MV SEPT 25 - DANLEIGH TAKES OUT MANIKATO

By Graham Potter | Saturday, September 26, 2009

Moonee Valley, September 25, 2009.
Track - Slow 7. Rail - out 2m.
Manikato Stakes (Group 1) - 1200m. Time: 1-12.58.
1 Danleigh; 2 Phelan Ready; 3 Nicconi.

The Chris Waller trained Danleigh produced race winning acceleration over the final 75m to surge to the front and claim the Group 1, Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The gelding was resuming after a three-and-a-half month spell since running second to Black Piranha in the Stradbroke and he could not have been more finely tuned for this competitive contest. It was the first time Danleigh had won first-up in his twenty-five race career.

The Golden Slipper Phelan Ready looked to be going like a winner before Danleigh pounced late to keep the Jason McLachlan trained runner back in second placing. Nicconi finished third.

WINNER FEEDBACK
Trainer Chris Waller: “No, we didn’t really come here expecting to win. I knew we’ve had a good horse and that always helps ... but, no, you’re in foreign territory so you don’t ever expect too much. It was a great ride ... great horse ... fantastic result.

“I believe he is a weight-for-age horse. Group 1’s are what count. We’ve had a crack and we’ve won it. My only concern was racing left-handed for the first time and the Moonee Valley track, but it was a great ride from Kerrin McEvoy. He kept the horse balanced and going forward and even in a good spot. That was probably the closest he’s been for a long time, so well done to Kerrin.

“What’s next? I think there is a Group 2 race here in about four weeks time ... same distance, same track. Then the Aged Classic on the last day of the Carnival.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy: “It was a solid race. I came here ... I thought I had a bit of a chance, but it was such an open race ... anyone of the horses could have won it.

“I just got a lovely run and it really suited my horse through the going today as well. I was sort of on the back of Swift Alliance and then Mic Mac was there, but then I got in the clear. He did have things in his favour today. He was drawn well and he got the going he likes, but he is a genuine horse and Chris (Waller) has done a top job with the horse. I think it is his first major win in Melbourne so he’ll be enjoying it as well. It’s good to be back in Melbourne with a big winner.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards authorised the late scratching of Solo Flyer at 6.13pm due to the downgrade of the track.
Correct weight was delayed whilst Damien Oliver, rider of Apache Cat, viewed the Steward’s patrol video before deciding not to lodge an objection.

Nicconi jumped awkwardly. Phelan Ready over-raced in the early and middle stages. Wanted raced wide without cover.

Near the 300m, Apache Cat had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Turffontein which shifted out when not fully clear. G. Boss (Turffontein) was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. On the point of the home turn near the 250m mark, Turffontein was crowded for room and became unbalanced between Nicconi and Phelan Ready which shifted out slightly before being straightened. On straightening, Turffontein again had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Phelan Ready, which shifted out slightly. S. Katsidis, (Phelan Ready) was notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

Inside the 50m mark, Mic Mac had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Danleigh which shifted out slightly under pressure. Approaching the winning post, Turffontein had to be steadied when disappointed for clear running between Nicconi and Apache Cat.

When questioned, B. Shinn (Swift Alliance) was of the opinion that the horse did not handle the weight for age conditions and in his opinion, was feeling the effects of recent racing. Subsequent to the race, a veterinary examination of Swift Alliance revealed no abnormality.

M. Rodd (Russeting) explained that his mount raced quite fresh and subsequently over-raced, and as a result failed to run on. Subsequent to the race, a veterinary examination of Russeting revealed no abnormality. Trainer Mr A. Cummings was fined $200 under the provisions of AR124 for failing to have Turffontein in the mounting yard by the prescribed time.

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