A substantial amount of time has passed since Charm Stone last captured the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare won last year’s event at The Valley first-up and is now heading to Caulfield on Sunday, aiming to add this year’s Group 1 1200m sprint to her racing achievements.
This year’s Manikato Stakes has been relocated to Caulfield while the Moonee Valley racing circuit undergoes a rebuilding phase.
Blake Shinn, who partnered Charm Stone to a decisive victory last year, has opted to ride Geegees Mistruth on Sunday, despite riding the mare in two trials at Cranbourne this campaign.
Damian Lane will be in the saddle for Charm Stone.
Charm Stone has not raced since finishing a very close third in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April, following which a planned trip to Royal Ascot was cancelled.
Price indicated that the prospect of heading to Royal Ascot next year remains a possibility for Charm Stone, provided her form this spring and in the autumn warrants it.
“She had an entrapped epiglottis,” Price commented.
“I told Seamus (Mills) that I wouldn’t take the risk of going to Royal Ascot, as she is a beautiful mare and too valuable. I know the owners are eager for Royal Ascot, and she hasn’t been over-raced; if she’s happy and healthy, why not go next year. She went into the Sangster with that issue, and she was beaten a short margin, but I believe she can return to her best form. The entrapped epiglottis is the least concerning of the procedures, and her throat is perfect now. She’s a beautiful mare, in good condition.”
During last year’s Manikato victory, Charm Stone drew barrier two and enjoyed the run of the race.
This year presents a different situation from barrier 11, but Price views Caulfield as a more advantageous track than The Valley for a horse drawn wide.
“I see no negative aspects to that,” Price said.
“The 1200 metres is a good starting distance. The chute provides a fair track, and usually, every horse gets its chance, particularly over 1200 metres.”
For those interested in the Manikato Stakes, explore the available racing odds at various sports betting platforms.