2021 Manfred Stakes Race Details

Race 5 at Caulfield on Saturday 30 January 2021.

The Manfred Stakes is a 1200 metre set weights plus penalties race for three-year-olds run by the Melbourne Racing Club at Caulfield. It is held in late January as one of the feature races of the meeting.

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

Manfred Stakes 2021 Preview

Track: Soft?  Weather: Showers

Six runners have accepted for this years running of the Group 3 Manfred Stakes worth $160,000.  Despite the small field this looks a strong edition of the race with a Group 1 winner, a Group 1 place getter and a Group 3 winner set to line up.

The early favourite is the Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig trained Aysar.  He resumes here on the back of a preparation that featured a narrow second in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.  On the next line of betting is Tagaloa – he has been heavily supported in the early betting.  The former Blue Diamond Stakes winner will be looking to recapture the form of last autumn having mixed his form during the spring.  Dickin Medal is the new kid on the block.  He is still in his first preparation but looks a real talent and has won both starts of his starts to date.

Portland Sky resumed in Queensland in the Vo Rogue but had to be eased down in the straight.  He is much better than that and can bounce back.  All Stardom won a Caulfield maiden last start and Zion is another lightly raced horse in the race yet to reach his ceiling.

2021 Manfred Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Tagaloa

Not a lot went right during the spring for this horse who was an impressive winner of last years Blue Diamond Stakes.  He has been jumping out well at Cranbourne and if he brings his best form he is the one to beat here.

2. Portland Sky

Winner of the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes at Moonee Valley in October.  He started well in the market first up in the Vo Rogue at Eagle Farm but was eased down.  He has jumped out well at Mornington since then and can bounce back on Saturday.

3. Aysar

This Hayes and Dabernig trained four year old is coming off a terrific spring campaign.  The highlight was a second placing in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.  Blinkers come off first up but he is one of the class horses in the race.

4. Dickin Medal

Dickin Medal has progressed quickly from a Geelong maiden win to victory in a benchmark 70 at Caulfield last start.  He draws well and is an improving type.

5. All Stardom

This son of All Too Hard was able to break his maiden at Caulfield last start.  He has been thrown in the deep end here but is drawn to get a soft run and leading rider Jamie Kah sticks with him.

6. Zion

Disappointed last time having ran well at his first two runs back from a spell, in easier company.  He looks outclassed here.

Manfred Stakes 2021 Tips

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

Jo’s Tips
Lewis’ Tips
4. Dickin Medal 1. Tagaloa
3. Aysar 2. Portland Sky
1. Tagaloa 4. Dickin Medal
 2. Portland Sky 3. Aysar

Previews for other races this week

Group 3 Expressway Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 1200m)

Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes 2021 (Caulfield 1000m)

2021 Manfred Stakes Results

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings were 6. Zion. 

Result Horse Margin
1st 2. Portland Sky
2nd 3. Aysar 0.8 length
3rd 1. Tagaloa 1 length
4th 4. Dickin Medal 2.4 lengths