3 minute read

Manikato night at The Valley which could see boom three-year-old Growing Empire announce himself.

What looked like a bit of a Moir 2.0 has potentially added a very interesting dimension with Growing Empire seemingly likely to run in Friday's Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m).

I'm not alone in being a huge fan of him.

His first-up win was arrogant, running the best McKenzie Stakes winning rating since Bel Esprit in 2002, and his win in the Poseidon Stakes was very good when I think he had a bit against him.

He's run to 116 with Timeform at both of those runs but has certainly promised to be better than that, which he'll have to be to be winning here.

I Wish I Win can run well into the 120s at his best, Hayasugi was outstanding in the Moir, Veight is rated 121 off his George Ryder win over 1500m, Estriella could be a sharp improver, so there's plenty of competition here.

I Wish I Win ran to 113+ in the Moir fresh, 1000m around The Valley definitely not his go but he ran as well as could be expected given the scenario. Out to 1200m now is ideal but he's probably going to be last in running again.

Hayasugi was equally as good in the Moir, but where she gets to from barrier two looks a bit tricky as well. She might be able to hold a spot closer to the speed here because she's never drawn low in her life and didn't jump badly in the Moir.

I thought there could be a couple of improvers out of the Moir. Estriella was well supported there and a bit plain. I'd like to see her really press on here, even look to cross Recommendation, and try to get them chasing from the 600m mark.

1200m may be a query for her but I'm still convinced she's a Group 1 horse. If we're getting double figures for her I'd be happy to back her.

The other is Coleman who I think can kick up and hold the leader's back from barrier one. He too was just fair in the Moir but his Golden Slipper rating, 120, puts him firmly in the ballpark. He's another that I think will drift on the night and we should get closer to 20-1.

As much as I love Growing Empire, he looks tight enough in early betting, as the does the market on a whole.

I'd mark I Wish I Win favourite and wouldn't talk anyone out of backing him. I'm much longer on Veight, and I think there's potential to back Estriella and Coleman at bigger odds on the night if they drift, similar story Growing Empire if we get $6+.