2026 Manikato Stakes Field, Barrier Draw & Form

The former Everest winner brings toughness to this race, but GIGA KICK (4) will 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.

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 PERICLES (10) to be left flat-footed when the pressure goes on around the home turn.

Some punters have dropped JIMMYSSTAR (8) 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.

It would be another big training effort to get ROTHFIRE (6) 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.

The rightful favourite following an easy win in the Memsie Stakes. BEIWACHT (3) 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.

Chances look done after getting a wide barrier, and GALLANT SON (13) 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.

BEADMAN (12) is 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.

NAPOLEONIC (7) 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.

OLIVEANOTHERDAY (5) 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.

There is always a danger of CHARM STONE (11) 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.

MY GLADIOLA (9) 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.

GEEGEES MISTRUTH (1) 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.

James McDonald will have to work his magic from barrier 2 on EXTRAGALACTIC (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.