Manawanui wins the Mitchelton Wines Vase

Manawanui confirmed his favourtism for next week’s Victoria Derby (2500m) with an easy win in the Mitchelton Wines Vase(2040m) at Moonee Valley today.

The crack three-year-old played with a small field and successfully adapted to new riding tactics from jockey Glyn Schofield.

The son of Oratorio (IRE) and Lady Remlap has generally taken up a forward or leading position in previous races but was settled behind the pace.

In the field of six, Scofield had him second last while Power Broker took up the running and slowed down the pace.

At the 1000m mark Hugh Bowman aboard the second favourite Collar dashed to the front making sure the Vase would be a good staying test from that point.

That son of O’Reilly and Caulfield Cup placegetter Laebeel broke up the field but Manawanui   moved up at the turn and drew clear in the straight.

Manwanui $1.22 favourite was clearing away near the finish and won by two and a half lengths from Collar $6 with Scelto $71, who after being burnt off when they sprinted, ran on well again a further length away third.

“All things being equal he should be there (in the Victoria Derby) next week,” said Manawanui’s trainer Ron Leemon.

“I will talk it over with Glyn, but I think he will be there myself.

“He has matured a little bit mentally, he has grown a little bit but still has a fair bit to do.

“His coat has been very good all the way through.

“I always said he will settle on the way he works and he has done what I wanted him to do at this stage.”

Leemon said he says he has no doubt Manawanui will run the 2500m of the Derby right out.

His breeding, particularly on his dam side, suggests he will.