Manighar

Manighar ran on really well on his seasonal debut, and on his first start for Luca Cumani, to finish second in a good listed 12-furlong race at Goodwood last Friday evening. He was steadied a bit at the start and then took a keen hold under Kieren Fallon, pulling hard in the early stages. The son of Linamix raced freely throughout in midfield but was still able to mount a challenge two furlongs out. He could not go the pace of the winner, Holberg, but he ran on really well in the final furlong to take second from Opinion Poll.

This was a more than satisfactory run from Manighar on his seasonal debut given that he raced far too keenly throughout, out-staying a useful pair in King Of Wands and Opinion Poll, who both had race fitness on their side having both won already this season. This was his first start since he finished third in the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak behind Ask at Longchamp last October. He was set a lot to do that day, having to come from way off the pace but he stayed on really well into third and looked like a horse who was still improving. That was his last run in a highly progressive year, where he won six out of his eight races. The winner was far too good for him here, but he looks a class act and Manighar should improve more for a step back up in trip. This race should also bring him on and he could be a big player in the cup races later this year.

4th June 2010