Manikato Stakes favourite Paulele has drawn what James Cummings has described as the ‘perfect’ barrier for Friday night’s $2 million Group 1 Manikato Stakes.
The son of Dawn Approach came up with barrier six in the capacity field of 14 plus four emergencies but will start from gate four if the reserves are not required.
The 1200-metre weight-for-age event shapes as a career-defining race for the four-year-old entire, who is chasing a maiden win at the highest level, and Cummings was thrilled to see him draw nearer the inside than outside.
“It would not be lost on anyone that plenty of sprinters can sense that there’s blood in the water with a Group 1 without the absolute mega superstars in the race,” Cummings said.
“But I don’t think it’s a ‘Mickey Mouse’ Group 1 having a look at it and it’s important for him to draw well in a big field.
“The 1000 metres in the Moir, when he was away from the rail, wasn’t ideal on a night you needed to be nearer the rail that night and hopefully it just unfolds for him and he’s able to show that lethal turn of foot he was able to exhibit in the Schillaci last time at Caulfield.”
Paulele’s campaign began with a sixth placing in the Group 1 Moir Stakes on September 23 before an explosive win in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1100m).
James Mcdonald, who has ridden Paulele in both starts this preparation, retains the ride on Saturday night.
The four horses who headed betting going into the draw all retained prominent positions after faring well.
Moir Stakes winner Coolangatta will start from barrier one with the horse she narrowly defeated last start, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained stablemate Bella Nipotina, alongside in two.
Queensland star Rothfire drew gate five but will start from three if third and fourth emergencies In The Boat (three) and Sweet Ride (four) are not required.
Triple Group 1 winner Behemoth’s chances took a hit when he drew gate 16, Newmarket Handicap winner Roch ‘N’ Horse will start to his immediate inside, while Golden Slipper runner-up Best Or Bordeaux was allocated barrier 14.
