Trainer Matt Cumani will search for some black-type at the Flemington Carnival for Manchego after the son of Toronado (IRE) made a winning career debut over 1200m at Ballarat on Monday.
Ridden by Declan Bates, Manchego was hung up on the fence halfway down the straight but did not flinch when the gap appeared to deny The Autumn Sun filly Alectrona by a half-neck with the Written Tycoon colt Fury a length back in third.
Cumani said they arrived with the expectation of a forward showing.
“It’s always a relief when there’s a bit of talk about them, and everyone at the track here for the last week has said you have a good one there,” Cuumani said.
“You wonder how it gets out; although his trial form has been impressive, he had every right to come here and do something good.
“He saved a bit of ground on the rails. It was a brilliant ride by Declan; I was worried the gap might not open up.
“I think he has the right sought of brain for it. He is tough, with a big action and uses it well. It’s difficult to know at their first start, so it was good to see him do it.
“I would like to give him a couple more races. There is a 1400m during Melbourne Cup week and we will try and aim for that.
“I think this was a good maiden, it’s a bit difficult to know; we will see in hindsight.”
Bred by Ken Breese, Manchego was a $95,000 purchase for Cumani Racing from the Armidale Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
He is the second winner from as many foal for the winning Snitzel mare Dream Food a half-sister to Group II SAJC Euclase Stakes winner and Group 1 Goodwood Hcp third I’ll Have a Bit (Smart Missile), and a three-quarter sister to Listed winner Snitz (Snitzel).
Matthew Williams Racing/ Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA) shelled out $160,000 for a brother to Manchego from the Armidale Stud draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
Dream Food has a yearling filly by Ghaiyyath (IRE).
