Manihi Classic – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the 2024 Thomas Farms Manihi Classic with 5 geldings, 7 mares and two fillies. There are two 3YOs, five 4YO, three 5YOs, three 6YOs and one 8YO. Two runners had their last start in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February (won by Snapped) and two in a BM 90 Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 10th February (won by Celsius Star), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Zoustar. W Clarken & N O’Shea have 2 runners.

The betting is quite open. The early favourite is Austmarr who led all the way for a strong 1.8 length win at Sandown Lakeside last start after being a close runner-up at Moonee Valley the start before. Second favourite is Grey River who resumes from a 21 week break and goes well fresh. She won a recent trial by 3 lengths at Gawler. Third favouritism is currently shared between Aitch Two Oh who was a good winner of the Listed Durbridge Stakes over 1100m last outing and Celsius Star who won a BM 90 at this track and distance last outing. Viviane faded to finish 8th in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes when resuming at Caulfield but will find this easier. The other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Larimer Street (2)

Ran 2.4 lengths 8th in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February (won by Snapped). Has not won in 9 outings to the track before. Rough place chance.

2. Aitch Two Oh (1)

She was a good winner of the Listed Durbridge Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville last outing and has raced at this track & distance combination 6 times before for 3 wins and 2 runner-ups. Strong chance.

3. Struck By (9)

Ran 4.5 lengths 10th behind Snapped over 1200m last start. Has one win from 7 starts this preparation. Prefer others.

4. Viviane (14)

Faded to finish 8th in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes when resuming at Caulfield but will find this easier. Has the speed to overcome the outside barrier and has a good record at this distance. In the mix.

5. Grey River (13)

Resumes from a 21 week break and goes well fresh. She won a recent trial by 3 lengths at Gawler. Last time in she won the Listed WH Wylie Handicap at this track and distance when first-up. One of the main chances.

6. Celsius Star (4)

Was a 1.8 length winner of a BM 90 Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 10th February, and won over 1100m at Gawler the start before. Chasing a hat-trick of wins here and has very good form at this track. Has solid claims here.

7. Penthouse (12)

Well-traveled mare who ran 1.6 lengths 5th in the Listed Abell Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 1st March. Two of her four wins have been at this distance. Could place.

8. Aston Rapova (3)

Unplaced at all 4 runs this preparation. Prefer others.

9. Austmarr (8)

Led all the way for a strong 1.8 length win over 1000m at Sandown Lakeside last start after being a close runner-up at Moonee Valley the start before. Jamie Kah takes the reins and this filly looks a good chance with the light weight.

10. Sweetened (7)

Resumes here after a 23 week spell Placed in a trial at Gawler and goes well first-up. Don’t diamiss.

11. Sixteen Reasons (11)

Resumes here from a 23 week spell and has trialled well. Won two in a row at Morphettville and Morphettville Parks in September and is capable of running well. She is also nominated to run at Murray Bridge on Saturday.

12. Anjopin (6)

Resumed for 12th of 15 over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February. Goes well second-up and is a rough place chance.

13. Walk Like An Angel (5)

Lightly-raced filly who has 2 wins and 3 places from her 6 starts. She won an Open Handicap at this track and distance by over 4 lengths in November before running 5th in the Listed Christmas Handicap at her first black-type race. Resumes after 13 weeeks and won a recent trial at Gawler. One for the exotics.

14. Storm Voyager (10)

She is the oldest runner in the race this year. A very honest galloper who has missed the first 4 only once in her last 10 starts (and that was to run 5th). Could surprise.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Grey River
9 Austmarr
2 Aitch Two Oh
13 Walk Like An Angel

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 Austmarr
2nd	8 Aston Rapova	3.5 lengths
3rd	6 Celsius Star	3.8 lengths
4th	13 Walk Like An Angel	4.3 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 4. Viviane, 7. Penthouse, 11. Sixteen Reasons.