3 minute read

Sweet Embrace Stakes winner primed for Golden Slipper

Michael Freedman has heard the talk about the two-year-old colts being better than the fillies ahead of this Saturday's Golden Slipper, but he is not letting it affect his belief in Manaal.

The daughter of Tassort will take on the likes of Storm Boy, Switzerland and Straight Charge in the $5 million Group 1 at Rosehill.

Manaal has won two of her three starts, including a last-start win in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace (1200m), and while wary of the boys, Freedman is happy with the progression she has made since that March 2 event.

"She's great, she has come on since that win and I'm going to try to prove everyone wrong – that the fillies are better than the colts," Freedman said.

"I think the filly that ran second in the Blue Diamond (Lady Of Camelot), who trialled the other day, looked super impressive and the Blue Diamond winner (Hayasugi) looked pretty impressive.

"Everyone has got their theories, so I've got mine."

Manaal has experience against Lady Of Camelot, having finished second to that daughter of Written Tycoon in the Group 3 Widden Stakes on February 3, which was her first start since her debut win in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) in September.

Tommy Berry has been aboard for all three of Manaal's starts, but with the three-time Slipper winner committed to Espionage, Freedman has called on Jason Collett for the ride.

"He's already had a sit on her and he'll come and give her a gallop on Tuesday. I couldn't be happier," Freedman said.

Manaal is a $26 chance ahead of the release of the final field and barrier draw, which will take place at 11am on Tuesday.