UPDATE: After being abandoned due to lightning on Friday night the 2022 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes has been moved to Cox Plate Day running as Race 11 at 6:25pm (AEDT). 

The Cox Plate Carnival is underway and following Friday night’s abandoned meeting at The Valley, the Group 1 $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) has been added to Saturday’s Cox Plate Day card, and below are our best bets and tips on the sprint feature.

2022 Moir Stakes winner Coolangatta looks a big hope at another Group 1 Moonee Valley. Ultimate Racing Photos.

The 2022 Manikato Stakes field features a capacity line-up of 14 hopefuls and markets at race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au have the James Cummings-trained Paulele ($3.70 on top).

The consistent chestnut was sixth here fresh in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) before a confidence-boosting return to winning form last start at Caulfield in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m).

So, can Paulele salute for the punters or is there an upset Manikato Stakes result pending from the likes of the Moir Stakes winning filly Coolangatta ($5.50) or her second-placed stablemate Bella Nipotina ($4.40)?

Read on for our 2022 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes tips and exotic selections to back now at Ladbrokes.com.au.

Market Favourite: #5 Paulele ($3.70 at time of publish) – BET NOW

No doubt Paulele deserves his share of the money here with the consistent Dawn Approach stallion presenting fit third-up with improvement still to come. He’s got form around the country’s best springs having run third to Nature Strip during the autumn in the wet in Sydney. Back-to-back Group 1 seconds in Brisbane over the winter and has been good his opening two runs this prep. Strong winning the Schillaci and will appreciate the six furlongs. EACH WAY.

Best Bet: #14 Coolangatta ($5.50 at time of publish) – BET NOW

She was the stable’s pick in the Moir and rewarded the Maher/Eustace team with a good Group 1 win over her older rivals second-up. They won this race with a 3YO filly a couple of years ago – Loving Gaby (2019) – and this daughter of Written Tycoon can emulate that. She’s won four of her six career starts and the other two had her in the money. Genuine specialist already at the tight Moonee Valley circuit and proven at the 1200m. Extra distance a non-issue, Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner and Golden Slipper third as a 2YO. Fresh third behind Rothfire and Zoustyle in the McEwen here before the Moir victory. The double hasn’t been done in the same year since Spinning Hill (2002), but she’s got 51kg from barrier one and Jamie Kah stays on. BACK DON’T SACK.

Best Roughie: #13 Best Of Bordeaux ($12) – BET NOW

There are plenty of good value chances to fill the minors in the Manikato tonight, but can’t go past Best Of Bordeaux at the price. He’ll need a touch of luck from the wide barrier, but jockey Tim Clark is riding well. Kacy Fogden’s Snitzel colt has been so consistent so far (6:3-2-0) including his Golden Slipper second back in March. Three good Sydney runs leading-up to this trip down south. He needs to prove himself at The Valley the opposite way, but has the confidence of a big Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes victory over 1200m at Randwick last time out with 56.5kg. Comes back in weight. The more rain the better as he’d prefer it softer, but can still feature. PLACE.

*All odds quoted are provided by Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change