Signup to Ladbrokes

Races.com.au Favourite Bookmaker!

SPRNGC

Copy Signup Code

Code for tracking purposes only

Chances are you're about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Underrated mare Charm Stone stunned her rivals under the lights at The Valley on Friday night securing her second Group 1 success with a brilliant two length upset over track specialist Baraqiel in the 2025 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes results.

Going out as a $31 outsider in betting for her resuming run in the Group 1 $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m), the Robert Sangster Stakes winning daughter of I Am Invincible was given a peach of a ride by birthday boy Blake Shinn to run her rivals ragged around the tight turns at Moonee Valley.

“It worked out good,” co-trainer Mick Price, who trains the mare in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, said.

“She can be a bit funny in the gates. Chain on, walk in, give her a pat. It worked out perfectly.

“There was a little bit of speed in front of her, Blake got off the fence at the right time.

“She’s a beautiful mare and it’s so great to see her win another Group 1.”

Making the most of her barrier two draw, the bonny five-year-old was quick into stride before settling just off the speed.

She was fourth on the final bend as the Moir Stakes winner Baraqiel, looking to make it five-from-five at the track, hit the front around the corner.

Charm Stone however had plenty in the tank quickly chiming in on the outside to challenge to take the lead 100m out from the line and charge home to finish two lengths clear in an enormous first-up performance.

“Pretty special day to be able to celebrate a Group 1,” Shinn said.

“Wow, time-honored race the Manikato. It’s wonderful to be able to win it. Just seeing Gary Willetts there brings back a lot of memories. So, it’s great to be able to win it.

“She was dominant. She pinged the lids, got a great trail, and got out at the turn. She put the race to bed; it was a phenomenal win.”

Baraqiel held for second, while the Grahame Begg trained Magic Time chimed in late to run third ahead of the beaten favourite Lady Shenandoah in fourth.

A confirmed The Everest contender from the Chris Waller stable, Lady Shenandoah was under three lengths off the winner with excuses losing few admirers ahead of her bid in the world’s richest turf race at Randwick on October 18.

She was forced wide early, copped interference but went on to hit the line well once getting into stride – albeit too late to feature in the trifecta.

“She’s gone well, she just had a bit of an uninterrupted run throughout, it wasn’t smooth, she finished off well,” her jockey James McDonald said after the race.

Lady Shenandoah is currently at $7 in The Everest betting at Ladbrokes.com.au with markets dominated by Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising.

The surprise Manikato Stakes winner Charm Stone meanwhile could now appeal to the remaining slot holders and has firmed in from $34 to $26.

Skybird is the other already locked in The Everest contender who contested the Manikato with the Black Caviar Lightning winner disappointing running 7.6 lengths back second last ahead of only the front-running Alabama Lass who dropped right out late.

“Disappointing,” jockey John Allen said of the Mitchell Freedman trained Skybird who is paying $17 The Everest odds.

“A little bit sluggish into gear, but once the race went on from the 600, she was struggling and never travelled that well, which is unlike her.”

IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.