Baraqiel Seeks a Second Moonee Valley G1 in Manikato
Last-start Moir Stakes (G1) winner Baraqiel wheels back and bids for a second Moonee Valley group 1 when he lines up in the Manikato Stakes (G1) Sept. 26.
The gelding trained by Leon Corstens, Troy Corstens, and Will Larkin has overcome numerous setbacks in his career, including being scratched at the barriers ahead of the Bletchingly Stakes (G3) in July after a race-day vet inspection, prior to his Sept. 6 Moir victory.
“This was always going to be our grand final, but we may change that afterwards,” Troy Corstens said. “I always say as a trainer, I deserve the right to change my mind at any time. I’d love to look at The Everest, if I can. I think Nathan (Bennett, owner) has had a couple of phone calls, but nothing serious just yet. I think everyone is holding back for Friday night, and to win the Moir, it was a bonus.”
Baraqiel will jump from barrier 7 in the 10-horse field and will be partnered by Ben Allen, who has been aboard the gelding in all 12 starts, registering eight wins.
“It will be interesting to see what goes forward,” Corstens said. “Rothfire is drawn outside us, so that might make it OK for us if he goes forward and then it depends where he gets posted. I try not to pin Ben down with much. He knows what he’s doing and knows the horse very well. We’ll let him ride the race.”
