One of the premier sprint races of the Melbourne Spring Carnival takes centre stage at Caulfield this weekend, with $2 million in prize money up for grabs, and the Neds form team has done the hard work with our 2026 Manikato Stakes tips, predictions and favourites, breaking down the key chances, market leaders and best value runners in this year’s star-studded field.
The Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) has long been a proving ground for Australia’s elite sprinters, and this year’s edition looks another beauty with a deep field of proven Group 1 performers and emerging speed machines lining up for the six-furlong showdown.
Beiwacht heads Manikato Stakes betting after back-to-back Group 1 victories in the All Aged Stakes and Memsie Stakes and looks the horse they all have to beat despite dropping back to 1200m. The Chris Waller-trained star has returned in outstanding order and is well placed to continue his winning streak.
The dangers are headed by Oliveanotherday, who returns to a track and distance that suits, while My Gladiola brings elite sprinting credentials after her Moir Stakes success. Proven performers Jimmysstar, Extragalactic and defending champion Charm Stone add further depth to a quality field, while value hunters can make strong cases for the likes of Beadman, Napoleonic and Giga Kick at longer odds.
With established Group 1 stars, exciting form lines and plenty of betting opportunities throughout the market, the Manikato Stakes once again shapes as one of the standout sprint races of the spring.
Below you’ll find our full Manikato Stakes 2026 preview, favourite picks and Same Race Multi selections for Sunday’s feature at Caulfield.
2026 Manikato Stakes Favourites & Best Bets
BEIWACHT (3)Â is the clear benchmark in this year’s Manikato Stakes and warrants favouritism after a breathtaking first-up performance in the Memsie Stakes that stamped him as one of the hottest horses in training.
The Chris Waller-trained son of Bivouac was simply dominant when leading throughout and putting a high-quality field to the sword, backing up his elite autumn form and extending his Group 1 winning sequence.
Drawn to enjoy a perfect run from barrier three, Beiwacht should settle prominently under Nash Rawiller and make his own luck in transit.
The step back to 1200 metres poses a different challenge, but his natural speed, tactical versatility and current form profile suggest it won’t be enough to stop him.
If he reproduces anything close to his Memsie rating, the rest of the field will have their work cut out catching him.
With the ideal draw, an in-form jockey and genuine star quality on his side, Beiwacht is the horse to beat and obvious top selection in the 2026 Manikato.
| 5. Beiwacht (3) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 261×1 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months won by 3 len in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Mr Brightside with 58.5kg at $6. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 0.6 len behind Joliestar carrying 56kg at $9. Clearly the one to beat again. Best form is over further but he gets a lot in his favour and might just be too good. | |||
If you’re looking to play beyond the favourite, MY GLADIOLA (9) shapes as a genuine value contender after producing a career-best performance to claim the Group 1 Moir Stakes on resumption.
The John McArdle-trained daughter of I Am Invincible showed plenty of grit to hold off a quality field first-up, adding a maiden Group 1 victory to an already impressive sprinting résumé that includes a placing in the Lightning Stakes.
While the rise to 1200m is a slight query given her best form has come at shorter trips, she’s shown enough at the distance to suggest it won’t be beyond her reach.
Jamie Mott retains the ride after a perfectly judged Moir steer, and with natural improvement from her first-up run, the lightly raced mare looks capable of taking another step forward.
At double-figure odds, she profiles as a runner who can easily outperform market expectations.
With fitness on her side and confidence building from a breakthrough elite-level win, My Gladiola appeals as the best each way play.
| 11. My Gladiola (9) J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg 047×1 T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m in soft going defeating Cavalry Girl with 56.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 10th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 50.5kg at $4.80. Very well ridden to score fresh, perhaps a little niggle in a strong 1200m. | |||
For punters chasing a knockout result, BEADMAN (12) is the runner that appeals at big Manikato Stakes odds ($26 at time of publish).
The Peter Snowden-trained son of Snitzel returned with a huge effort in the Concorde Stakes, charging home from the back to finish third in a race that was run over an unsuitable 1000m.
The rise to 1200m is a major positive for the four-year-old, whose best performances have come at the distance, and his second-up record suggests he’s capable of taking another step forward.
While the wide draw and first look at Caulfield present a few challenges, he gets the services of Tim Clark and should appreciate a genuinely run race where he can settle and finish off strongly.
