This Saturday’s Group 3 NE Manion Cup shapes as a key lead-up to the Sydney Cup. With a three-pronged attack, OTI and its partners will be looking for a strong showing from a group of established stayers as they build towards the Group 1 feature at Randwick.
Athabascan
This admirable and consistent galloper, a three-time stakes winner, appears to be in excellent form. His strong 2 nd placing in the Listed Randwick City Stakes last start suggests he is going as well as ever. Athabascan typically improves with racing and now reaches his preferred distance third-up, which positions him to be highly competitive again. Another strong performance would likely see him earn a third attempt at the Sydney Cup, having finished 2nd and 5th in the past two editions.
Athabascan finishes 2nd last start.
Sam Hawkens
It hasn’t been smooth sailing with Sam Hawkens since his resounding Goodwood success. He has been beaten at his past three starts despite starting well supported in the market, with his race-day performances not matching the quality of his trackwork and trials.
The 2400m and some cut in the ground will suit, and there’s confidence he’s going well enough at home to feature. Although it hasn’t quite clicked mentally down under yet, there’s no doubt he has the required ability to feature at stakes level.
Sam Hawkens wins at Goodwood (UK) in 2025.
Saganti
It can be easy to forget that this grey gelding finished 2nd to Sir Delius at Group 3 level over 2400m in France. His progress since arriving in Australia has not been without interruption, but recent efforts suggest those issues are now behind him. He returned to form with a promising performance at Listed level last start and now steps up to a distance and with conditions that should suit. With further improvement, there’s no reason he can’t put his hand up here.
Saganti finishes 2nd to Delius at Chantilly (FR).
Whilst it’s a little rare to have three horses clashing and at the same time, all three run well, there’s confidence that this contingent can play a major part in this year’s Manion.