Democracy Manifest (+550) has shown a blistering turn-of-foot to secure victory in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
He was unsuited to the shorter trip in the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) first-up into the campaign at Randwick a fortnight ago, but has bounced back to his brilliant best, thundering down the outside to claim a gallant Territory Express (+2000) in the shadows of the post.
The race was run at a break-neck tempo courtesy of race favourite Amor Victorious (+400) striding across to sit on the outside of Phearson (+900) throughout, as the leading pair looked to clear out on their rivals early.
It was to their detriment as they both faded when the whips were cracking, while the Ciaron Maher-trained Detonator Jack (+500) burst between horses getting to the front, leaving him as a sitting duck for Territory Express and Democracy Manifest.
The latter getting the better in the concluding stages, and with a free ticket to the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), Chris Waller has plenty of thinking to do in regards where he sends the son of Flying Artie next.
2024 Group 2 Ajax Stakes Replay – Democracy Manifest
“It was deserved (the win),” said Waller.
“He’s just been chipping away without a lot of luck. In the Group One Epsom he didn’t get a lot of luck to go his way. But to win a Group Two today, I think it’s pretty rewarding. He’s got a good group of owners and it’s a good reward.
“It’s a big step (the Doncaster) but he’s hit the line a lot to give, a bit of purpose. So you don’t dare take away the chances of the dream of winning a Doncaster. It’s a great race.”
James McDonald was impressed with the win of his gelding and gave a good appraise of Democracy Manifest as he heads towards some Group 1 targets in the autumn.
“At the 600 (metre mark) I didn’t think he was much hope at all because you just haven’t been able to make group up in the sticky conditions,” said McDonald.
“But he just accelerated beautifully. He was really strong.
“To be fair to him, he got a little bit tired but he was entitled to because I set him a bit of a task. He enjoyed the room and he’s got a brilliant acceleration. He’s just a good horse in good form.
“He’s come back in great order and he’s big and strong. Depending on weight, he’ll give them a shake.”
With his ballot exemption confirmed after his win on Saturday, Democracy Manifest is currently listed as a +2500 chance with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 6.
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