This season the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes runs on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse with The Valley undergoing a major redevelopment.
The Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2026 brings serious heat to the spring, with Australia’s quickest sprinters set to clash in this high‑octane 1200m Group 1 currently run at Caulfield. Ladbrokes punters are already locking onto the latest Manikato Stakes odds and sharpening their Manikato Stakes betting predictions as the big stables roll out their headline speed machines. With trial form, early‑spring sprint profiles and track suitability all driving market moves, this is a race where getting in early matters. Our Ladbrokes Manikato coverage delivers the key insights, market movers, form pointers and betting angles you need to stay ahead of the pack and lock in value before the pressure hits this spring!
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Odds
The latest Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2026 betting odds will be available across the season below so you can back your early Melbourne Group 1 racing tips online at the right price this spring followed by the official finishing order after the event.
Manikato Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Giga Kick (4) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 420×0 T: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 10th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside September 5 over 1000m, slow going 4.5 len carrying 58.5kg at $4.80. Previously second-up 4th of 9 in the G2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1000m, 1.4 len carrying 58.5kg at $3.20. Too sharp fresh, his 1200m form reads much better and we know his best is very good. | |||
| 2. Pericles (10) J: Craig Williams 58.5kg 1357x T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Resuming after a break of five-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign seventh of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 2.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9.50. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.8 len this track G1 Futurity Stakes February 21 over 1400m defeating Buckaroo with 59kg at $5.50. Tough gelding, not sure he’ll be sharp enough at 1200m. | |||
| 3. Jimmysstar (8) J: Ethan Brown 58.5kg 342×9 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months 9th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes here on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $3.80. Previously second-up 5th of 9 in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 4 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind Joliestar carrying 58.5kg at $6. Disappointing fresh, best would go close but does need to find a bit. | |||
| 4. Rothfire (6) J: Brad Rawiller 58.5kg 170×8 T: Robert Heathcote | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months 8th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind My Gladiola with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.0 len in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on May 16 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Spicy Martini carrying 58.5kg at $61. Old marvel but this will test. | |||
| 5. Beiwacht (3) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 261×1 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months won by 3 len in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Mr Brightside with 58.5kg at $6. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 0.6 len behind Joliestar carrying 56kg at $9. Clearly the one to beat again. Best form is over further but he gets a lot in his favour and might just be too good. | |||
| 6. Gallant Son (13) J: Luke Nolen 58.5kg 1132x T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last preparation second of 14 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, a neck behind Caballus carrying 52kg at $61. Previous preparation first-up won by long-neck Flemington Bm70 January 10 over 1000m defeating Along The River carrying 61kg at $3.20. Good horse, weight-for-age is a new test. | |||
| 7. Beadman (12) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 150×3 T: Peter Snowden | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 5 over 1000m, 1.75 len behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 6th of 14 in the LR Darby Munro Stakes at Rosehill on March 21 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Beskar with 58.5kg at $4.80. Very good return, just not sure where he gets to from the draw. | |||
| 8. Napoleonic (7) J: Zac Lloyd 58.5kg x30x2 T: John O’shea & Tom Charlton | |||
| Second-up. Comes off a 50-day let-up. First-up after two months sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 7 in the G2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 8 over 1200m, 1.2 len behind Ninja with 56.5kg at $9. Previously second-up 12th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 4 len behind Headley Grange carrying 57kg at $12. Good return and in the minor mix. | |||
| 9. Oliveanotherday (5) J: Harry Coffey 58.5kg 11×15 T: Tom Dabernig | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 1.5 len in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m in soft going defeating Bridal Waltz with 58kg at $2.30. Second run from a spell boxed on steadily 5th of 14 in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on September 12 over 1200m, 1.2 len behind Losesomewinmore with 57kg at $1.60. Touch disappointing latest but fresh win was fantastic and he can bounce back. | |||
