Moonee Valley Racecourse will come alive this Friday night with a bumper evening of Group racing planned, headlined by the $500,000 Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m).

A small but top-class field of nine weight-for-age runners have been accepted for the 2010 Sportingbet Manikato Stakes, headlined by Hay List and Reward For Effort.

John McNair’s super consistent five-year-old Hay List has been a constant performer of its 12 career starts, racking up 10 wins including the gelding’s last start victory in the McEwen Stakes at the Moonee Valley track.

After coming up trumps in the barrier draw with gate one, Hay List is sure to start the favourite and will be ridden by Glyn Schofield.

One horse seeking revenge and that presents a real danger to Hay List is the Peter Moody-trained Reward For Effort.

A million dollar stud prospect after winning the Blue Diamond Stakes as a two-year-old, Exceed And Excel four-year-old Reward For Effort enjoyed two early season wins before finishing third to Hay List in the McEwen last start.

If the track stays firm and dry for Friday, Reward For Effort can cause an upset and beat Hay List.

The other topliners in the 2010 Manikato Stakes final field are Graham Begg’s highly rated All Silent (barrier five) and in-form eight-year-old Stanzout (barrier nine).

Other features that will take place under the lights Friday night include the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) for three-year-olds and the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) where a classy field will attempt to qualify for the 2010 Caulfield Cup with a win.

Our preferred online bookie [sportsbet] will open the betting on the 2010 Manikato Stakes shortly so take a few minutes now to sign up and get ready to lock in a better price than the TAB for your picks!

*Note: Bank Robber has been scratched from the 2010 Manikato Stakes

2010 Manikato Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw