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Manolo Blahniq wins Chester Manifold Stakes Listed $140,000 at Flemington, 1400m.
Tony Noonan-trained gelding Manolo Blahniq ,who was having his third run this preparation did well in winning here, his second stakes success in 24 starts. He settled midfield and wide without cover from his outside barrier (11) before moving up (deep) at the home turn. He moved up strongly at the 200m and finished too well for a smart win.
Holbein settled outside the leader (Call Me Handsome) got to the front at the 300m and battle really well for second, beaten just under a length.
Takedown ,who was having his second run back since resuming for new trainer Darren Weir, staged a promising effort. He raced in fourth place, challenged strongly at the 300m and kept fighting gamely for a closeup third.
The favourite Mr Money Bags raced back in ninth place in the 11-horse field after starting from a wide barrier (10), improved behind runners at the home turn and made late ground when clear for (1.3 lengths) fourth.