Thought i'll have a go at a preview
A handy field off 16 runners line up for The Manhattan Group 1 stakes. The race will be over 1m2f on the turf course at Belmont Park. Should be a cracker as the 3yo's meet the older horses for the 1st time this season.
Kentucky Derby winner Maldivian will head the market, this game front running filly from the awesome Scatters yard was a gutsy winner last time out in Group One company over 1m2f. She is yet to finish out of the frame in 5 runs, although handed stall 13 she wont go down without a fight and has a great chance of adding another Group One to her name if as effective on the grass. Danger Moon yet to race on turf, but holds solid claims having won 2 group ones over 1m1f including the Preakness Stakes, this hold up performer should go well. The lightly raced Twice Over comes here with decent turf form having won a G3 on good to soft last time out, his 4th on debut wasnt too far behind Danger Moon with further progress to come. Nayessence is the pick of the older horses and this 4yo colt ticks all the boxes to go well here with group one winning form on turf, the step up to 1M2F is a plus and he is sure to go well. Unbeaten Goddess Temple steps up in class after winning a listed race over 1m3f, she cant be ruled out but has abit to find on ratings. Beautiful Devil was 4th on debut behind Goddess Temple there should be more to come this colt, but again its a big ask on his 2nd run. Finally a decent showing from Ayun Tara cant be ruled out with stable in great form.
Verdict: If there is a uncontested lead for Maldivian she will be a tough nut to crack, while old rival Danger Moon will try and run her down. However im going to have to slid with Nayessence who has decent form on turf with Twice Over in with a shout too.
