2024 Sires Produce Stakes winner Manaal headlines star-studded Warwick Farm trials on Monday

Manaal, Kimochi and Just Fine – each a finalist in the 2023-24 NSW Racehorse Owners Association Awards – are scheduled to have important barrier trials at Warwick Farm on Monday.

Manaal, Kimochi and Just Fine – each a finalist in the 2023-24 NSW Racehorse Owners Association Awards – are scheduled to have important barrier trials at Warwick Farm on Monday.

The Michael Freedman-trained Manaal, winner of the Group 1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes last season, is set to contest a 900m heat against the likes of Epsom Handicap winner Rediener and classy duo Encap and Dragonstone.

Kimochi won the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes and was a multiple Group 1 placegetter last season. Trainer Gary Portelli has entered her for a 900m trial that includes top mares Sunshine In Paris and I Am Me, and Australian Guineas winner Southport Tycoon.

What a finish in the G1 Sires’ 😮

There was nothing between Traffic Warden and Manaal, with the filly the victor!@[e-mail]/HMOsKmsn4X

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 6, 2024

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Just Fine, from the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott stable and winner of the Group 1 The Metropolitan in track record time for the Randwick 2600m course last season, is trialling over 1000m.

NSWROA this week released the names of the finalists this week with Manaal is among the contenders for NSW Champion 2yo alongside Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, dual Group 1 winner Broadsiding and boom colts Storm Boy and Coleman.

Kimochi is short-listed for Champion 3yo where she is up against Group 1 winners Celestial Legend, Riff Rocket, Militarize and Zardozi.

Just Fine is in the Champion Stayer category alongside Circle Of Fire, Kalapour, Athabascan and Military Mission.

The other awards are for NSW Champion Sprinter with nominations are Fangirl, Lady Laguna, Private Eye, Think About It and Zapateo.

The Champion Miler title will be between Celestial Legend, Fangirl, Obamburumai, Pericles and Zougotcha.

Outstanding mares Pride Of Jenni, Via Sistina and Atishu are vying for NSW Champion Middle Distance horse along with Bois D’Argent and Fawkner Park.

“The ride of the century @decbates!”

Pride Of Jenni leads by a huge margin and wins the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in a bold front running display, in one of the most epic wins at Randwick ever!@[e-mail]/33Ejus8VL3

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 13, 2024

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The shortlist of finalists was decided by a point score system with horses earning points for top-three finishes in Group and Listed races and special, high prizemoney events including The Everest, The Golden Eagle and The All-Star Mile.

“NSW is home to some of the best horses in the world and four of our finalists have featured in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse rankings in the past 12 months,’’ NSWROA president Tony Mitevski said.

The finalists will be judged by a panel of industry experts including representatives from Racing NSW, The Australian Turf Club, racing media, and the NSWROA board.

Racing NSW’s awards for excellence will also be presented on the night including the BOBS Horse of the Year, Sydney Strapper of the Year, Caryl Williamson Racing Writers’ Personality of the Year, T J Smith Award (leading trainer), George Moore Medal (leading jockey), Theo Green Medal (leading apprentice), and the coveted Bart Cummings Medal.

The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner in the ballroom at Royal Randwick on August 29.

Other potential spring carnival stars due to trial on Monday include outstanding mare Amelia’s Jewel, Buenos Noches, Tiz Invincible and Ceolwulf.

Originally published as 2024 Sires Produce Stakes winner Manaal headlines star-studded Warwick Farm trials on Monday