Darryl Sherer
Manolo Blahniq (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) will make the trip to Perth to run in Saturday’s Gr.1 Railway Stakes, with connections confident he will gain his spot in the A$1million 1600m feature.
The six year-old was scratched from Saturday’s Sandown Stakes (1500m) on the morning of the race, but trainer Tony Noonan is confident the small setback won’t impact on his Railway’ chances.
“I wasn’t happy with his blood picture, I was happy with him but I wasn’t happy with what his blood work was showing so decided it was best to scratch him,” said Noonan.
Manolo Blahniq had run fifth the weekend before in the Gr.3 Chatham Stakes at Flemington on Stakes Day.
“I thought it was better to give him an extra week, and even though he seem good in himself and his work, his blood picture suggested that he hadn’t bounced out of his run the week before.
“He’s doing great now though and I’m hopeful just needed a bit of extra time, we’ll definitely accept for the Railway and are hopeful we’ll get in.
“We know he’s only 54th in the order of entry but from talking to people over in Perth it sounds like they’re confident those horses will get in so we’ll take the chance.”
Bred by Nearco Stud, Manolo Blahniq was sold out of Curraghmore's 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock draft for $115,000. -racing.com
