‘Impressive’: Jockey Ethan Brown sings Manolo Bling’s praises at Caulfield

Manolo Bling, a $340,000 yearling buy, could measure up to stakes racing in the upcoming spring carnival if her Caulfield victory on Saturday is anything to go by.

Manolo Bling, ridden by Ethan Brown, wins the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap at Caulfield. Picture: Scott Barbour / Racing Photos

Jockey Ethan Brown had one word to describe Manolo Bling’s debut win at Caulfield.

Impressive.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly had performed solidly at the jumpouts leading up to her dominant win in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1100m).

“Impressive summed it up pretty well,” Brown said.

The in-form Brown has been on his share of talented gallopers in recent weeks, booting home a treble at Flemington last Saturday before posting wins at Bendigo, Sandown and Geelong during the week.

But Brown said Manolo Bling, a $340,000 yearling buy, had the ability to measure up in stakes races during the upcoming spring carnival.

Brown said Manolo Bling had several attributes that should ensure the daughter of Grunt paid her way during her three-year-old season, which starts on August 1.

Manolo Bling finishes strong for @FreedmanRacing! @Brown_ethan8 continues his great form on board🔥 pic.twitter.com/w0Ymzy8zmZ

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) July 13, 2024

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“She presented in terrific order, well educated for a late two-year-old,” Brown said.

“She has a great head on her shoulders.

“Having a horse like that under you makes a jockey’s job easier too.”

Manolo Bling ($5.50 fav) went to the line as a soft 1-¼ length winner over the Hawkes Racing-trained Husk ($6.50) while Berzeka ($9) was third in a pleasing debut for the Ciaron Maher camp.

However, Manolo Bling worked for her success, racing three-wide on the speed before letting down with a slick turn of foot in the straight.

“She had a nice, kind run from the gate so I wasn’t too concerned (about racing wide) and she got into a lovely rhythm, Brown said.

“We thought she’d have a good turn of foot and she proved that today.

“I think she was in the better part of the track coming down that three-wide line and I think she’ll be all the better for that today.

“She’s got the ability to jump and travel, which is a massive asset for a younger horse so it was a good way to kick off her career.”

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Freedman Racing’s representative Stephane Hateley said the Flemington arm of the dual-based stable deserved the credit for Manolo Bling’s smart win.

“She’s done everything right this preparation and the team at Flemington have done a really good job with her,” she said.

“She’s a progressive horse that is going to deserve her shot in the spring.”

Originally published as ‘Impressive’: Jockey Ethan Brown sings Manolo Bling’s praises at Caulfield