Horse Racing Tips for The Manikato Stakes 2024

There are not many better sights than Group 1 racing under the lights at Moonee Valley.

It is racing theatre at its finest and a star-studded field has been assembled for this year’s edition of the Manikato Stakes, bringing plenty of intrigue.

The two equal favourites could not be more different.

I Wish I Win is having his 23rd start, a proven superstar looking for his third Group 1 win.

Meanwhile, 3YO Growing Empire is the new kid on the block, stepping up from Listed grade to Weight-For-Age Group 1 company, aiming to prove himself as the ‘next big thing’.

If we get a repeat of the Moir Stakes three weeks ago, we’re in for a treat!

 

 

Manikato Stakes 2024 Tips and Best Bets

Track Conditions:

The track is currently rated a Good 4, and despite the rain forecast for Wednesday, it should remain this way come race time.

The running rail is out 3m for the entire circuit, which should favour on-pace runners close to the rail.

However, horses coming from the tail will still have a chance if the pace is strong.

 

See who the All-In boys like in the Manikato Stakes

 

The Speed Map

I expect Recommendation (Barrier 5) to jump quickly and lead.

Growing Empire (Barrier 7) may also push forward to sit outside the lead, taking advantage of the lightweight 52kg.

Veight (Barrier 9) should get the ideal run just behind the speed, sitting outside Coleman (Barrier 1), who will drive up from the inside.

Estriella (Barrier 10) faces the same issue as her last start with the wide barrier, needing some luck to find a good position up front.

Top contenders I Wish I Win (Barrier 12) and Hayasugi (Barrier 2) are likely to drop back in the field, with the 3YO filly needing a fair bit of luck from that draw.

 

The Favourite - Growing Empire $5.00

We have joint favourites here, but since I’ll mention I Wish I Win in the tips below, let’s focus on this exciting 3-year-old colt.

Growing Empire could not have been more impressive in his two wins this preparation at Caulfield and Flemington.

Now he comes to The Valley, stepping up to Weight-For-Age company for the first time.

It’s a huge challenge, and while he has some things in his favour (the draw and the lightweight), this looks like a step too far for him at this stage.

I’ll be surprised if he finishes in the top 4.

 

Growing Empire wins up the Flemington Straight.

 

Tips

1st – I Wish I Win $5.00

I was very impressed with his first-up run in the Moir Stakes over 1000m.

While he’s only won once when second-up, he has never missed a placing.

The map suits him perfectly, and the step up to 1200m should see him finish ahead of some runners that beat him in the Moir.

He is the best horse in this race and gets the right conditions to secure his third Group 1 win.

 

2nd – Veight $9.50

Veight gets the perfect run in the race and excels first-up.

He is 3 wins from 3 first-up starts, including one at this track and distance at Group 2 level last preparation.

He’s being overlooked and at this price, he’s a great bet.

 

3rd – Hayasugi $5.50

Hayasugi will need a lot of luck from Barrier 2, but if the gaps open, she has a great chance of improving on her Moir Stakes second place.

She’s come back in excellent form, keeps the featherweight 50kg on her back, and is in with a serious chance.

 

4th – Estriella $6.50

Like Hayasugi, Estriella needs some luck, but at this price, she’s worth backing.

She was the $3 favourite in the Moir Stakes last start, and with Shinn sticking and performing well second-up, she’s definitely in the mix.

 

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