Moonee Valley Race 7 – 21:30 AEDT
OPEN Group 1
1200m
$1,000,000.00
Good 4
Rail true entire circuit
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight (kg) | Barrier | Current Price |
| 1. Brave Smash | Darren Weir | Hugh Bowman | 58.5 | 9 | $9.00 |
| 2. Kementari | James Cummings | Glyn Schofield | 58.5 | 12 | $5.00 |
| 3. Malaguerra | Peter Gelagotis | Ben Melham | 58.5 | 1 | $11.00 |
| 4. Voodoo Lad | Darren Weir | Mark Zahra | 58.5 | 8 | $15.00 |
| 5. Jungle Edge | Mick Bell | Dylan Dunn | 58.5 | 6 | $27.00 |
| 6. Spirit of Valor | A P O’Brien | Oisin Murphy | 58.5 | 14 | $12.00 |
| 7. Intelligence Cross | A P O’Brien | E J McNamara | 58.5 | 5 | $81.00 |
| 8. U S Navy Flag | A P O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 58.0 | 2 | $7.50 |
| 9. Fleet Review | A P O’Brien | Kerrin McEvoy | 58.0 | 11 | $35.00 |
| 10. Houtzen | Toby Edmonds | Ryan Maloney | 56.5 | 4 | $7.50 |
| 11. Tulip | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Regan Bayliss | 56.5 | 10 | $35.00 |
| 12. Spright | Garry Frazer | Damien Oliver | 56.5 | 13 | $34.00 |
| 13. Invincible Star | G Waterhouse & A Bott | Stephen Baster | 56.5 | 7 | $18.00 |
| 14. Sunlight | Tony McEvoy | Tim Clark | 51.0 | 3 | $4.60 |
*Odds correct as of 12pm Wednesday 24 October 2018
Race Overview
Traditionally, the Manikato Stakes is always run on the Friday night meeting prior to Saturday’s Cox Plate meeting. This year looks to be fairly open with all runners getting a decent shot in the race. It was originally known as the Freeway Stakes until it was named after champion horse Manikato – who won the race in 1982. Other notable winners of the race include; Chautauqua, Lankan Rupee, Buffering, Sunline and Redoute’s Choice.
Race Speed
Expect this to be a dash to the finish line with strong speed from a number of runners here. Jungle Edge could lead them from either Sunlight or Invincible Star. Houtzen shouldn’t be far away either and they are all drawn well. U S Navy Flag should be around midfield on the rails. Those out in the wider barriers such as Kementari and Spirit of Valour may struggle to find a position. Malaguerra and Spright will likely have to go back towards the rear.
Key Runners
- KEMENTARI ($5.50)
Has gradually moved up in distance this prep all the way up to 1600m, racing in Group 1’s the entire time. Has performed well in each start and nearly snatched the Group 1 Memsie two starts ago. Back in trip to 1200m here which suits in my opinion – also freshened which could benefit him in the shorter trip. One of the main chances.
- U S NAVY FLAG ($7.50)
Money has come for this Aidan O’Brien runner off the back of an Everest run where not much went his way – looked like the Heavy track was an issue. Back to drier ground here and fitter here is a huge plus. July Cup winner over in England which looks like strong form for this race. World class jockey on too.
- SUNLIGHT ($4.60)
Has a tremendous record, particularly on a good track (8: 7-0-1) including a strong 1.3L win last start at Caulfield at Group 3 level. Should be up on the pace here which is always a benefit at the tight turning Valley track. This is a tough test for the speedy filly.
Race Selection
- U S NAVY FLAG ($7.50)
Aidan O’Brien has four runners in this race, but U S Navy Flag looks like his best chance. Completely forgive his last start in The Everest and look for a much-improved showing here in what is a much easier race. Money has come for him already and looks a very good chance here.
