Just seven horses have been confirmed, but what the 2023 Manikato Stakes field lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in class.
Imperatriz has been nothing short of outstanding since arriving in Australia, and unsurprisingly, she has opened a firm favourite in Manikato Stakes betting.
If she holds her form, she wins, but have I put her on top? Read on to my 2023 Manikato Stakes Tips to find out!
Suggested Bets
- 6 Units straight out #6 Imperatriz
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Manikato Stakes – Winner
Of course, I have.
I often like trying to find one to beat a short-priced favourite, but I just do not think that there is a sprinter that can knock off Imperatriz, specifically at The Valley, at the moment.
She won the William Reid here in the autumn, and she’s won by the McEwen Stakes and the Moir Stakes here this time in.
Toss in several other New Zealand Group 1 victories and you’ve got one of the best sprinters in the world.
No joke.
Suggested Bet: No. 6 Imperatriz
Manikato Stakes – 2nd
I think the bookies have this right, and if there is a horse that can potentially worry Imperatriz in the Manikato Stakes 2023, it’s Buenos Noches.
Buenos Noches has always had ability, but I also don’t think that there’s any real doubt that he has continued to improve with each prep and as he has continued to mature.
Having ended his 2022 campaign third in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Buenos Noches wasn’t out of his depth in a couple of Group 1 sprints in the autumn of this year, before returning in August to win at Group 3 level.
Having since placed in The Shorts and finished midfield in The Everest, he’s hard fit, and he can fight out the finish on Saturday.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Buenos Noches
Manikato Stakes – 3rd
He was comfortably beaten by Asfoora in the Schillaci Stakes a fortnight ago, but fitter third-up and back to The Valley, Uncommon James can be competitive again in the Manikato Stakes.
The Cable Bay gelding won the Oakleigh Plate back in the autumn of this year, and he’s filled the minors at each of two starts back from a break.
This is probably the most ideal Spring Carnival Group 1 feature for him, it’s just a shame he has to run into a horse like Imperatriz!
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Uncommon James
Manikato Stakes – 4th
I’m very interested to see I Am Me step out in Group 1 company for only the second time in Saturday’s Manikato Stakes.
The I Am Invincible mare has won nine of sixteen starts to date, placing a further two times and finding form around some handy opposition.
She takes her place in the Manikato Stakes field following an eye-catching win in the Sydney Stakes, and the booking of James McDonald adds further confidence again.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 I Am Me
