An off-season staying race in Melbourne against older horses has been preferred to a Queensland winter campaign for three-year-old Manhattan Boss.
Manhattan Boss finished seventh after a less-than-ideal run in the Group One South Australian Derby last start and co-trainers Peter Morgan and Craig Widdison decided to press on to Saturday’s Le Pine Funerals Plate (2400m) at Sandown.
“We tossed up the idea of going to Brisbane with him but just thought it might have been a bit too much for him at this stage,” Widdison said.
“We thought we’d just give him one more run and then give him a break, but we’re really happy with him.”
Manhattan Boss holds a Queensland Derby nomination.
Widdison felt Manhattan Boss’s Derby run in Adelaide had merit given he didn’t get cover and made a long run before weakening.
Manhattan Boss is the only three-year-old in Saturday’s race but Widdison says late in the season it’s not a big issue.
“It will be good to see where he measures up, but I think he will,” he said.
Warrnambool Cup winner Master Of Arts in the $2.50 favourite.
The Morgan and Widdison-trained Whirlpool is an early favourite for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap (1600m) after her last-start second to Antelucan in the Adelaide Guineas.
“The trip really brought her on … it looks a pretty nice race for her,” Widdison said.
