Manangatang made a big impression last season with a slashing debut win from last over a mile at Lingfield. Trained by Luca Cumani, the son of Fastnet Rock was immediately spelled with aspirations of taking the colt to English Derby at Epsom in early-June.
Manangatang is one of thirteen Fastnet Rock’s that OTI has named after Victorian country towns. Based in north-west Victoria, the small rural centre is home to approximately 500 people and the local turf club hosts their annual Cup meeting on Caulfield Guineas Day. It would be quite something to have this quiet country town in remote Victoria represented on the world racing stage in the Epsom Derby!
Luca Cumani has been delighted with Manangatang’s progress since his stellar debut. The 3YO colt did everything right over the late-winter months when completing very light work and since Cumani has stepped up his programme, the colt has really impressed.
The famed Limekilns Long Gallop Newmarket recently opened for the season and Manangatang’s most recent piece of work was excellent. Working with two speedier types over seven furlongs (1400M) he took control at the two-furlong mark and drew away over the concluding stages.
While not set it stone, there’s a 2000M Handicap at Beverley on April 19 that Luca Cumani suggests may be an ideal kick-off point for Manangatang. Hopefully, this exciting colt can pick up where he left off and solidify himself as a genuine contender as the Derby approaches.
