ManzoiceThe final gasp of success in the Penfolds Victoria Derby (G1) at Flemington October 28 was the first group 1 win for his shuttle Almanzor .
Driver Chris Waller, who won in August, caused a bit of an upset during one of Australia’s key spring races. While not yet one of Almanzor’s five black category winners – all of which are listed – the connections suggest he’s had some luck.
Led by Michael Dee and showing signs of inexperience, his rider found a way through and he picked last week’s Spring Champion Stakes (G1) winner Sharp ‘n’ Smart.
Waller stability manager Charlie Duckworth told Racing.com: “Great performance from the horse and that was the plan through and through and things have yet to go his way with the wide and wet slides. , but we stuck to the plan that we started working on.”
Manzoice was a member of Almanzor’s first Southern Hemisphere crop, who split his year between Haras d’Etreham in France and Cambridge Stud in New Zealand.
Bred by Sandra Hole from the winner of Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (G3) Option, Manzoice was purchased by Waller and Mulcaster Bloodstock for AU$340,000 (£188,000 / €219,000) at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Promotion. His half-sister by Shoot to win It is expected to be offered for sale at the NZB Ready to Run Sale in November.