| 10. Charm Stone (11) J: Damian Lane 56.5kg 6x43x T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of five months. Finished off last preparation third of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, a nose behind Geegees Mistruth carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. Previously first up; fourth of 11 at this track in the G1 William Reid March 21 over 1200m, 0.9 len behind Jigsaw carrying 56.5kg at $21. Talented mare, draw doesn’t make it easy. | |||
| 11. My Gladiola (9) J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg 047×1 T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m in soft going defeating Cavalry Girl with 56.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 10th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 50.5kg at $4.80. Very well ridden to score fresh, perhaps a little niggle in a strong 1200m. | |||
| 12. Geegees Mistruth (1) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg 721×5 T: Mark Walker | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months 5th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 2 len behind My Gladiola with 56.5kg at $12. Previously second-up didn’t finish the race at this track in the G1 Oakleigh Plt February 21 over 1100m. Solid return and a good mare, just not sure she’s quite up to this. | |||
| 13. Extragalactic (2) J: James McDonald 56.5kg 122×4 T: Trent Edmonds | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 1.3 len behind My Gladiola carrying 56.5kg at $13. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.0 len in a 3yo F Hcp at this track on April 4 over 1200m defeating Marsept carrying 52.5kg at $3.90. Very good fresh albeit with right sort of run, up in trip suits and J-Mac on. | |||
Manikato Stakes Tips
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes tips are most often dominated by that season’s Moir Stakes winner, but a host of other lead-up races have produced winners of the sprint showdown in recent years including Brisbane’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap during the winter that both Sea Siren (9th in 2012) and Danleigh (2nd in 2009) contested before their spring win in the Manikato in Melbourne.
Some gallopers kick off their spring campaigns in the race, so looking at the runners with good fresh form is a good Manikato Stakes betting tip as is looking for the horses drawn near the inside as the tight circuit favours barriers 1 – 5.
Charm Stone (2025) was the last first-up Manikato Stakes winner.
Ladbrokes Tip: Backing the favourite to salute is a good Manikato Stakes betting tip!
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Predictions & Best Bets
Our insider Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2026 betting tips and exotic Group 1 sprint race selections will be detailed below the week of the race so bookmark this page to see what sprint horses to back at the right price this season.
| 5. Beiwacht (3) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 261×1 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months won by 3 len in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Mr Brightside with 58.5kg at $6. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 0.6 len behind Joliestar carrying 56kg at $9. Clearly the one to beat again. Best form is over further but he gets a lot in his favour and might just be too good. | |||
| 11. My Gladiola (9) J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg 047×1 T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m in soft going defeating Cavalry Girl with 56.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 10th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 50.5kg at $4.80. Very well ridden to score fresh, perhaps a little niggle in a strong 1200m. | |||
| 7. Beadman (12) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 150×3 T: Peter Snowden | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 5 over 1000m, 1.75 len behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 6th of 14 in the LR Darby Munro Stakes at Rosehill on March 21 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Beskar with 58.5kg at $4.80. Very good return, just not sure where he gets to from the draw. | |||
Latest News
The Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes is a feature Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival sprint traditionally run at Moonee Valley Racecourse in late September.
The popular sprint showdown has recently taken place on the Friday night under the lights at The Valley on the eve of the Cox Plate, on Cox Plate Day itself and in 2026 will run on the Sunday after Sydney’s Golden Rose Stakes Day card.
Conducted over 1200m the weight-for-age feature holds Group 1 status, and the 2026 edition moves from The Valley which is closed for redevelopment to Caulfield.
Worth $2 million in prize money it is named after dual winner of the race Manikato who also won five straight editions of the William Reid Stakes at the same track from 1979 – 1983.
Upgraded to a Group 1 race in 1989 the Manikato was previously known as the Freeway Stakes (1968 – 1983). It has been won by many top-line sprinters including Lankan Rupee (2014), Sepoy (2011), Hay List (2010), Miss Andretti, Sunline (2000m), and Dane Ripper (1998).
