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Manikato Stakes race preview
24 October 2014 11:16 AM
Racing hots up tonight with one of the best Group 1 Manikato Stakes I have seen in a some years. Lankin Rupee is the favourite in the race at $3.80 and gets a less than favourable draw over the 1200 metres at the Valley. The horse that was touted as the greatest sprinter in the world before starting his Spring Carnival campaign has put in two strong runs this preparation despite some media reports to the contrary, and has not missed a place at the track with 1-2-1 from four starts. Might be warming up to the effort that saw him spank the New Market field in the Autumn. Terravista $4 has had two Group victories from two starts this preparation winning both by two lengths over good horses. Only query here is "Can he adjust to weight-for-age?"Buffering $5.50 looks set to repeat last year's effort when he won this race. His preparation has been even better than last years and he has a perfect draw to capitalise on his early speed out of the barrier. Can't fault Rebel Dane $8.50 in his two runs this campaign. Rates very strongly from a good barrier again which should allow him to get a nice sit and pounce as they are turning.
Other horses with a chance in the race include Famous Seamus $17, who put in a spirited effort to salute at Randwick in Group 2 company a few weeks ago. Iconic has claims at $61 and so does Bounding $26. Best of the roughies is Angelic Light $11. Already backed in from her opening price of $15, ran a solid fourth 1 length behind Buffering in the Moir Stakes last start. Prior to that run she beat Lankan Rupee over the 1000 metres. She has a great record at the Valley with 3-1-1 from her six starts and she has won three times and placed three from seven starts the distnace. The definite value stand-out in a race with many chances.
I am going with Rebel Dane. He was a length behind Buffering in this race last year and I think his preparation this year is just as good and is more targeted to this race. At $8.50 fixed odds, he is showing great value for punters. Putting Angelic Light in for second and the ever consistent Buffering for third.
All of Australia's smartest punters and racing media's tips for tonight's racing and tomorrow's Cox Plate are in Horse Racing Tip Market.
Mike Steward