2021 Chester Manifold Stakes Race Details

Race 7 at Flemington on Saturday 9 January 2021.

The Chester Manifold Stakes is a 1400 metre open handicap race run by the Victoria Racing Club in early January. It is held at Flemington as the feature event of the meeting.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the Chester Manifold Stakes page.

Chester Manifold Stakes 2021 Preview

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

A field of 10 runners have accepted for this years edition of the Chester Manifold Stakes.  The main lead up race is the Christmas Stakes run at Caulfield on Boxing Day – four of these had their last start in that race.  Lindsey Smith’s Riding The Wave has been installed as the early favourite.  He has won two races in this his first Australian preparation and looks ready for the step up to 1400m.  King Of Hastings is second up and his connections will be hoping for a much improved effort on his first up run.  Viral is having his eighth straight start over 1400m however he has only won one race from eleven starts over this distance.

Vassilator returned to winning form last start.  He has won 4 races at Flemington and draws well in barrier four for Damian Oliver.  Blazejowski closed off well at Caulfield and looks suited stepping back up to 1400m.  Brave Song can settle closer from an inside gate.  He ran well last start despite being unfancied by the market.  Never Again stormed home second up on her home track and Polanco ran well last start when finishing second to Vassilator.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

Chester Manifold Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Blazejowski

Blazejowski has mixed his form this preparation.  He hit the line well last start after being given five weeks between runs after a second up failure.  Back to Flemington and up to the 1400m looks the right recipe for him to run well here.

2. Brave Song

Hit the line strongly in the Christmas Stakes after being forced to drift back from a wide barrier.   He can settle closer from barrier one and is an each way chance.

3. Vassilator

Liked the way he lengthened last start to get over the top of Polanco late.  He has drawn a good gate and looks primed to run well again.

4. Guizot

Started long odds in the Christmas Stakes and was always well back.  The extra 200m suits but he looks outclassed in this.

5. Coming Around

Coming Around is a winner at this track and trip.  He is dropping back from 1700m in the Lord Stakes where he was beaten less than three lengths.  However he weakened noticeably the last 50 after getting a good run in transit.  An outside chance.

6. King Of Hastings

King Of Hastings is second up on Saturday.  He was a big drifter in the market first up and disappointed after getting an economical run.  Has the talent to be winning this and gets Damian Lane but it’s hard to recommend off his first up run.

7. Riding The Wave

The former Kiwi is already a winner of two races from four Australian starts.  He fought on strongly down the straight last start to score narrowly.  He drops in weight and is ready for 1400m.  A key chance.

8. Never Again

This six year old gelding swept down the outside to claim victory at Caulfield last start.  This is harder but he is only third up and should still have some improvement left in him.

9. Polanco

Polanco showed a good kick here last time and was only collared late by Vassilator.  A good effort but would need to improve again to be featuring here.

10. Viral

This five year old gelding is getting deep into his preparation but continues to race well.  Drops eight kg for this race and Jamie Kah is booked to ride.  Each way claims.

Chester Manifold Stakes 2021 Tips

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
Lewis’ Tips
7. Riding The Wave 1.Blazejowski
6. King Of Hastings 3. Vassilator
10. Viral 7. Riding The Wave
3. Vassilator 10. Viral

Previews for other races this week

2021 Chester Manifold Stakes Results

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings = 6. King Of Hastings, 9. Polanco, 10. Viral.

Result Horse Margin
1st 8. Never Again
2nd 3. Vassilator 0.3 length
3rd 2. Brave Song 0.6 length
4th 4. Guizot 1.6 lengths