The Manikato Stakes will be run at Moonee Valley this Friday night.
It is raced over the sprint trip of 1200m and is worth $2 million with connections standing to collect $1.2m if successful.
Last year, Jonker took out the Manikato, ahead of Bella Nipotina who is back this year to go one better.
Paulele heads the market in 2022 for the precursor to the Cox Plate on what is set to be a wet and wild night at the amphitheatre of Victorian racing.
In recent yers, Hey Doc (2020 and 2017), Loving Gaby (2019) and Brave Smash (2018) have won the race.
See our guide below:
-THE ONE TO BEAT-
5. Paulele (6)
James Cummings / James McDonald (58.5kg)
Was scampered off his feet over 1000 metres when resuming in the Moir Stakes, but was hitting the line nicely and followed it up with a dogged win in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
Has an extra run in the last month over a few of his rivals, should handle the wet going and this is his Grand Final race.
Maps to sit off the hot speed and surge down the middle.
(Comes into barrier 4 after the scratchings of the emergencies).
10. Bella Nipotina (2)
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace / Craig Williams (56.5kg)
Arguably the best wet tracker in the race and is drawn to get the suck run on the back of the leader.
Crag Williams is riding in freakish form and this mare will only need a bit of luck from the inside to be running in the top two.
Her run in the Moir Stakes after being three-deep with no cover was enormous and she loves this track.
-IN THE MIX-
14. Coolangatta (1)
Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace / Jamie Kah (51kg)
The sole three-year-old filly in the field who will gain market attention due to the ‘weight advantage’.
Draws the pole and will need to spear through from the inside.
Could be slightly vulnerable in the last 100 metres given the speed influences drawn outside looking to push forward and cross.
7. Rothfire (5)
Damian Lane / Robert Heathcote (58.5kg)
Was smashed in betting last start when running a $3.10 favourite in the Moir Stakes, but was beaten just under two lengths.
Clearly looking for 1200 metres and beyond, but the predicted wet weather will not enhance his winning hopes.
Has to be considered, however, no value at $6.
-THE VALUE-
2. Eleven Eleven (7)
Gregory Hickman / Hugh Bowman (58.5kg)
Looks geared up to run a big race off his trials.
He started half the price of Rothfire in the Stradbroke, but he does not have the race fitness on his side this time.
A super wet track could ruin his chances, but might be worth a ticket at big odds if you’re looking for a roughie.
TOP 4 SELECTIONS
Paulele
Bella Nipotina
Coolangatta
Eleven Eleven
Is Gambling a problem for you? Call Gamblers Help on 1800 858 858 or your local state gambling helpline. Gamble responsibly.