Manawanui wins 2014 Bill Ritchie Hcp Group 3 $125,000 at Randwick (NSW) 3yo+, 1400m.
The 2011 Golden Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) winner Manawanui, having his first run for almost 12 months, scored a very good first-up win. He travelled nicely in fourth place on the rails, and was going well but blocked until getting a split on passing the 200m. He then sprinted through for a narrow but smart win.
The favourite Rock Sturdy was fifth, one off the rails, to the turn. He moving up well nearing the 200m, took a slender lead at the 100m and then fought on for second, beaten a short neck.
Tougher Than Ever was last in the seven-horse field to the turn and ran on quite well for a good third.
Pheidon was second to the turn, challenged at the 250m and battled on for fourth at his second run this preparation while the top weight Monton was handy all the way before finishing fifth.
