Michael Freedman will look to continue Manaal’s impressive spring campaign when the Group 1-winning mare contests Saturday’s Group 2 The Invitation (1400m) at Rosehill.
A winner of the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) as a two-year-old, Manaal has added the Sheraco Stakes and Golden Pendant to her résumé this preparation, boosting her earnings to nearly $2 million.
Set to carry 59kg under The Invitation’s weight conditions, Freedman believes the race shapes perfectly for the in-form mare.
“She’s great and she’ll line up in The Invitation,” he said.
Having already beaten rivals Gerringong, Firestorm and Gangsta Granny, Freedman said the 1500m test could be an ideal springboard into the Golden Eagle.
“She’s probably a little bit unproven at the mile, but I think the 1500 will be fine,” he said.
Manaal is the $4.00 favourite ahead of Miss Roumbini and Stefi Magnetica.