Emerging as the only credible challenger to superstar sprinter Black Caviar on the Australian racing scene, last Friday night the Peter Snowden-trained champion Sepoy saluted for the punters in their open-age and weight-for-age debut to win the 2011 Manikato Stakes under the lights at Moonee Valley Racecourse.
Jumping as the odds-on favourite in the Luxbet markets for the $500,000 Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), Elusive Quality colt Sepoy was never threatened when they coasted to a commanding two and a quarter length victory over the John Sadler-trained Sister Madly ($17).
Finishing off the winning Manikato Stakes 2011 Trifecta was Gai Waterhouse’s resuming mare More Joyous ($4), who although never looked the winner finishing a further three lengths away third, did look fit and beautiful in the coat hinting at better things to come this Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
The first juvenile in over two decades to win the Blue Diamond Stakes – Golden Slipper double last season, Sepoy is now undefeated as a three-year-old having won all three of their starts this spring.
The Moonee Valley night racing result boosted the Darley-owned colts’ impressive race record to eight wins from nine starts, Sepoy now having earned over $3.4 million in career prize money.
While connections certainly believe their boy could give undefeated turf queen Black Caviar a run for her money, at this stage the 2011 Coolmore Stud Stakes is the main spring aim for Sepoy.
Run on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the $500,000 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) is one of four elite level features at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day, October 29, 2011.
Sepoy could still clash with Black Caviar next race after the Coolmore just seven days later in the $1 million Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) on Emirates Stakes Day as last year’s Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Star Witness did when running second to the ‘Black Flash’ in the 2010 Patinack.
To get behind Sepoy next race at the hottest odds, and to view the latest spring carnival betting odds and options on the upcoming Group 1’s, head to our preferred online bookmaker Luxbet today.
Now is the time to open your new Luxbet account as every new depositing customer this spring carnival will be rewarded with a limited-time-only $500 Bonus Bet simply by quoting the codeword [luxbetcode]!
2011 Manikato Stakes Results & Finishing Order
| Finish | No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | SEPOY(1) | Kerrin McEvoy | Peter Snowden | 52.0 | 1-11.08 |
| 2nd | 5 | SISTER MADLY(5) | Craig Williams | John Sadler | 56.5 | 2.3L |
| 3rd | 4 | MORE JOYOUS(4) | Nash Rawiller | Gai Waterhouse | 56.5 | 5.3L |
| 4th | 2 | BUFFERING(3) | Damian Browne | Robert Heathcote | 58.5 | 5.4L |
| 5th | 6 | RUE MAPLE(6) | Michelle Payne | Darren Weir | 56.5 | 7.4L |
| 6th | 3 | ATOMIC FORCE(7) | Damien Oliver | Darren Smith | 58.5 | 7.5L |
| 7th | 1 | HAPPY ZERO(2) | Darren Beadman | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | 58.5 | 8.5L |
| 8th | 7 | KULGRINDA(8) | Luke Nolen | Peter G Moody | 56.5 | 9.7L |
