Manikato Stakes Day Preview & Best Bets – 27/09/2024

It is the Friday Night Lights Series opener at Moonee Valley this week, featuring the Group One Manikato Stakes and the Group Two Feehan Stakes.

Some of the best sprinters in Australia will be involved in the Manikato Stakes, as they chase a portion of the $2 million in prize money on offer. Here are the best bets for the card.

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BEST BET: GROWING EMPIRE

Race 7

GROWING EMPIRE has suffered defeat just once so far in his career, prevailing four times in five starts. He broke his maiden at this racecourse as a two-year-old, so he has proven he enjoys running at this course.

The son of Zoustar made a winning return to action in the Group Three McNeil Stakes at Caulfield last month. He showed no rustiness, scoring by just over a length. A second victory this season came at Flemington in the Poseidon Stakes, a Listed race over 1100m.

Ciaron Maher’s sprinter is taking on some established sprinters here as he bids for a first Group One triumph. With the weight advantage on his side, he can prove his class in a strong renewal of the Manikato Stakes.

SECOND BEST BET: PRIDE OF JENNI

Race 4

Pride of Jenni is the highest-rated runner in the Group Two Feehan Stakes on Manikato Stakes Night, and the seven-year-old mare is the one they will all have to beat. She has an entry in the Cox Plate next month and this is ideal preparation for that prestigious contest.

Maher’s runner was denied victory at Flemington last time out when she had to settle for the runner-up spot in an eight-runner field. The ground was heavy on that occasion, which was far from ideal for the star mare.

Connections are giving their runner an ease in grade here to boost her confidence ahead of the Cox Plate. If she runs up to the form she has shown this season, the rest of the field will be fighting it out for second place.

Best Value: Grinzinger Belle

Race 8

The Stocks Stakes is the final race on the card at Moonee Valley on Friday night and Grinzinger Belle represents the best value of the evening. She has something to find on the ratings with several of her rivals, but she remains open to improvement.

The four-year-old was a winner at Flemington on her latest start. This is a much tougher challenge, but she looks ready to take another big step forward in her career.