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Race Info
- Date: Friday September 26, 2025
- Track: Moonee Valley Racecourse (Caulfield in 2026)
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $2 million
- First Run: 1968
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Results
The official Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2026 Results & Finishing Order will be available below once the race is run and won at Caulfield Racecourse on Friday September 26, 2025.
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Manikato Stakes Betting
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes betting odds were traditionally led by the best Moir Stakes graduates who were proven in Group 1 company over the 1200m at Moonee Valley.
Recent Manikato Stakes winners that ran second in the Moir Stakes in their final lead-up include Buffering (2013), Lankan Rupee (2014) and Bella Nipotina (2022).
Imperatriz (2023) was the last to complete the Moir Stakes – Manikato Stakes double.
As of 2024, the Manikato Stakes runs earlier in September prior to the Moir Stakes.
The 2018 Manikato Stakes winner Brave Smash also finished runner-up in that spring’s Moir Stakes but also finished eighth to dual champ Redzel in Sydney’s The Everest race in between the Melbourne, spring features at The Valley.
Horses at the top of the Manikato Stakes markets have recently fared well with six favourites saluting in the race from 2007 – 2025 most recently Imperatriz ($1.40 in 2023). There have been two notable upsets with Rebel Dane ($61 in 2016) and Hey Doc ($21 in 2017).
Hey Doc returned in 2020 to first dual champion on non-successive years since the race’s now namesake Manikato (1979, 1982) but did so as a $10 shot.
Horses coming off a top two run have dominated recent Manikato Stakes results, so the in-form sprinters of the spring usually sit highest up the Manikato Stakes odds.
There was a notable Manikato Stakes upset in 2024 with the beaten favourite Growing Empire ($3.80) run down late by his stablemate Southport Tycoon ($21).
The 2025 Manikato Stakes winner Charm Stone also won at a blowout price of $31!
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Track the big money Manikato Stakes bets on this weekend’s Group 1 sprint right here!
Manikato Stakes Field
The Manikato Stakes race field (when run at Moonee Valley) has a capacity of 14 starters and has been run at that capacity eight times since 1983 most recently in 2008 when Typhoon Zed saluted and 2018 when Brave Smash got the job done as an $8.50 shot.
Four times since 2009 the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes race field has attracted under double figures with just eight lining up in both 2010 and 2011, only nine in the 2017 edition and nine again in 2020. Both in 2017 and 2020, Hey Doc won the race. There were only six official starters in the 2023 Manikato Stakes field with Buenos Noches scratched at the barriers. The 2024 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes field ran with 12 starters, while in 2025 Charm Stone beat home nine rivals.
The Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes final acceptances close the week of the race previously featured horses that contested the Group 1 Moir Stakes before being moved in 2024.
Recent Manikato Stakes winners to have had their final lead-up in the A.J. Moir Stakes include Lankan Rupee (2nd in 2014), Buffering (2nd in 2013), Bella Nipotina (2nd in 2022) who also finished second in the previous year’s Manikato results, and Imperatriz (1st of 2023) who did the double.
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Field
The 2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Field & Barriers are set for release the Wednesday of race week and will be published in full below so stay tuned to see the sprinters that make the cut for the $2 million dollar feature.
The Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2026 final field features a quality line-up of 13 spring sprinters including three-length Memsie Stakes champion Beiwacht drawn well in gate three and John McArdle’s last start Group 1 Moir Stakes winning mare My Gladiola.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Giga Kick
J: Mark Zahra
T: Clayton Douglas |
5420×0 | G | 4 | 58.5kg | |
|
2. Pericles
J: Craig Williams
T: Bjorn Baker |
x1357x | G | 10 | 58.5kg | |
|
3. Jimmysstar
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher |
5342×9 | G | 8 | 58.5kg | |
|
4. Rothfire
J: Brad Rawiller
T: Robert Heathcote |
0170×8 | G | 6 | 58.5kg | |
|
5. Beiwacht
J: Nash Rawiller
T: Chris Waller |
8261×1 | H | 3 | 58.5kg | |
|
6. Gallant Son
J: Luke Nolen
T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman |
x1132x | H | 13 | 58.5kg | |
|
7. Beadman
J: Tim Clark
T: Peter Snowden |
8150×3 | H | 12 | 58.5kg | |
|
8. Napoleonic
J: Zac Lloyd
T: John O’shea & Tom Charlton |
8x30x2 | H | 7 | 58.5kg | |
|
9. Oliveanotherday
J: Harry Coffey
T: Tom Dabernig |
111×15 | G | 5 | 58.5kg | |
|
10. Charm Stone
J: Damian Lane
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
16x43x | M | 11 | 56.5kg | |
|
11. My Gladiola
J: Jamie Mott
T: John Mcardle |
2047×1 | M | 9 | 56.5kg | |
|
12. Geegees Mistruth
J: Blake Shinn
T: Mark Walker |
0721×5 | M | 1 | 56.5kg | |
|
13. Extragalactic
J: James McDonald
T: Trent Edmonds |
1122×4 | M | 2 | 56.5kg |
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Nominations
The 2026 Manikato Stakes Nominations close at midday on the Monday of race week.
The 2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes nominations attracted a bumper 16 spring sprinters led in all-in betting at race sponsor Ladbrokes by Chris Waller’s emphatic three-length Memsie Stakes winner Beiwacht chasing a Group 1 hat-trick.
Manikato Stakes Form Guide
The Manikato Stakes form guide has all the facts and stats on the horses in the race including the jockeys, trainers, lead-up form, age and track / distance records. Previous form at the track is important while the spread of Manikato Stakes winning ages is wide.
The form guide also shows which barriers the hopefuls are drawn and barrier one produced four winners from 2009-25 with Danleigh (2009), Hay List (2010), Sepoy (2011) and Bella Nipotina (2022) all saluting from the inside alley.
The 2021 Manikato Stakes form was franked with the second placed mare Bella Nipotina finishing third next race behind Nature Strip in Flemington’s VRC Sprint Classic. She returned in 2022 and won the Manikato by over four lengths for her first Group 1 victory.
Imperatriz franked the 2023 Manikato Stakes winning the Champions Sprint (2023) and Black Caviar Lighting (2024) at her two next runs.
The Manikato Stakes 2024 form was franked by the runner-up, Growing Empire, who ran a next-up third in that year’s The Everest trifecta in Sydney followed by a Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes third at Flemington over the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Form Facts
- Barrier one has produced four Manikato Stakes winners from 2009 – 2025 most recently Bella Nipotina (2022).
- In that time just one winner jumped from wider than barrier nine in the Manikato Stakes field.
- Horses that ran first or second in their lead-up have dominated the Manikato Stakes results over the past 30 years.
- Favourites in Manikato Stakes betting saluted seven times from 2007-25.
2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Form Guide
A link to our comprehensive Manikato Stakes 2026 Form Guide will be made available for punters the week of the race.
Past Manikato Stakes Results
The Manikato Stakes race results are known each spring. Punters can see the exact finishing order of all the starters, the margins separating each galloper, the winning time and see how much the Quinella and Trifecta exotics paid.
Loving Gaby (2019) was the last Manikato Stakes winning filly as well as the latest three-year-old Manikato Stakes winner.
Charm Stone (2025) was the last Manikato Stakes winning mare.
Hey Doc holds the current Manikato Stakes race record winning in 2020 in a time of 1 minute 08:76 seconds.
