Chester Manifold Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Sunny

Very competitive race with seven of the ten runners under double figures in early markets.  The Vobis Gold Bullion run at Pakenham on December 3 is a key form reference for this with four of the fancies having run in that.  Furthermore there are two international horses having their first Australian start – both have Group 1 placings to their name and add another layer to the race.

1. Subconscious

Ciaron Maher & David Eustace import who has done all his racing in the USA.  Notably he finished fifth in the Group 1 Hollywood Derby and third in the Group 1 Kilroe Mile at his last start in March.  Has looked good sitting on the pace and booting clear to win two recent jump outs.  Has to be respected here especially if the money comes for him late.

2. Crosshaven

Was good winning the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan at Caulfield in late November.  Has had a tick over jump out in between runs and is in the mix again here.

3. Corner Pocket

Boxed on well enough after sitting outside a strong speed here second up.  Looks set to peak third up with the senior jockey going on.  Each way claims.

4. Looks Like Elvis

Ran 2nd in this race last year. Was well supported first up at Pakenham and was solid enough there running third.  Liked that he has trialled in between runs.  Goes well this track and distance.  Fair case to be made that he is over the odds in this.

5. Catch Twentytwo

European import first up in Aus for Griffiths and de Kock.  Has Group 1 form in the UK going back to 2021 and was solid finishing second in a recent Cranbourne jump out.  Early markets suggest he may need the run here first up.

6 Nicolini Vito

Consistent gelding who was second behind Pal D’oro at Pakenham, then beat a similar field to this at Flemington last time out.  Will just need a touch of luck from the inside gate.  Can win again if he gets it.

7. Biometric

Was very strong through the line when second to Nicolini Vito last start at Flemington.  Rock hard fit now with a perfect draw.  Can win.

8. Pal D’oro

Has gone to a new level this prep.  Bolted in first up at Cranbourne, then a convincing winner of the Vobis Gold Bullion on Pakenham Cup Day.  The map looks a touch sticky but is right in this again with Jamie Kah going on.

9. Holbien

Ran 2nd in this race in 2019. Comes back to 1400m after a run over 2000m in the Werribee Cup.  Like him down in the weights but I doubt he will have the zip in his legs to be competitive in this.

10. Stars Of Carrum

Not suited here.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Subconscious	8 Pal D’oro
8 Pal D’oro	6 Nicolini Vito
4 Looks Like Elvis	3 Corner Pocket
7 Biometric	7 Biometric

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Corner Pocket
2nd	4 Looks Like Elvis	0.5 length
3rd	8 Pal D’oro	1.25 lengths
4th	7 Biometric	1.65 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

There were no scratchings.