Sunday’s feature sprint is set to deliver another cracking contest, with the $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2026 bringing together a high-quality field of speedsters chasing Group 1 glory. As one of the headline races on the Melbourne Spring Carnival calendar, the Ladbrokes-sponsored clash promises plenty of intrigue for punters, and we’ve broken down the entire field with our expert Manikato Stakes 2026 tips, predictions and best bets to help you find the winners.
The Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) heads to Caulfield this year and shapes as another outstanding six-furlong showdown.
Current Manikato Stakes betting is headed by Chris Waller’s flying star Beiwacht, who is chasing a third straight Group 1 victory after dominant wins in the All Aged Stakes and Memsie Stakes, while in-form sprinter Oliveanotherday looms as a major danger back at his favourite track.
Proven Group 1 performers Jimmysstar, Extragalactic, and recent Moir Stakes winner My Gladiola add further depth to the 13-horse Manikato Stakes field packed with genuine winning chances, while value seekers can make a case for the likes of Giga Kick, Napoleonic, and defending champion Charm Stone.
With established stars, emerging sprinters, and plenty of value throughout the market, the event promises to be one of the best betting races of the spring.
Read on for our expert Manikato Stakes 2026 tips, predictions and best bets.
2026 Manikato Stakes Tips
BEIWACHT (3) deserves his spot at the top of Manikato Stakes betting and looks the horse punters have to beat after a devastating return in the Memsie Stakes.
The Chris Waller-trained son of Bivouac picked up where he left off from his elite autumn campaign, rolling straight to the front and putting a quality field to the sword with a dominant three-length victory over Mr Brightside.
That performance made it back-to-back Group 1 wins after his All Aged Stakes triumph in the autumn and confirmed he has returned every bit as good as ever.
The drop back from 1400m to 1200m is the only minor concern, but his early speed, favourable barrier draw and outstanding partnership with Nash Rawiller should see him land in the perfect position near the pace.
If he brings anything close to his fresh form, he’ll take plenty of running down.
With conditions to suit, a soft draw and winning momentum on his side, Beiwacht is the obvious top pick as he chases a third straight Group 1 victory and looks to give favourite backers something to cheer about.
| 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. | |||
Sunday’s Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes field is a cracking affair with plenty of genuine winning hopes.
Look, the favourite Beiwacht was huge fresh in the Memsie over 1400m but could be vulnerable back in trip after his commanding three-length success, so I’m tempted to look a little further down the markets.
Have landed on the underrated MY GLADIOLA (9) for an each way play.
John McArdle’s smart I Am Invincible mare was outstanding first-up as a four-year-old scoring an upset win over Cavalry Girl and Natural Fling in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) with 56.5kg boxing on well having tracked the speed throughout.
Runner-up to Tentyris in the Group 1 Lightning back in February, she’s obviously a genuine short-distance sprinter so her double-figure quote is explained by the fact she’s winless over further than 1100m.
She’s had five goes at the six furlongs and has placed twice, so she can stretch out a little further, more mature now and fitter for her resuming elite-level victory.
Jamie Mott continues associations and gave the grey a peach of a ride in the Moir, so with similar luck in running, she can feature in the finish.
| 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. | |||
Nearly every horse in the Manikato field could run in the money without surprise including the underrated BEADMAN (12).
He was one of my roughie tips upon resuming on September 5 in Sydney and Peter Snowden’s four-year-old Snitzel entire did not disappoint.
I found him at 30/1 in the $1 million Group 3 Concorde over 1000m at Randwick and he ran out of his skin to cross under two lengths third to Tempted in a run full of merit.
The distance was short of his best, but he came from last on the home turn to charge home late and round out the trifecta.
Fitter for that, he’s got a similarly solid second-up record (3:1-1-0) and heads south now for his first look at Caulfield.
Obviously, the way he handles the opposite way of racing is key to his chances but the step up to 1200m is ideal (8:3-1-0) and at 25/1 I’m going to be including him in my exotics again.
This is his third Group 1 assignment, and he’ll need luck from the wide draw, but Timmy Clark sticks with if they don’t get too far back another better-than-expected performance could be pending.
| 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. | |||
2026 Manikato Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 3 – No. 5 Beiwacht
- Top 4 – No. 11 My Gladiola
- Top 6 – No. 7 Beadman
BEIWACHT (3) is a standout Top 2 play after his dominant Memsie Stakes romp, with the classy Chris Waller-trained galloper drawn to control the race up front and extend his Group 1 winning streak.
MY GLADIOLA (9) appeals as a smart Top 4 inclusion after her first-up Group 1 Moir Stakes victory, with the classy mare fitter now, proven at the elite level and capable of giving this Manikato Stakes field a real shake at value odds.
BEADMAN (12) looks a worthwhile Top 5 selection after an eye-catching first-up finish in the Concorde Stakes, with the Peter Snowden-trained sprinter set to relish the rise to 1200m and capable of charging into the placings at juicy odds if he gets the right run from the wide draw.
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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. | |||
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 on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 4.5 len behind My Gladiola 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 behind Generosity carrying 58.5kg at $3.20. Too sharp fresh, his 1200m form reads much better and we k | |||
| 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 at this track 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 | |||
| 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 sat on the speed and 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 b | |||
| 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 FAQs
The 2026 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes is scheduled to run as Caulfield 8 with a jump time of 4:45pm (AEST) on Sunday, October 4, 2026. It is the penultimate event on the nine-race Manikato Stakes Day card in Melbourne.
The Manikato Stakes is contested over 1200 metres, attracting many of Australia’s best weight-for-age sprinters.
No. 5 Beiwacht heads the 2026 Manikato Stakes betting markets after his dominant first-up Group 1 Memsie Stakes victory and is the current favourite with race sponsor Ladbrokes.
Our best bet in the 2026 Manikato Stakes is Beiwacht to run Top 2, who looks ideally placed to continue his outstanding Group 1 form despite dropping back to 1200m.
No. 11 My Gladiola appeals as a leading value runner after her impressive Moir Stakes victory and shapes as a genuine threat at each way odds.
At longer odds, No. 7 Beadman looks capable of outrunning his price after an eye-catching first-up performance in the Concorde Stakes and a return to his preferred 1200m trip.
Yes. Champion mare Imperatriz saluted as the heavily backed, odds-on favourite in 2023, while favourites have generally enjoyed a strong record in recent editions of the race.
The Moir Stakes, Memsie Stakes and key Sydney sprint races often provide the strongest form references leading into the Manikato Stakes.
Punters can back the Manikato Stakes with Ladbrokes, where markets are available on the winner, place betting, Same Race Multis, exotics and other popular wagering options.
Between 2000 and 2025 the most successful Manikato Stakes trainer having prepared three winners is Ciaron Maher who won in partnership with David Eustace in 2019 with Loving Gaby and 2022 with Bella Nipotina before saluting for a third time as a solo trainer in 2024 with Southport Tycoon. Maher saddles-up No. 3 Jimmysstar in the 2026 Manikato field.
2026 Manikato Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Follow the big money Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes bets for Sunday’s $2 million sprint feature right here!