Imagine sitting on a picnic blanket, a cold beer in hand, and surrounded by hundreds of locals wearing the most beautiful hats smart semi-formal attire. Suddenly, everyone starts cheering as a stampede consisting of the strongest and fastest horses sprint intensely to the finish line. Such is the experience of being a spectator at one of the most popular horse racing events in Melbourne, Australia – the Manikato Stakes 2021 which is set on 22nd October 2021 at Moonee Valley Racecourse. So, whether you reside in the racing capital of Victoria in Melbourne or are visiting the beautiful city for work or a holiday, you can’t miss out on this thrilling event.
In this post, we’ll check out the latest odds on the Manikato Stakes and who will dethrone Hey Doc, the 2020 winner, and current track record holder. However, before we do that, we’ll walk you through a brief history of the famous race.
The Manikato Stakes is among Melbourne’s top sprint races held every October at the Moonee Valley Racing Club. The popular race is conducted over 1200m featuring around 15 horses age three and upwards. It is also one of the only Group 1 races on the night program in the Valley circuit. The event was named after Australian-bred champion, Manikato, who won two Freeway (Manikato) Stakes, one Moir Stakes, and an unprecedented five William Reid Stakes, ending a remarkable career with 29 wins and 29 wins from 47 starts. Since its inception as a principal race in 1968, it has steadily grown to one of the richest races in Australia under the lights.
With every horse in the race able to explode out of the gate and take an early advantage, this year’s race is much harder to predicts. Let’s check out the latest odds on the Manikato Stakes:
Trekking, a stunning, consistent gelding is currently the market favourite as he was able to overtake Gytrash in the winter round. With four excellent races in the current year and a relatively weaker race than the Everest, trainer James Cummings is feeling confident.
Pippie, the high-flying Tycoon mare is on an incredible run with 4 starts and 4 wins and is also coming into the Manikato Stakes fresh. Pippie is also set to take barrier 1 and will be the horse to catch at the front. The only question marks are Pippie’s declining age and that all her previous races were 1000m, so there’s a chance she might get tired.
The reigning champion Hey Doc is a classy sprinter with several victories in the last few years, from the Schillaci Stakes to the Moir Stakes a few months ago. Does he have the ability to win two consecutive Manikato Stakes? Not everyone thinks so considering his eighth-place finish in the Moir Stakes first-up.
Diamond Effort is among the most promising mares of 2021, bringing in solid form in the Manikato Stakes. With a stellar performance in the G1 Moir Stakes and a G3 win at Caulfield recently, the five-year-old is in the run for a top 3 finish.
One of the top sprinters hailing from the Hawkes stable, Dirty Work is anticipated to win following his excellent performance in the G2 Schiallachi, beating some of the opponents he’s set to face again in October.
Bella Vella, Will Clarken’s leading hose, is in the form of her career with four consecutive wins along with an excellent placing last start in the G1 Moir Stakes. With an impressive 5:3-1-1 reord, the only concern is that Bella Vella probably prefers the 1000m race format which can make it a tricky race.
And there you have it – the latest odds in the Manikato Stakes 2021. With the Spring Racing Carnival in full flow, don’t miss out on this unique, exciting event. Whether you’re looking to place bets or enjoy a nice weekend with your family, you’re bound to have a good time.
Gamble responsibly. Contact the Gambling Helpline for free and confidential support, information and counselling on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
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