looking ahead to future sprint races, and although this is his first look at The Valley, a little rain and some early cover would go a long way to strengthening his chances.
BET NOW: Buenos Noches
3. Uncommon James (2)
Uncommon James has found the money in his last two starts, beaten just over two lengths by Imperatriz a few weeks ago in the Moir.
He was the beaten favourite in the Schillaci Stakes a fortnight later, taken right to the front before conceding to Asfoora after rounding the turn.
The ride and tactics that day under Damian Lane are worth forgiving, but it's tough to know where he might wind up from barrier 2. On recent form, a place wouldn't shock, but he might need luck down the straight.
BET NOW: Uncommon James
4. Jigsaw (7)
Jigsaw presents fitter second-up for a run in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington a few weeks ago.
He landed on-speed and just lacked a late turn of foot to go with Star Patrol, but a much-improved effort can be expected after winning a Group 2 here over the track and distance earlier in the year.
Whether he can push forward and run his usual race up front is the big query, but if he does, he'll take catching.
BET NOW: Jigsaw
5. I Am War (1)
I Am War is making his first start at Group 1 level coming off a runner-up effort at this venue late last month.
He was beaten 4.5 lengths by Jigsaw last November before going on to win well at Cranbourne, but considering the step up in class, this still looks too tough.
BET NOW: I Am War
6. Imperatriz (4)
Imperatriz has gone up the short-priced favourite for good reason.
The mare by I Am Invincible has strung together three wins on the trot, adding a sixth Group 1 to her growing resume after bursting clear down the outside to win the Moir in impressive fashion.
Her final 200m split ranked the fastest of the entire meeting that night, and the form out of that has since been franked with Asfoora going on to win well at Caulfield not long after.
Drawn a soft gate with Opie Bosson still in the saddle, it's hard to see this impressive mare being beat now that she has fitness on her side.
BET NOW: Imperatriz
7. I Am Me (6)
I Am Me makes her Valley debut coming off a brave win in the Sydney Stakes two weeks ago at Randwick.
James McDonald willed her over the line to beat home Airman and Bella Nipotina, and although this is arguably her toughest assignment, there's a bit to like about her racing style on a tight track like The Valley.
The Maher and Eustace-trained mare very rarely runs a poor race, and she still has room for improvement third-up. It's doubtful she can match Imperatriz's class, but a top three finish wouldn't shock, either.
