[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Three-year-old gelding Manavendra continued his strong form at Belmont on Wednesday when scoring a convincing win in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1700m).
A late drifter to $4.40 at the jump, the son of Deep Field brought up the second win of his preparation courtesy of a smart ride by jockey Chris Parnham when settled one-out and one-back tracking race-favourite Antique Miss’s ($1.55) every move.
Manavendra appeared to be travelling powerfully approaching the turn and he responded on straightening when racing straight past his main danger passing the 100m mark and winning by just over a half-length on the line.
Warralea Diamond ($8.50) finished a further three-quarter length away in third place.
Manavendra has been a model of consistency this campaign, having recorded two wins and three minor placings from his five starts so far, and has now had 10 career starts for three wins, four minor placings and $97,679 in stake earnings and Westspeed bonuses.
The upcoming $125,000 Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m), $125,000 Listed Aquanita Stakes (2000m) and $125,000 Listed Belmont Classic (2200m) now loom as potential targets for the first foal out of former Kalgoorlie Cup-winning mare Shinta Mani.
Meanwhile, the in-form Pearce stable will saddle-up Exalted Rockstar, Who Be Whatee, Galaxy Affair and Charcoal Chaos at Northam today before Saturday’s Belmont meeting where a big team featuring Zing To Win, Ima Wild Girl, Cosmopolitan Girl, Fiorucci Mama, Outspoken Lad, Probity, Queen Alina, Westriver Miracle, Ultimate Style and Let’s Galahvant are engaged.