Step up in trip expected for Manzala
CONNECTIONS of Manzala are expecting a sharp improvement from the two-year-old next preparation after a stunning debut at Morphettville.
Jumping as the outsider in a five horse field, the $12.40 outsider at Crownbet balanced up significantly better than the other four runners and streaked away at the line to topple the short-priced favourite Raahee ($1.20 at William Hill).
Manzala was powerful to the line without much urging from Emily Finnegan, and co-trainer Niki O’Shea believes the run was indicative of a horse that will excel over a greater distance.
“He was always going to be a lovely horse,” O’Shea said.
“He’s bred to get a mile and we thought he was going to be a lovely horse next prep so we just let him run around.”
It was a strong maiden performance from the son of Poet’s Voice, and the manner in which the horse let down belied the inexperience the two-year-old had on the other competitors.
In what may have showcased the horse’s lack of routine on raceday, Manzala tossed Emily Finnigan in the aftermath of the race, but both jockey and horse were unharmed.
All is ok after Manzala throws @emily_finnegan past the post. pic.twitter.com/7c6wVXcxrL
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 18, 2017
The trainer said he hoped Manzala could have produced what it did on Saturday, but was not certain it would deliver the professional run it did.
“I thought he could do something like that, but I thought he might not have been smart enough so it worked out good.”
Despite the strong win, it is unlikely that race goers will see Manzala again this year.
O’Shea said the race team will keep the set plan in place the two-year-old, which should be one of the hottest prospects in racing upon its return.
“He was going to the paddock Monday win, lose or draw so he’s going to go out now and have six weeks off.
“I think he’ll be a nice horse next time.”