N E Manion Cup – 2024

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Military Mission and Regal Lion, 9 runners remain for the Precise Air N E Manion Cup with 7 geldings and 2 stallions. There are two 4YOs, three 5YOs, one 6YO, two 7YOs and an 8YO. Three runners had their last start in the Listed Canberra Cup over 2000m on 10th March (won by Almania) and three in the Listed Randwick City Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on 9th March (won by Serpentine) while the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Australia. Chris Waller has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Post Impressionist who is having his first run in Australia and is trained by William Haggas who has won 2 of the last 4 runnings of this race. Second favourite is Almania who was a strong winner of the Canberra Cup. Third favouritism is currently shared between Canberra Legend who seemed to be looking for further when 6th in the Randwick City Stakes, and Floating who won over 2000m at Randwick last start. Stockman is bred for this distance and enjoys soft going, while Redstone Well finished 2nd in the Canberra Cup last start. The other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Military Mission (7)  – scratched

2. Stockman (9)

Is bred for this distance and enjoys soft going. Place chance.

3. Manzoice (11)

Finished 2 lengths 5th in the Listed Randwick City Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on 9th March. Not the worst.

4. Post Impressionist (10)

Having his first run in Australia and is trained by UK trainer William Haggas who has won 2 of the 4 Manion Cups. Hasn’t raced since September where he was a 1.5 length winner over 2816m. Looks to have strong form.

5. Almania (3)

Was a strong winner of the Listed Canberra Cup over 2000m on 10th March after a close 2nd in the Parramatta Cup the start before. One of the main chances.

6. Torrens (2)

Only beat one home in the Randwick City Stakes but has a good record over 2400m and is drawn well. Watch the market.

7. So United (4)

Finished 3rd in the Canberra Cup and is likely to be the early leader. Chance.

8. Redstone Well (1)

Finished 2nd in the Canberra Cup last start, but yet to win beyond 1900m. Not the worst.

This looks too tough.

9. Canberra Legend (6)

Seemed to be looking for further when 6th in the Randwick City Stakes, but still prefer others.

10. Regal Lion (8)  – scratched

11. Floating (5)

Won over 2000m at Randwick last start and this is his first try beyond that trip. Could surprise.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Almania
4 Post Impressionist
9 Canberra Legend
2 Stockman

Result	Horse	Margin
1st
2nd
3rd
4th

The track was rated as

Scratching: