Trainer James Cummings is toying with the idea of putting the blinkers on Kementari when he drops back in distance for the Group 1 $1m Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes over 1200m at The Valley on October 26.
Kementari, above, have been freshened up for the 2018 Manikato Stakes at The Valley. Photo by Steve Hart.
Kementari was a winner over 1600m as a three year old when he took out the Group 1 $1m Mostyn Copper Group Randwick Guineas at Randwick during the 2018 Sydney Autumn Carnival and was also runner up to Mighty Boss over the mile in the 2017 Group 1 $2m Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas at Caulfield.
The Lonhro four year old has narrowly missed a spot in the winner’s stall on two occasions from four runs this campaign with a first up second in Group 2 $200,000 Mostyn Copper Group Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick and two starts later was beaten an nose when runner up to Humidor in the Group 1 $1m New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 1.
Cummings then stepped Kementari back up to the 1600m for a fourth behind Grunt in the Group 1 $750,000 PFD Food Services Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 15 but then gave the flashy stallion a freshen up for the 1200m and the blinkers could go on when he lines up in the Manikato Stakes.
“Kementari has really enjoyed himself over the past month since arriving back from Melbourne,” Cummings said.
“He’s building up in condition and looks like a horse that’s really enjoying his training.
“We’re happy with how he looks, his body-language is excellent and his trial this morning was one of a horse who can be competitive anywhere over 1200m at WFA.
“We’ve experimented with blinkers and we’ll be aiming towards the Manikato next week.”
Early betting for the Manikato Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au has Kementari as the $5.50 favourite ahead of last Saturday’s The Everest winner Redzel at $7 while Santa Ana Lane and Sunlight are sharing the next line of betting at $9.
Pre-post betting for the 2018 Manikato Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $5.50 Kementari, $7 Redzel, $9 Santa Ana Lane, Sunlight, $11 In Her Time, Malaguerra, Osborne Bulls, $13 Houtzen, Shoals, $15 Invincible Star, Spirit Of Valor, U S Navy Flag, $17 Brave Smash, Voodoo Lad, $21 Fleet Review, Jungle Cat, Le Romain, Spright, $26 or better the rest.
