The Verdict: Manikato Stakes
Racing.com's Ben Asgari explains why your horse can or can't win the xxx
GROUP 1 LADBROKES MANIKATO STAKES (1200m)
THE INFERNO ($26 - Ladbrokes odds correct at time of publishing)
Why he can win: Second-fastest closing sectionals of the race first up behind Imperatriz. He should take improvement from the run and is suited stepping up to 1200m.
Why he can’t win: It’s been more than two years since his last win and he started $61 first up.
BUENOS NOCHES ($6.50)
Why he can win: Brings some potentially crucial different form into the race through the Everest. Forgive his run there where he was far from disgraced and he’d been in career-best form prior.
Why he can’t win: Has proven a rung below the top level every time he’s been tested to date.
UNCOMMON JAMES ($8.50)
Why he can win: The blinkers didn’t work last start which come straight off here. The first up run was encouraging and he might be ready to produce his best third up at 1200m where he has a likely tactical advantage over his main rivals in the betting.
Why he can’t win: Had every chance last start and was disappointing. Imperatriz went straight past him first up.
JIGSAW ($35)
Why he can win: Strips fitter for the first up run and looks better suited back around a turn. He looks the stronger chance of the two likely leaders in the race.
Why he can’t win: Well beaten first up and his best form has been in weaker races.
I AM WAR ($126)
Why he can win: Strips fitter second up, has a good record at the track and distance and might be the leader.
Why he can’t win: He’s rising sharply in distance and is poorly treated under the weight-for-age conditions relative to his official rating.
IMPERATRIZ ($1.45)
Why she can win: Broke the track record beating arguably the country’s best sprinter first up and then broke her own track record second up. Is probably even better suited over 1200m.
Why she can’t win: Her racing pattern means she could be vulnerable to bad luck or potential track patterns.
I AM ME ($7)
Why she can win: Last start winner of a rich race that is fit, tactically versatile and has James McDonald in the saddle.
Why she can’t win: Was potentially flattered by getting the perfect run last start given the race shape/pattern and tackling Imperatriz is a much tougher assignment.
SELECTIONS
Odds correct at time of publishing, subject to change. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
