Listed Chief De Beers Stakes To Manhood

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.”