The feature race at Caulfield this Sunday is the Manikato Stakes (1200m), where the market says it is an open contest.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for 2026 Manikato Stakes.
2026 Manikato Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Giga Kick: I think 1200m and firmer footing are two big ticks vs the Moir. Must include in exotics.
2. Pericles: He’s not here to play IMO.
3. Jimmysstar: Jimmysstar is the very interesting runner. I thought he was a moral in the Memsie but was three/four wide the trip and the hard run told late. Tick over jumpout was very good and if he brings his absolute best, he could easily blow this field away.
4. Rothfire: I actually didn’t think he was bad in the Moir but this looks way too hard for him.
5. Beiwacht: Beiwacht has been given four weeks break since his win in the Memsie, leading throughout and he gave nothing else a look in to win and win in quite dominant fashion. Back to 1200m should be fine, I think, and with his racing style, he’ll make sure it’s a proper 1200m contest.
6. Gallant Son: Talented sprinter but better suited away from WFA.
7. Beadman: Beadman was very good in the Concorde. Back, wide, but loved the way he kept chasing and finding the line in defeat behind Tempted. He should love getting to 1200m and with a more positive steer, I think he’ll acquit himself very well.
8. Napoleonic: Napoleonic is well and truly here to play in terms of clear intent, being set for the race. He has been freshened since the Missile when second to Ninja, held, but stuck on really well. Freshened, the tick over trial was elite, he lands on speed…I think he’ll run an absolute belter.
9. Oliveanotherday: Happy to die on the hill alone in saying he’s overrated. Firm track, straight course…whatever the reason, he was ordinary in the Bobbie Lewis and now at WFA, taking on proper big boys…$5? Really? I could mark him $51.
10. Charm Stone: Class mare that resumes but the gate does make things tricky and suspect she might need the run.
11. My Gladiola: Knuckled down with purpose to win the Moir but IMO was sort of blessed in the run and this looks much harder.
12. Geegees Mistruth: Better suited at 1100m and in something easier.
13. Extragalactic: Think she’s well and truly here to play. Wasn’t there to play in the Moir, but now she gets 1200m, a kind draw, J Mac…she’s a threat.
2026 Manikato Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place Napoleonic
Group l Strategy Outlay: $600
Group l Strategy Return: $190
2026 Manikato Stakes Speed Map
Beiwacht should find the top and roll, as he loves to do. I suspect Rothfire wil press forwad as well. I think Beadman will be ridden with intent and in return, will give Gallant Son a drag across.
Manikato Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GIGA KICK | Clayton Douglas | Mark Zahra | 4 | 58.5kg |
| 2 | PERICLES | Bjorn Baker | Craig Williams | 10 | 58.5kg |
| 3 | JIMMYSSTAR (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 8 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | ROTHFIRE | Robert Heathcote | Brad Rawiller | 6 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | BEIWACHT | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 3 | 58.5kg |
| 6 | GALLANT SON | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Luke Nolen | 13 | 58.5kg |
| 7 | BEADMAN | Peter Snowden | Tim Clark | 12 | 58.5kg |
| 8 | NAPOLEONIC | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | Zac Lloyd | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 9 | OLIVEANOTHERDAY | Tom Dabernig | Harry Coffey | 5 | 58.5kg |
| 10 | CHARM STONE | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Damian Lane | 11 | 56.5kg |
| 11 | MY GLADIOLA | John McArdle | Jamie Mott | 9 | 56.5kg |
| 12 | GEEGEES MISTRUTH | Mark Walker | Blake Shinn | 1 | 56.5kg |
| 13 | EXTRAGALACTIC | Trent Edmonds | James McDonald | 2 | 56.5kg |
