IT HAS been a nightmare race for punters over recent years, and again the Edward Manifold Stakes tomorrow looms as a trap race as many of these fillies get to 1600 metres for the first time. The tempo will be vastly different to the last time some of these fillies met over 1400 metres at Caulfield - and so may the result.
It has been eight years since a favourite has won this race and I suspect one or two of the fillies who were well beaten at Caulfield will show vast improvement at Flemington. They include PROPER MADAM (No. 6) and SHOWMYA MISS (No. 12). Both were poorly served at the barriers at Caulfield and drifted back to the tail of the field. Neither were able to make any late ground in a leader-dominated race.
Proper Madam caught the eye at her previous run when she flashed home to just miss a place in the race won by Members Joy. From barrier five tomorrow, she should be able to take a more forward spot.
Showmya Miss came off a luckless run at Moonee Valley to finish strongly at Caulfield to finish sixth. She too may be able to take up a more forward position tomorrow.
The likely favourite, COMMANDING JEWEL (No. 5), was run down in the last stride at Caulfield by Lady Of Harrods. She is unlikely to be bustled out of the gates this time, which should allow her to finish off over the longer trip.
REAL STOLLE (No. 2) is one of the bolters but is capable of a surprise. Forever running on in shorter races, she has the inside barrier and steps to a mile for the first time. Finally, she might have found a suitable race.
BETTING SUGGESTION
Back Proper Madam and Showmya Miss to win and quinella them with Commanding Jewel. Find a coin or two for a place on Real Stolle.
