Stayer turned weight for age star Manighar is ready to reproduce his outstanding Autumn form with trainer Peter Moody tipping further improvement in the former German galloper.

Manighar

Weight for age star Manighar is set to continue their winning form in the Spring. Photo by: Steve Hart

Moody was able to transform the dour stayer into the top weight for age performer after taking over the preparation of the then six year old from talented European trainer Luca Cumani.

And Moody has pointed out that Manighar has continued to flourish under the Australian conditions and the premiership winning trainer is looking forward to the Spring.

“It’s stupid to suggest, but I think he’s better. He’s super,” Moody said.

“Wait until you see him. He had that ugly, skinny look, but now he looks outstanding.”

The former German stayer was transferred to the Moody stable after last year’s Spring Carnival which saw the grey finishing fifth to Dunaden in the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1 followed by a second to Americain in the Group 2 $350,000 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown on November 12.

Moody transformed the imported German galloper from a dour stayer into the star of the Melbourne and Sydney Autumn Carnivals with wins in the $1m Dubai Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10, the $400,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 24 and the $2.25m The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on April 7.

Manighar finished his Sydney campaign with a second to More Joyous in the Group 1 $500,000 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 28 before heading to Brisbane for the Winter Carnival picking up a third to Mawingo in the Group 1 $500,000 Kirks Doomben Cup  (2000m) at Doomben on May 19.

Manighar is prominent in the betting in all the major Spring races and Moody has selected the Group 2 $300,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 8 to kick off his campaign.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.