The Manikato Stakes is a 1200 metre weight-for-age race held by the Moonee Valley Racing Club. It is run at Moonee Valley in September and is part of the Breeder’s Cup Challenge.
Race Type: Group 1, Open WFA
Distance: 1200m
Track: Moonee Valley Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
Date: Friday 30 Sep 2011 night meeting
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The Manikato Stakes was first run in 1968 as the Freeway Stakes over 6 furlongs (about 1200 metres) and was won by Winfreux. In 1979 it became a Group 2 race and in 1984 the name was changed to the Manikato Stakes. It became a Group 1 race in 1989 and is one of the most important races on the Moonee Valley racing calendar. In recent years it has been run as a night meeting.
In 2009 the Manikato Stakes became a qualifying race for the American Breeders Cup meeting in November. This means the winner earns an automatic start in the US$1 million Breeders Cup Sprint at Santa Anita racecourse in California, giving trainers and owners a chance to match their horses against international competition.
2011 Manikato Stakes Final Field & Odds:
Betting markets for the 2011 Manikato Stakes are now live with Sepoy the early favourite. Second in the market is the Gai Waterhouse-trained More Joyous who will make her much anticipated return to the racing this Friday. The message we hear from the Bookmakers is that punters have been throwing their support behind the more mature and experienced More Joyous who has a very good first up record. Check below for all the latest Manikato Stakes odds plus final field.
Previous winners of the Manikato Stakes:
Champion racehorse Manikato won this race twice in 1979 and 1982. The race was named after him when he died in 1984. He was buried at Moonee Valley racecourse close to the winning post where he achieved so many victories including five consecutive William Reid Stakes. It is fitting that the race named in his honour attracts Australia’s finest sprinters.
Other notable winners of the Manikato Stakes include Danleigh (2009), Miss Andretti (2006), Sunline (2000), Redoubte’s Choice (1999), Dane Ripper (1998), Rancho Ruler (1988), Rubiton (1987), Strawberry Road (1983), Manikato (1979 and 1982), Century (1972), Dual Choice (1970 and 1971) and Vain (1969).
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2011 | Sepoy | Sister Madly | More Joyous |
| 2010 | Hay List | True Persuasion | Eagle Falls |
| 2009 | Danleigh | Phelan Ready | Nicconi |
| 2008 | Typhoon Zed | Absolut Glam | Kaphero |
| 2007 | Gold Edition | Vormista | Dr Nipandtuck |
| 2006 | Miss Andretti | Dance Hero | Sassbee |
| 2005 | Spark Of Life | Perfectly Ready | Our Egyptian Raine (NZ) |
| 2004 | Spark Of Life | Yell | Dilly Dally |
| 2003 | Spinning Hill | True Glo | The Big Chill (NZ) |
| 2002 | Spinning Hill | Bel Esprit | Mistegic |
| 2001 | Piavonic | Sunline (NZ) | Falvelon |
| 2000 | Sunline (NZ) | Honour The Name | Miss Pennymoney |