This is a deeper assignment, but his first-up run was full of merit and the market may have overlooked him.
At generous odds, Beadman profiles as the value roughie in the 2026 Manikato Stakes and a must-have inclusion in exotics.
| 7. Beadman (12) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 150×3 T: Peter Snowden | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 5 over 1000m, 1.75 len behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 6th of 14 in the LR Darby Munro Stakes at Rosehill on March 21 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Beskar with 58.5kg at $4.80. Very good return, just not sure where he gets to from the draw. | |||
2026 Manikato Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 3 – No. 5 Beiwacht
- Top 4 – No. 11 My Gladiola
- Top 6 – No. 7 Beadman
BEIWACHT (3)Â looks the perfect Top 2 anchor after his dominant Memsie Stakes victory, with the Chris Waller-trained star drawn to settle on speed and prove hard to run down once again.
MY GLADIOLA (9)Â rates a strong Top 4 inclusion after her first-up Group 1 Moir Stakes win, with the talented mare capable of carrying that elite sprinting form into another big performance.
BEADMAN (12)Â rounds out the multi as a Top 5 play, with the Peter Snowden-trained roughie set to relish the rise to 1200m and capable of storming into the placings at attractive odds if the race unfolds to suit.
| 5. Beiwacht (3) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 261×1 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months won by 3 len in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Mr Brightside with 58.5kg at $6. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 0.6 len behind Joliestar carrying 56kg at $9. Clearly the one to beat again. Best form is over further but he gets a lot in his favour and might just be too good. | |||
| 7. Beadman (12) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 150×3 T: Peter Snowden | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 5 over 1000m, 1.75 len behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 6th of 14 in the LR Darby Munro Stakes at Rosehill on March 21 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Beskar with 58.5kg at $4.80. Very good return, just not sure where he gets to from the draw. | |||
| 11. My Gladiola (9) J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg 047×1 T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m in soft going defeating Cavalry Girl with 56.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 10th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 50.5kg at $4.80. Very well ridden to score fresh, perhaps a little niggle in a strong 1200m. | |||
Manikato Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Giga Kick (4) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 420×0 T: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 10th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside September 5 over 1000m, slow going 4.5 len carrying 58.5kg at $4.80. Previously second-up 4th of 9 in the G2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1000m, 1.4 len carrying 58.5kg at $3.20. Too sharp fresh, his 1200m form reads much better and we know his best is very good. | |||
| 2. Pericles (10) J: Craig Williams 58.5kg 1357x T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Resuming after a break of five-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign seventh of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 2.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9.50. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.8 len this track G1 Futurity Stakes February 21 over 1400m defeating Buckaroo with 59kg at $5.50. Tough gelding, not sure he’ll be sharp enough at 1200m. | |||
| 3. Jimmysstar (8) J: Ethan Brown 58.5kg 342×9 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months 9th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes here on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $3.80. Previously second-up 5th of 9 in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 4 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind Joliestar carrying 58.5kg at $6. Disappointing fresh, best would go close but does need to find a bit. | |||
| 4. Rothfire (6) J: Brad Rawiller 58.5kg 170×8 T: Robert Heathcote | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months 8th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind My Gladiola with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.0 len in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on May 16 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Spicy Martini carrying 58.5kg at $61. Old marvel but this will test. | |||
| 5. Beiwacht (3) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 261×1 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months won by 3 len in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Mr Brightside with 58.5kg at $6. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 0.6 len behind Joliestar carrying 56kg at $9. Clearly the one to beat again. Best form is over further but he gets a lot in his favour and might just be too good. | |||
| 6. Gallant Son (13) J: Luke Nolen 58.5kg 1132x T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last preparation second of 14 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, a neck behind Caballus carrying 52kg at $61. Previous preparation first-up won by long-neck Flemington Bm70 January 10 over 1000m defeating Along The River carrying 61kg at $3.20. Good horse, weight-for-age is a new test. | |||
