LADBROKES MANIKATO

STAKES (GROUP 1)

THE Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley yesterday saw Aidan O’Brien send out four runners, Spirit Of Valor, Intellegence Cross, US Navy Flag and Fleet Review to tackle the six-furlong sprint on good ground.

Oisin Murphy guided Spirit Of Valor into an ideal waiting position behind the leader Invincible Star from the widest stall and edged into the lead turning for home.

However, it was Hugh Bowman who ran down the leader on the Darren Weir-trained Brave Smash (15/2) to score by a neck for owners Australian Bloodstock and partners.

The winning jockey said: “He’s so consistent, blinkers going on helped I reckon, good call from the stable. He deserves that.’’

Murphy commented: “Great run, ran a cracker but no one wants to finish second.’’

Godolphin’s Kementari ran on to finish third another half-length behind.

The July Cup winner U S Navy Flag with Ryan Moore on board, came out of the gates slowly and was never a factor.

Unfortunately for Murphy the stewards charged him with careless riding and banned him for 15 days. He was able to defer the suspension to start after the Breeders’ Cup – where he is due to ride Roaring Lion in the Breeders’ Cup Classic – but will miss the ride on Red Verdon in the Melbourne Cup.