Preview of the G1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley

Looking at the field assembled - Buffering, Chautauqua, Terravista and Srikandi - you would have to say that the punters are once again in for a real treat.

The $1 million weight-for-age sprint boasts six last-start victors, six Group One winners and five gallopers with a handicap rating of 110 or greater.

The Moonee Valley surface is expected to be either a Good 3 or 4 for the running of the feature race and the rail is in the true position.

When the rail is true at the Valley it is generally advantageous to be in the first four straightening for home but all runners should get their chance here with even luck in running.

Speed Map & Tempo
Buffering should have the early toe to cross the field and take up the running from barrier 7. Srikandi will probably end up on his outside with Griante, Rich Enuff and Tiger Tees just off the leaders. Tarravista isn't a lightning beginner but McDonald should be able to hunt up on the inside and settle behind the leader. Doubt Berry will want to end up three-back on the rail in the early stages so I'm expecting him to stay one-off the fence, looking for a spot just worse than midfield. No doubt the speed will be genuine in this.

Analysis
Chautauqua blew his rivals away here 1st-up and overcame traffic issues to prevail in the G2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington last start. His fresh victory dispelled any doubts over his ability to get around the tight-turning Valley circuit and he did it over the unfamiliar distance of 1000m. He came via the cape on that occasion after drawing the outside alley (12) but he faces a different proposition here after coming up with an inside barrier. Plenty rests on Berry's shoulders but he knows the horse and will be determined to make the most of his opportunity while Dunn sits on the sidelines. With even luck Chautauqua should record his 9th career win and 2nd in Group One company. His acceleration is simply explosive once he sees clear air.

Terravista got the better of Chautauqua (narrowly) in the G1 Darley Classic at Flemington last spring but has been no match for the grey champ in three runs since. This is only his second run back from a 132-day break but Pride did give him three trials prior to his 1st-up run so fitness shouldn't be an issue at all. He was too strong for Rebel Dane in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on resumption after coming from the tail but I'm expecting him to be much closer here from the inside alley. His dry track form is outstanding and he was one of many hard-luck stories in last year's Manikato.

Buffering absolutely loves Moonee Valley and unlike his main rivals, he won't be relying on a touch of luck because he makes his own up on the pace. He'll either lead or end up outside of the leader (if Rich Enuff pings away with the blinkers on for the first time). The Queensland veteran won this race in 2013 and was only 0.6L off repeating the dose last year. His return win in the G1 Moir Stakes (1000m) showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with at this level. The biggest query is that he's now won 8 of his 11 1st-up runs, while his 2nd-up record stands at just 3 from 10.

She can't win under the WFA conditions but it would come as no surprise to see Griante inject some serious value into the first four. She maps beautifully with slow-starters Fast 'n' Rocking and Rebel Dane on her inside and her record here is solid. She charged from the back to finish just 1.6L off Buffering in the G1 Moir Stakes last start and there's no doubt the extra 200m here is more suitable. Much prefer her at $51 than Tiger Tees at the same price.

Rebel Dane isn't the easiest horse to catch as a punter but he appears to be back on track and will be dangerous late if the breaks come. Can't have Rich Enuff on what he's shown since resuming and think the addition of blinkers is a hopeful throw at the stumps. This is undoubtedly Srikandi's toughest test to date but her 1200m record speaks for itself (6:5-0-0) and she has been trialling in sharp fashion.

Verdict:
Chautauqua is the one to beat but he's pretty skinny odds at $2.15. Might stand him out in a FIRST FOUR: 2 - 1,3 - 1,3,4,8,9 - 1,3,4,8,9,10 ($32 gets you 100%)