Michael Freedman & Jason Collett combined with Manaal (+450) claiming victory in the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, circling their rivals to score an impressive victory over Godolphin’s Traffic Warden (+650) in the shadows of the post.
The daughter of Tassort ended up going around as the only filly in the race due to the late withdrawal of Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) winner Lady Of Camelot and was well-backed prior to the jump after producing an eye-catching performance in the first leg of the two-year-old triple crown.
It may have been a nervy watch in the early stages as she was sent to the rear of the field under Collett, allowing her to stride causally under her own steam before being let loose down the centre of the course.
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained pair of Anode (+900) and Prost (+2200) were sent to the front at a moderate clip, seemingly trying to set the race up for stablemate, and heavily backed favourite, Storm Boy (+100).
However, things didn’t go to plan for James McDonald on the short-priced commodity, sitting four wide without cover throughout the journey, never truly firing a shot in the concluding stages.
Traffic Warden raced to the lead under Jamie Kah and looked to be travelling best, before Manaal produced a scintillating turn-of-speed to round him up and claim her first Group 1 success.
2024 Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes Replay – Manaal
Michael Freedman was on course to discuss the victory of his filly and there was no suggestion she will head to the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
“She’s such a good filly,” said Freedman.
“We went home a little bit dejected after the Slipper, circumstances as they were, but after her work on Tuesday said to Hussain (owner), ‘I really think it will take a good one to beat her’.
“No disrespect to any of the opposition, for sure, but she’s a really good filly and I’m really excited by what she might be able to do coming back as a three-year-old as well.
“She’s a real sweetheart around the stables. She’s just got the most beautiful temperament and that’s the Tassorts, I’ve got three or four of these and they’ve just got the most brilliant temperaments, which make our job so much easier.
“Hopefully Hussain can find a few more for me.”
Jason Collett credited the toughness of his mount and particularly how strong she performed in the Slipper.
“She’s tough,” said Collett.
“I travelled well when the tempo come off but just came under pressure there when they went and just had to give her the time to find it.
“She’s just got a real attitude and toughness about her, which showed late.
“I was fortunate enough to pick her up in the Slipper and although she didn’t win it, it felt like a win.
“I came back in and I could see the excitement in Michael’s eyes and the team.
“She had an awful gate (in the Slipper), so we went into today with confidence. Her work on Tuesday was the same as before going into the Slipper. Again she drew wide, but she was able to overcome it.”
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