Surprisingly contesting black type racing for the first time in his career, it was first time lucky for the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Manhood after the 6yo son of Headwater was strong to the line, leading throughout to win the Listed Chief De Beers Stakes (1110m).
Second in his past two outings at Eagle Farm, the gelding crossed the road to Doomben and from the inside barrier, jockey Rachel King sent Manhood forward where he controlled the race throughout.
Supported in the market to start the equal second in the betting, with the favourite Appin Girl (Capitalist) as well as strongly supported Spacewalk (Exosphere) both settling back in the field, King was able to give herself a buffer as the field approached the home turn.
Kicking strongly once straightening, Manhood never looked like being run down, pulling clear to win by a length and a half with the Tony Gollan trained King Kapa (Capitalist) making ground late to finish in second, a half length ahead of his stablemate Cannonball (Capitalist) in third.
“We knew we'd be up on the pace, but when Economics missed the kick, I thought Rach might use her initiative and dig up and lead, and she rated him beautifully,” stated Archibald post-race.
“He's a big horse, so he wouldn't have known himself with 53 on his back, but he's been a really consistent horse. I think that's the first stakes race we've actually run him in.”
“For him to come here during the carnival and win a stakes race is a credit to Todd and the team up here. They've prepared him beautifully.”
“We've just been spacing his runs. I think he had his first run back in February. We've just been sort of running him every three or four weeks, and it seems to really suit him. He goes back out to Kolora Lodge next week for a little freshen up, but yeah, he's a beautiful horse.”
Bred by Pedrille Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Manhood is the second winner from three to race for the Lonhro mare My Miss Pedrille, herself a full-sister to the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes winner O’Lonfro from the family of a host of stakes winners including Diamond Drille (Al Maher), Tamanee (Teofilo) and I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit).
My Miss Pedrille has a 2yo filly by King’s Legacy named Avariella, then produced a colt by Anders followed by foaling a filly in November last year by Brave Smash.
Originally sold through the Yarraman Park Stud draft at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale for $22,000, Manhood was then sold through Widden Stud’s Inglis Classic yearling sale draft to his former trainer Michael Costa Racing and agent Jamie Piggott for just $35,000.
With eight wins and twelve placed efforts under his belt, Manhood has earned connections just shy of $500,000 and now that he has broken through at stakes level, there is no reason to think he can’t continue at that level.
Manhood is the ninth stakes winner for Vinery Stud’s Headwater who will stand at a fee of $6,600 (inc. GST) in the spring.
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