{"id":32641,"date":"2026-09-25T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=32641"},"modified":"2026-09-25T09:35:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T21:35:33","slug":"2026-manikato-stakes-day-tips-preview-caulfield-sunday-27-september","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/09\/2026-manikato-stakes-day-tips-preview-caulfield-sunday-27-september\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Manikato Stakes Day Tips & Preview (Caulfield) | Sunday 27 September"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Feature racing in Australia stretches to Sunday this week, and we\u2019re off to Caulfield for 2026 Manikato Stakes Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nine races are headlined by the Group 1 sprint, and the Manikato Stakes field is typically stacked with talent, boasting several previous winners at the highest level alongside several others that have been knocking on the door at the highest level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on for our Caulfield tip sheet, featuring our 2026 Manikato Stakes best bets.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Caulfield Race 1<\/div>\n
5 Tales Of Time<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Tales Of Time has only made three appearances at the races since debuting but has certainly stamped himself as one to follow by winning twice, highlighted by an easy effort over 1000m at Sandown when resuming. With natural improvement, he can go on with it this week.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R1 – Ladbrokes Brian Kruger Hcp<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5. Tales Of Time (4)<\/span>
J: Ben Melham<\/span> 57.5kg<\/span><\/div>
2x1x1<\/span> T: Clinton McDonald<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.70<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Racing second-up today. Last outing favourite; won by 1.0 len in a 3yo Bm64 at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1000m on a soft track defeating Sunbliss with 61kg at $1.90. At only start last preparation favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 2.5 len in a Mdn-Sw at Werribee on May 30 over 1012m on a rain affected track defeating Astern Fight carrying 57kg at $1.18. Big chance to register the hat-trick. Very talented and will be awfully hard to hold out.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:44:49 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 1<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 2<\/div>\n
4 Pretty Baby<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Having broken her maiden in the Listed Oaklands Stakes down in South Australia third up from a spell, Pretty Baby hasn\u2019t taken a backwards step in winning each of her three subsequent starts, including the Atlantic Jewel Stakes three weeks ago. In peak order and with Jamie Melham retaining the ride, she\u2019s the one to beat again.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R2 – Sportsbet Jim Moloney Stakes (L)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4. Pretty Baby (6)<\/span>
J: Jamie Melham<\/span> 57.5kg<\/span><\/div>
31111<\/span> T: Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
On a four run winning streak. Last start came from midfield and won by 4 len in the LR Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1300m on a soft track defeating Ghana’s Akan carrying 57.5kg at $5.50. The race before that won by 1.75 len in a 3yo Bm66 at Morphettville Parks on August 22 over 1250m in soft going defeating Dustee with 60.5kg at $2.50. Dominant in Melbourne debut, clearly the one to beat again.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:16 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 2<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 3<\/div>\n
8 Suntora<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Suntora\u2019s condition gave out a little when finishing sixth in BM100 company at Caulfield first up this time, but she turned in an improved performance to finish on the placegetters\u2019 heels over 1700m at Flemington last time out. With further improvement this week, she\u2019ll relish another rise in trip and looms as a genuine each way contender this time.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R3 – Drummond Golf JRA Cup (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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8. Suntora (6)<\/span>
J: Daniel Stackhouse<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
33×65<\/span> T: Nick Ryan<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Third-up today. Resuming got back early 6th of 12 in a Bm100 at this track on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Fancify with 57.5kg at $91. Second-up 5th of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 3 len behind St Lawrence with 55.5kg at $12. Fitter again and can peak up in trip.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:18 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 3<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 4<\/div>\n
1 Ghana’s Akan<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Ghana\u2019s Akan is one of the better credentialled maidens in work, having finished the runner up in four of seven starts since debuting and almost exclusively having stepped out in black type and featured company. She\u2019s improved for each of three runs back this time, fishing the runner up in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes last time out and under Mark Zahra this week, she can be right in the finish again.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R4 – Dominant Scarborough Stakes (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1. Ghana’s Akan (13)<\/span>
J: Tim Clark<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
5×422<\/span> T: Ciaron Maher<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
11.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.70<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Recent form sound. Last start held ground to the line 2nd of 11 in the LR Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1300m, slow going 4 len behind Pretty Baby with 56kg at $3.90. The run before that held ground to the line 2nd of 10 in a 3yo F Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Lakeside on August 19 over 1200m, slow going 0.5 len behind Saintly Dancer with 57kg at $2.60. She’d be a moral in a maiden somewhere but has each way claims again.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:19 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 4<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 5<\/div>\n
4 Zambardo<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Zambardo has been relatively low flying throughout his career, and he turned in several particularly strong performances last spring, winning four races in succession before finishing second behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Champions Stakes. Having hit the line to fill the minors behind Evaporate over a mile at Sandown when resuming, he\u2019s a winner at this point of his preparation previously and will get his chance in this small field under Jamie Melham.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R5 – Ladbrokes Feehan Stakes (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4. Zambardo (4)<\/span>
