2008 Manikato Stakes – 13 September 2008

Group 1 racing returns to Moonee Valley on Saturday with the running of the weight-for-age $350,000 Cleanevent Manikato Stakes over 1200 metres. The race has a full field of fourteen plus four emergencies. The betting is fairly open with the early market showing Kaphero as the favourite at $4.00. Kaphero has had 27 starts for ten wins and has an imposing record at Moonee Valley with six wins and one second from eight starts. All six Moonee Valley wins have been at 1000 metres. Kaphero is one of two starters for trainer Leon Corstens who feels his other starter Monet Rules is just as good as Kaphero.

Monet Rules has had four 1200 metre races at Moonee Valley and won two of them, including a win over Cox Plate winner El Segundo, Casual Pass and Orange County in the Aurie’s Star Stakes run at the Valley in 2007.

Second favourite is the four-year-old mare Absolut Glam who has won her only start at 1200 metres and has two starts at the Valley for a win and a place. Her last start was in June when she won the Winter Stakes over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm in exceptional style. She has won both of her first-up starts.

Third in the betting is the David Hayes trained Red Element. He has drawn barrier one and is capable of winning this race, but may not get a start as he is the first emergency. All American, also trained by Hayes is next in the betting. The three-year-old will be having his first race against open ages and will relish the weight of 52kg instead of the 55.5kg and up that he has become accustomed to.

Typhoon Zed will have plenty of supporters after his tough win in the Concorde 2 weeks ago, although he is yet to win beyond 1100 metres.

by Jo Jackson