MANIEREE continued the impressive run of trainer John Oxx as she made every yard of the running to win her second consecutive Group race under jockey Niall McCullagh
The 9-1 chance won the Group 3 Kilboy Estate Stakes over 9f at this track in July and clearly improved for the step up in trip as she blitzed her field, including disappointing favourite Bible Belt, to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
Oxx, who has won with five of his last nine runners, said: “She does love soft ground and has definitely improved for the step up in trip.
“She’s won a Group 3 and a Group 2 now and if the ground was soft at Longchamp we might let her take her chance in the Prix de l’Opera [on October 2],” he added.
Immediately sent to the front under McCullagh, who won the Doncaster Cup aboard the Oxx-trained Saddler’s Rock on Friday, Manieree quickly established a healthy lead over her 11 rivals and set a strong pace at the head of affairs.
Bible Belt, who was sent off as 11-8 favourite following three wins in lesser company, was settled in mid-pack by Fran Berry with last year’s winner Eleanora Duse racing closer to the pace in third under Declan McDonogh.
But coming into the home straight, Manieree kicked for home and those in behind were caught of their ground as the leader powered on.
Bible Belt was brought wide by Berry but she failed to pick up and Eleanora Duse weakened tamely out of contention, leaving Sapphire to try and catch the leader.
Despite her efforts, Sapphire never got close to Manieree and took second ahead of the Aidan O’Brien-trained Look At Me.
Flowers Of Spring ran on to take fourth, while Bible Belt’s winning spree ended abruptly as she could only finish seventh