Moonee Valley will host Group 1 racing under lights for the final time on Friday, with the Manikato Stakes (1200m) promising a fitting send-off.
The star-studded field is headlined by champion mare Lady Shenandoah, who will be joined by Black Caviar Lightning winner Skybird, Moir Stakes hero Baraqiel, and the in-form Tropicus.
Also in the mix are Cockram Stakes winner Magic Time, Kiwi raider Alabama Lass, and classy mare Charm Stone, while Ameena returns after chasing her home in the Sangster.
Nash Rawiller has secured the ride on crowd favourite Rothfire, confident the veteran still has what it takes to strike. Blake Shinn links with Charm Stone, and James McDonald will be aboard Lady Shenandoah.
With elite gallopers and gun jockeys converging on The Valley, the curtain comes down on an era of Friday night Group 1 racing in spectacular style.
Lady Shenandoah dominates the market at $2.00 with online bookmakers with Baraqiel and Angel Capital on the second and third lines of betting.
Likely Field for the Manikato Stakes
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baraqiel | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | B Allen |
| 2 | Payline | C & C Munce | |
| 3 | Rothfire | R Heathcote | N Rawiller |
| 4 | Tropicus | A & S Freedman | |
| 5 | Sir Sway | S & J Jaensch | L Neindorf |
| 6 | Magic Time | G Begg | M Dee |
| 7 | Skybird | M Freedman | J Allen |
| 8 | Charm Stone | M Price & M Kent Jnr | B Shinn |
| 9 | Alabama Lass | K & B Kelso | C Williams |
| 10 | Lady Shenandoah | C Waller | J McDonald |
| 11 | Ameena | A & S Freedman | M Zahra |