J: Jamie Melham<\/span> 59kg<\/span><\/div>
627×3<\/span> T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Second-up. First-up after three months 3rd of 9 in a So You Think at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Evaporate carrying 57kg at $4. Previously second-up 6th of 11 in a LR The Coast at Gosford on May 9 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Athanatos carrying 59.5kg at $12. Good splits fresh and can improve second up.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:22 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 5<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 6<\/div>\n
5 Somethings Burnin’<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Somethings Burnin\u2019 has enjoyed a smart rise to prominence this time in, breaking his maiden over 1200m at Sandown fresh from a break before a couple of nice performances up in grade at his two latest. Having kept his best work for late when third behind two horses that settled closer in the Exford Plate last time out, the rise in trip this week suits and he Damian Lane can have him a little handier this time.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R6 – MSC Signs Stutt Stakes (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5. Somethings Burnin’ (6)<\/span>
J: Damian Lane<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
0x123<\/span> T: Chris Waller<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
6.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Recent form sound. Last start 3rd of 14 in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 1.2 len behind Lara Antipova carrying 57kg at $4.60. The run before that 2nd in a small field in a 3yo Bm64 at Sandown-Hillside on September 2 over 1300m, on a slow track; neck behind Tolaga Bay with 60.5kg at $2.45. Had chance latest but ran well, up to a mile should suit.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:25 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 6<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 7<\/div>\n
1 Sass Appeal<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Having ended her debut prep with four consecutive wins, Sass Appeal picked up where she left off when winning a strong BM100 contest over 1400m at Flemington last month. Since then, she\u2019s been well in the market but ultimately finished fourth in races over 1400m here and at Listed level at Flemington, but that latest run particularly looked to be one of a horse looking for the mile. She gets that this week, and a senior hoop in Damian Lane launching from a perfect barrier.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R7 – Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1. Sass Appeal (4)<\/span>
J: Damian Lane<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
1×144<\/span> T: Danny O’brien<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.40<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.80<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Form hard to fault. At the latest run raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 13 in the LR Tontonan (Sofitel) Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 1.2 len behind Welcometotheshow carrying 54kg at $3.20. The run before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 12 in a Bm100 at this track on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 3.5 len behind Fancify carrying 54.5kg at $2.15. An inside draw is a big advantage. Been costly this time in but does get a huge map advantage ov<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:44 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 7<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 8<\/div>\n
13 Extragalactic<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Extragalactic enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence during her autumn preparation and went to the paddock after only just missing in Group 1 company. There\u2019s no doubt that she was doing her best work last and through the line in the Moir Stakes first up from a spell and with natural improvement, and James McDonald in the saddle, the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes shapes as the perfect feature race for her.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R8 – Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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13. Extragalactic (2)<\/span>
J: James McDonald<\/span> 56.5kg<\/span><\/div>
122×4<\/span> T: Trent Edmonds<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.70<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 1.3 len behind My Gladiola carrying 56.5kg at $13. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.0 len in a 3yo F Hcp at this track on April 4 over 1200m defeating Marsept carrying 52.5kg at $3.90. Very good fresh albeit with right sort of run, up in trip suits and J-Mac on.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:34:12 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 8<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Caulfield Race 9<\/div>\n
9 Harry’s Yacht<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Harry\u2019s Yacht turned in some fine performances during his autumn and winter prep this year, winning a couple of nice races here at Caulfield most notably, while he returned to action with a credible performance behind Oliveanotherday in Group 3 company last month. Having been kept up to the mark with a trial since that race, this does look to be a drop in class and he is drawn to receive the run of the race under Benny Allen.<\/p>\n

Caulfield R9 – Sportsbet Testa Rossa Stakes (L)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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9. Harry’s Yacht (5)<\/span>
J: Ben Allen<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
234×5<\/span> T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.60<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.80<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Second-up. First-up after three months 5th of 8 in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Oliveanotherday carrying 57kg at $19. Previously second-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 10 in a Vg Stockade at Ballarat on December 6 over 1200m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind Steel Move carrying 59kg at $1.95. Solid return and is suited up in trip from a good draw.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 25\/09\/2026 06:35:52 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Caulfield Race 9<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Manikato<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing<\/span>

Manikato Stakes 2026 Tips, Predictions & Best Bets<\/h2>
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\"Te<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Te Rapa Tips & Preview | Friday 25 September<\/h2>
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\"Hastings<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Hastings Tips & Preview | Saturday 26 September<\/h2>
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