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 |