The Manikato Stakes is a Group 1 race at Caulfield on Sunday, where some of the best sprinters in Australia run for the $2 million prize.
Manikato Stakes odds have Beiwacht favoured to win back-to-back Group 1s.
Manikato Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Race favourite Beiwacht gets every chance from barrier 3. He will be sent forward and look to control the tempo, as he did when winning the Memsie Stakes by three lengths. He could have company from Oliveanotherday, who draws barrier 5.
Gallant Son and Beadman were the big losers with the Manikato Stakes barriers. Both runners drew wide, and they will need a lot of luck to win from out there.
Manikato Stakes Form Guide 2026
The former Everest winner brings toughness to this race, but he’ll need to be much better than what he showed last start. He’s tough to recommend on that effort, but at least punters get double-figure odds.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
He’ll be tough to beat later in the spring, but this is about as hard as it gets for a fresh-up sprinting assignment. We expect him to be left flat-footed when the pressure goes on around the home turn.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Some punters have dropped Jimmysstar following a disappointing run last time out, but he overraced a bit. If he settles near the middle of the pack, he’s good enough to finish over the top of the field at each-way odds. Rule him out at your peril as he’s a genuine Group 1 sprinter.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
It would be another big training effort to get Rothfire up to win the Manikato Stakes. He scored an upset win last preparation, but we’re unsure if lightning will strike twice. His recent runs were only fair, so he’ll need to find a few lengths to be competitive.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
The rightful favourite following an easy win in the Memsie Stakes. He was handed the race in front, but he kicked away powerfully, and he doesn’t need to find much improvement on that run. He’s a beast of a horse, and if he gets a soft lead, he should be too tough to run down. Nash Rawiller is a good front-running jockey, and his current odds could keep firming.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Chances look done after getting a wide barrier, and he needs everything to go his way to have any chance of winning. He will run a good race during the Melbourne Spring Carnival, but this race doesn’t suit.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Drawn out wide with Gallant Son, and it’s not the place to be over 1200m at Caulfield. He is better for having a run under his belt this campaign, but most of his best form came at age-group level, and this is a big step up.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
He ran second behind Ninja last start, and Sydney sprinting form is arguably better than what Melbourne has to offer. We wouldn’t be so quick to rule him out of Manikato Stakes tips at the double-figure quote, and the addition of Zac Lloyd in the saddle could see his odds firm on race day.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
He didn’t handle running down the Flemington straight for the first time. There is some risk with betting on him, but he’s better around a turn, and he could hit back with a top performance. We expect him to follow Beiwacht everywhere he goes, and it will come down to who can finish best.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
There is always a danger of Charm Stone producing a big performance. She is a five-time winner who loves to cause an upset at this time of the year, but we haven’t found room for her in our Manikato Stakes predictions.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
She has a good turn-of-foot, but we don’t think she’ll be suited by this race. She could get back in the run and rely on a hot tempo, but there doesn’t appear to be much speed in this race. That could leave her with too much to do, but she could sneak into the first four with luck.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
She will get a good run from the inside barrier. Her recent Group 1 win is a testament to her class, and if she gets the breaks in the straight, she could be right around the mark. Not a runner we’re keen on leaving out.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
James McDonald will have to work his magic from barrier 2. It’s not an ideal barrier for a runner who gets back in the ruck, and she’ll need clear air in the straight to have any chance of winning. She is a risky bet at the current odds.
Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)
| 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. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 25/09/2026 04:52:42 AM (Australia/Brisbane)