| 7. Beadman (12) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 150×3 T: Peter Snowden | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 5 over 1000m, 1.75 len behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 6th of 14 in the LR Darby Munro Stakes at Rosehill on March 21 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Beskar with 58.5kg at $4.80. Very good return, just not sure where he gets to from the draw. | |||
| 8. Napoleonic (7) J: Zac Lloyd 58.5kg x30x2 T: John O’shea & Tom Charlton | |||
| Second-up. Comes off a 50-day let-up. First-up after two months sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 7 in the G2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 8 over 1200m, 1.2 len behind Ninja with 56.5kg at $9. Previously second-up 12th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 4 len behind Headley Grange carrying 57kg at $12. Good return and in the minor mix. | |||
| 9. Oliveanotherday (5) J: Harry Coffey 58.5kg 11×15 T: Tom Dabernig | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 1.5 len in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m in soft going defeating Bridal Waltz with 58kg at $2.30. Second run from a spell boxed on steadily 5th of 14 in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on September 12 over 1200m, 1.2 len behind Losesomewinmore with 57kg at $1.60. Touch disappointing latest but fresh win was fantastic and he can bounce back. | |||
| 10. Charm Stone (11) J: Damian Lane 56.5kg 6x43x T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of five months. Finished off last preparation third of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, a nose behind Geegees Mistruth carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. Previously first up; fourth of 11 at this track in the G1 William Reid March 21 over 1200m, 0.9 len behind Jigsaw carrying 56.5kg at $21. Talented mare, draw doesn’t make it easy. | |||
| 11. My Gladiola (9) J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg 047×1 T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m in soft going defeating Cavalry Girl with 56.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 10th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 50.5kg at $4.80. Very well ridden to score fresh, perhaps a little niggle in a strong 1200m. | |||
| 12. Geegees Mistruth (1) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg 721×5 T: Mark Walker | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months 5th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 2 len behind My Gladiola with 56.5kg at $12. Previously second-up didn’t finish the race at this track in the G1 Oakleigh Plt February 21 over 1100m. Solid return and a good mare, just not sure she’s quite up to this. | |||
| 13. Extragalactic (2) J: James McDonald 56.5kg 122×4 T: Trent Edmonds | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 1.3 len behind My Gladiola carrying 56.5kg at $13. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.0 len in a 3yo F Hcp at this track on April 4 over 1200m defeating Marsept carrying 52.5kg at $3.90. Very good fresh albeit with right sort of run, up in trip suits and J-Mac on. | |||
Manikato Stakes FAQs
The 2025 Manikato Stakes was won by five-year-old I Am Invincible mare Charm Stone in a $31 upset for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr with jockey Blake Shinn aboard on 56.5kg from barrier 2 to win by 2 lengths on a Good (3) track in a time of 1:10.01. Charm Stone returns in 2026 looking to defend her title against another quality field of elite sprinters.
Yes. The Manikato Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age sprint, meaning runners compete under set weight conditions based on age and sex rather than handicap ratings.
No. 5 Beiwacht brings arguably the strongest recent form into the race after consecutive Group 1 victories in the All Aged Stakes and Memsie Stakes.
Absolutely. Mares have an outstanding recent record in the race, with champions such as Bella Nipotina (2022), Imperatriz (2023) and Charm Stone (2025) winning the feature in recent years.
Many punters focus on proven 1200m weight-for-age form, recent Group 1 performances, and horses capable of settling close to the speed around Caulfield.
At the current prices, No. 11 My Gladiola appeals as a strong value option after her first-up Moir Stakes victory and expected improvement second-up.
The race is often won by elite sprinters either peaking second-up in the spring or bringing strong recent Group 1 form into the contest.
A favourable draw can be an advantage at Caulfield, particularly for horses that prefer to race on or near the speed, but class runners have won from a wide range of barriers. Barriers 1 and 4 have both produced four Manikato Stakes winners between 2000 and 2025 most recently Bella Nipotina (barrier 1 in 2022) and Imperatriz (barrier 4 in 2023). Barrier 3 is the most recent to produce a winner with Charm Stone in 2025. Six Manikato Stakes winners from 2000-2025 jumped from double-digit gates most recently Buffering (10 in 2013).
No. 7 Beadman profiles as one of the more intriguing outsiders after an eye-catching Concorde Stakes performance and a return to his preferred 1200m trip.
You can find the latest Manikato Stakes tips, predictions, favourites, value bets, market movers and Same Race Multi selections right here on the Neds Racing Blog in the lead-up to race day.