Aided by a patient rails-hugging ride by Kathy O’Hara, the Almanzor (FR) colt Manzoice opened his winning account in Saturday’s Dooley Hcp (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Back worse than midfield early Manzoice took full advantage of his inside barrier to find the fast lane in the straight. In a blanket finish, Manzoice edged out the promising Astern colt Backrower by a half-head with the pacesetting Savabeel gelding Major Beel staying on strongly, a further short-half-head back in third.
Trained on the track by Chris Waller, Manzoice was beaten by Major Beel when on debut at Wyong on July 28.
The son of Cambridge Stud’s triple Group 1 winner Almanzor (FR) holds a nomination for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas on October 8.
Manzoice was consigned by Bhima Stud to the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where Waller Racing/Mulcaster Bloodstock had the final say at $340,000.
Bred by Stephanie Hole, Manzoice is the second winner from as many to race out of Group III Eulogy stakes winner Choice.
The daughter of Mastercraftsman (IRE) has a yearling filly by Too Darn Hot (GB) and was covered by Almanzor again last spring.
