3 minute read

Group One sprinter Malaguerra is ready to take on the international might of the Aidan O’Brien stable in the $1 million Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Malaguerra, winner of the G1 VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington in 2016 and third in the Manikato Strakes last year, is making a belated start to his spring campaign after a long break from racing due to fitness issues.

The now seven-year-old gelding has not raced since he finished tenth in his bid to win the VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) for a second time last spring due to a suspensory injury.

“He mildly strained his suspensories in both front legs,” reported trainer Peter Gelagotis. “They were inflamed and it took a while to settle down but there was no structural damage.

“He could have raced earlier this year but we opted to bypass the autumn and give him a little of extra rehab time and time in the paddock.

“We have given him ample time to quietly progress. Hopefully we will get another two seasons out of him."

Ben Melham is booked to ride Malaguerra, who has been prepared for his comeback with two recent jump outs.

Gelegatois is planning to give Malaguerra a third crack at the Sprint Classic at Flemington on November 10 before sending him to Perth for the $1 milion Winterbottom Stgakesd (120m) at Ascot on December 1.

The Manikato Stakes is set to attract a field that will beat the recent Everest in Sydney for international participation with Irish wizard Aidan O’Brien set run four of his visiting sprinters.

The O’Brien stable announced on Sunday that Everest runner U S Navy Flag will be joined by stablemates Fleet Review, Spirit Of Valor and Intelligence Cross in the Manikato Stakes.

Other sprinters named as Manikato Stakes runners include Darren Weir’s Everest starter Brave Smash, Kementari, Invincible Star, Sunlight, Houtzen, Spright, Tulip and Jungle Edge.

Malaguerra’s classy stablemate Illustrious Lad has undergone a successful surgery for an entrapped epiglottis that forced him to miss last week’s G2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield.

He is set to pick up his campaign in the Absolut Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on November 8 and is earmarked to travel to Perth with Malaguerra for the Winterbottom Stakes.