Recent Manikato Stakes Winners
Recent Manikato Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | 2nd | 3rd | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Run at Caulfield) | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Charm Stone | Baraqiel | Magic Time | 1:10.01 |
| 2024 | Southport Tycoon | Growing Empire | I Wish I Win | 1:09.91 |
| 2023 | Imperatriz | I Am Me | Uncommon James | 1:09.59 |
| 2022 | Bella Nipotina | Rothfire | Best Of Bordeaux | 1:11.60 |
| 2021 | Jonker | Bella Nipotina | Ingratiating | 1:09.36 |
| 2020 | Hey Doc | Trekking | Dirty Work | 1:08.7 (R) |
| 2019 | Loving Gaby | Vital Silver | Anaheed | 1:09.2 |
| 2018 | Brave Smash | Spirit Of Valour | Kementari | 1:09.3 |
| 2017 | Hey Doc | In Her Time | Malaguerra | 1:09.9 |
| 2016 | Rebel Dane | Fell Swoop | Japonisme | 1:10.9 |
| 2015 | Chautauqua | Srikandi | Rebel Dane | 1:09.5 |
| 2014 | Lankan Rupee | Angelic Light | Famous Seamus | 1:10.3 |
| 2013 | Buffering | Lucky Nine | Sessions | 1:11.4 |
| 2012 | Sea Siren | Mental | We’re Gonna Rock | 1:11.3 |
| 2011 | Sepoy | Sister Madly | More Joyous | 1:11.0 |
| 2010 | Hay List | True Persuasion | Eagle Falls | 1:09.9 |
| 2009 | Danleigh | Phelan Ready | Nicconi | 1:12.5 |
| 2008 | Typhoon Zed | Absolut Glam | Kaphero | 1:10.6 |
| 2007 | Gold Edition | Vormista | Dr Nipandtuck | 1:10.6 |
| 2006 | Miss Andretti | Dance Hero | Sassbee | 1:09.2 |
| 2005 | Spark Of Life | Perfectly Ready | Our Egyptian Raine | 1:11.5 |
| 2004 | Spark Of Life | Yell | Dilly Dally | 1:13.3 |
| 2003 | Spinning Hill | True Glo | The Big Chill | 1:11.2 |
| 2002 | Spinning Hill | Bel Esprit | Mistegic | 1:10.5 |
| 2001 | Piavonic | Sunline | Falvelon | 1:12.9 |
| 2000 | Sunline | Honour The Name | Miss Pennymoney | 1:11.6 |
FAQs
How do I bet on the 2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at Ladbrokes. The process is quick and easy!
Once you've created your account you can make a deposit via credit card, or any other of our secure payment methods. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that's right for you.
Which horse will win the 2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes is to take into account the form, assess the barriers, and consider the weight the horse will carry (among other factors). Check out Ladbrokes in the lead up to the race for full form information.
When is the Manikato Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes is set to run on its own feature race meeting on Sunday September 27 at Caulfield Racecourse one day after Sydney's Golden Rose Stakes Day card at Rosehill. It is scheduled as Caulfield Race 8 at 4:45pm (AEST) as the penultimate event on the nine-race card.
What is the prize money for the Manikato Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Manikato Stakes prize money is set at $2,000,000 which is paid from 1st to 8th place including $1,200,000 going to the Manikato Stakes winner.
Where is the Manikato Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Manikato Stakes is set to run a Melbourne's Caulfield Racecourse, home to many iconic races including the Caulfield Cup each October, which is located at Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145. Its traditional location is Moonee Valley which is closed for the 2026 spring carnival due to a major upgrade.
What distance is the Manikato Stakes run over?
The Manikato Stakes is run over 1200 metres, a pure sprint trip that consistently rewards elite speed horses with strong weight‑for‑age credentials and a sharp turn of foot.
How many horses run in the Manikato Stakes?
The Manikato Stakes generally assembles a field of around 12–14 runners, with the final number depending on acceptances and the depth of the sprinting ranks in a given year. As a major Group 1 weight‑for‑age sprint, it consistently attracts a full, high‑quality line‑up from Australia’s leading stables.
Who won the 2025 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes?
The 2025 Manikato Stakes was won by five-year-old I Am Invincible mare Charm Stone in a $31 upset for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr with jockey Blake Shinn aboard on 56.5kg from barrier 2 to win by 2 lengths on a Good (3) track in a time of 1:10.01.