The Michael Freedman-trained Manaal ($2.30) justified the short price in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the daughter of Tassort turning the tables on Ameena ($4.80) after suffering a narrow defeat in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) on August 24.
She had to give her fellow fillies 3kg in the weights last time out, but back to set weights appeared to be the recipe for success on Saturday, with Jason Collett getting into the perfect stalking position in the middle stages.
She jumped evenly, biding her time mid-field with cover throughout the journey, with Too Darn Lizzie ($11.00) and Photographics ($151.00) striding out at a genuine tempo, allowing the back markers to come into play in the final 400m.
The Chris Waller-trained Lazzura ($14.00) was the first to be presented down the middle of the course, with the undefeated filly giving a bold kick turning for home, while Zeitung ($8.50) was attempting to make a run back towards the inside under Rachel King.
It was Manaal and Ameena finishing off best down the heart of the track; however, with the former just getting the head down where it matters most, with the Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) winner proving too strong second-up into the campaign.
2024 Furious Stakes replay – Manaal
Michael Freedman was on course to discuss the win before suggesting the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) could be next on the agenda.
“Yeah look it’s a big relief,” said Freedman.
“Because you always like to see those two-year-olds that have had a good two-year-old season come back and do it at three.
“I certainly wasn’t disappointed with the run the other day she was just a bit above herself in the parade beforehand and she was much much better today.
“The three kilogram pull in the weights made all the difference and I think they’re a fairly even bunch of fillies so it sort of makes for an exciting Tea Rose.”
Jason Collett credited his mount for the maturity she showed heading to the barriers as one of the keys to victory on Saturday.
“I gave her a nice hit out on Tuesday,” said Collett.
“And I knew the fitness was right and you know, got into her late.
“She still gets a bit antsy going out onto the track, but then she goes to the start like a lamb, so, it’s a complete contrast.
“She was in the gates first, she handled that well enough, she was cleanly away and able to get into a good spot, nice win.”
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