News

Only Derby left for Manawanui after Vase romp

23rd Oct 2011

Racenet - Brad Waters - Saturday, 22 October 2011

Warwick Farm trainer Ron Leemon has already started looking forward to next Saturday's Group I Victoria Derby (2500m) after Manawanui's comfortable Group II Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

Manawanui settled with one runner behind him early before jockey Glyn Schofield took the son of Oratorio around his rivals before predictably drawing away to beat his lesser-performed opposition by 2-1/2 lengths.

Leemon declared he would wait until Tuesday to certify the gelding a certain Derby runner but Manawanui would be the superior stayer in next Saturday's 2500-metre classic at Flemington.

"I would say we would definitely go to the Derby,” Leemon said. "We'll see how hoe goes in the feed bin for the next two days.

"I don't expect there will be any problems at all.

"He'll win.”

Leemon said he expected the spacious Flemington circuit to suit his charge better than the tighter confines of the Moonee Valley and Caulfield courses in next Saturday's $1 million event.

The former schoolteacher said the Darley operation would provide the stiffest opposition to Manawanui with the late entry Induna. Darley colt Helmet held off Manawanui in the Group I Caulfield Guineas on October 8.

"It's the best track in Australia. It's bound to be (better for him),” Leemon said.

"Peter Snowden's horse (Induna) is the one you have got to watch. Anyone Peter puts up against you, you have got to watch them.”

The Robert Hickmott-trained Collar settled handy to the speed before taking up the running with 1000 metres to run. Collar was no match for Manawanui but held second comfortably ahead of Scelto.

For the trivia minded, the Mitchelton Wines Vase field finished in racebook order.