Classy import Manighar seems unlikely to run in Melbourne this autumn with trainer Peter Moody having difficulty finding an ideal kick-off point for the horse.
While a firm program is yet to be set for the horse whose spring was cut short after only two runs, Sydney options appear to suit the horse best.
Manighar winning the Catanach's Jeweller's Carlyon Cup at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
“I’m looking forward to getting him back on track,” Moody said.
“But I’m thinking a race like the Chipping Norton Stakes in Sydney might suit him best.”
Manighar won Sydney’s feature weight-for-age double – the Ranvet and BMW – last year after winning the Australian Cup.
Moody also revealed the Newmarket Handicap as the likely race for the autumn debut of the versatile Moment Of Change.
“He’s a last start Group One winner and the Newmarket looks ideal first up,” he said.
Moment Of Change won the Rupert Clarke Stakes at his most recent appearance having run two good races in Sydney at his only other two starts last time in, including victory in the Listed Show County Stakes at Warwick Farm.
Both he and Manighar trialled satisfactorily over 800m at Caulfield on Tuesday in what Moody described as “soft” assignments.
Trainer Mick Price also used Tuesday morning’s jump-outs at Caulfield to put his star filly Samaready through a more serious test which she passed in good style.
Samaready, last year’s Blue Diamond winner and a Golden Slipper placegetter, has improved considerably in her appearance since the spring when her campaign was ended by a virus after one run.
She easily handled her opponents in an 800m jump-out with Price planning another similar gallop before she returns to racing in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday week – a race in which the trainer insists she will not be racing “against” Black Caviar.
“She’ll be going around behind her,” he said.
