Weight turnaround proves key as Michael Freedman’s Manaal takes out the Group 2 Furious Stakes at Randwick

Michael Freedman had to settle for third to brother Anthony in the Silver Shadow Stakes two weeks ago but he got his revenge when Manaal beat Ameena in the Furious Stakes at Randwick.

Manaal (green, white cap) holds on to beat Ameena in the Group 2 Furious Stakes at Randwick. Picture: Bradley Photos

Manaal and Ameena provided the Freedman family, owner-breeders Emirates Park and the Newgate Farm stallion Tassort a feature race quinella at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

In the second showdown between the two star fillies this spring, it was Manaal who got the better of her arch rival in the Group 2 $300,000 Furious Stakes (1200m).

Michael Freedman trains Manaal and he took particular delight to get one back over his brother Anthony, trainer of Ameena.

“We had to settle for third behind Ameena (Silver Shadow Stakes) first-up but Manaal was able to bounce back today,” Freedman said.

“The 3kg weight pull in Manaal’s favour was significant although Ameena has run very well again.”

Manaal ($2.25 favourite), ridden by Jason Collett, held off Ameena ($4.80) to win by a head with Lazzura ($14) running well first-up for third, a half-length further back.

Collett said he rode Manaal on Tuesday morning and was confident the filly had improved since her Silver Shadow loss.

“She still gets a bit ‘antsy’ going out onto the track, but then she goes to the start like a lamb, so, it’s a complete contrast,” Collett said.

“She was in the gates first, she handled that well enough, she was cleanly away and able to get into a good spot. It was a nice win.”

Freedman confirmed Manaal will go to the Group 2 $300,000 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick in two weeks – where she is likely to meet boom, unbeaten filly Autumn Glow.

Manaal turns the tables on Ameena in the G2 Furious Stakes at Randwick, and it's a race record - 1:08:68!@[e-mail]/DbjZTHwlGQ

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 7, 2024

“If anything, Manaal’s best performance so far has been at 1400m (winning the ATC Inglis Sires) so you know I’m looking forward to getting her back up to that trip next start,” Freedman said.

As Manaal and Ameena hit the line, it gave Emirates Park an exciting 1-2 finish and also provided Newgate’s emerging young stallion Tassort with a significant result.

“The stallion couldn’t be going any better; I mean he’s just flying Tassort so full credit to them (Emirates Park), they gave him a lot of support with a lot of good mares in his first year and they’re reaping the rewards,” Freedman said.

There was less than two lengths separating the first six fillies over the line and although Manaal showed her class to win, Freedman said the tight finish has probably ended any desire to aim his filly at the $20 million The TAB Everest next month.

“For a filly to be going to The Everest, she would want to be winning this race quite easily,” Freedman said.

“But it’s a big relief as much as anything because you always like to see those two-year-olds that have had a good two-year-old season come back and do it at three.”

Originally published as Weight turnaround proves key as Michael Freedman’s Manaal takes out the Group 2 Furious Stakes at Randwick