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Former stablemates turn sparring partners

3 minute read

One-time stablemates Manighar and Drunken Sailor will clash for the first time since joining different stables when they tackle The BMW at Rosehill.

The rejuvenation of Manighar has been well documented but his former barn mate Drunken Sailor has also undergone a renaissance.

The pair will meet for the first time since joining different stables when they go head-to-head in Saturday's Group One The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill.

Both managed by Simon O'Donnell and Terry Henderson's OTI Syndicate, they were trained by Luca Cumani in England but stayed on in Australia following Cups campaigns last spring.

Manighar went to Peter Moody and Drunken Sailor to Mike Moroney.

The duo travelled together and worked together during their time under Cumani.

They also competed against one another in last year's Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

"(Jockey) Dwayne Dunn actually said after the Caulfield Cup that Drunken Sailor didn't want to go past Manighar," O'Donnell said.

"I just hope that if they want to hang out together on Saturday they're one-two and not nine-ten."

Under Moody's training style, Manighar has developed into one of the country's best stayers, winning the Group One Australian Cup and Ranvet Stakes at his past two starts.

He is the $4 second pick for the BMW with TAB Sportsbet behind $2.20 favourite Americain.

O'Donnell admits Manighar's form under Moody has been a pleasant surprise.

"When he came in for this preparation the Sydney Cup was high on our agenda," O'Donnell said.

"As the campaign progressed, Pete (Moody) started saying, `Hang on, this fella's starting to work with a bit of dash'.

"Well, we thought that would soon come out of him.

"Next thing you know, he's won a mile (1600m) race. We were surprised by that, let alone what he's done since."

Drunken Sailor ($26) also looks to have flourished under Moroney.

Midfield in both Cups during the spring, the gelding has been placed at all four starts this preparation, albeit in lesser grade than Manighar.

He comes into the BMW off the back of a close second in the Adelaide Cup (3200m) when he drew barrier 20 and conceded 5.5kg to the winner Rialya.

"Again, since he came off a European preparation into an Australian regimen he's been far more consistent," O'Donnell said.

"I wouldn't underestimate him on a good track on Saturday."

Moroney has put blinkers on Drunken Sailor for the drop back in trip.

Damien Oliver sticks with him after partnering him at his past three starts and he has a good recent record in the BMW, scoring aboard Blutigeroo in 2007 and Cedarberg last year.

Luke Nolen will be chasing his first victory in the staying feature aboard Manighar.

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