Manaya chases a CV boost

MANAYA could be on the brink of improving her breeding appeal further with trainer Michael Costa confirming the mare will be set for the Listed Goldmarket Quality.

The six-year-old has pulled up well from her win in the Open Handicap (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday and will be given the chance to add another stakes victory to her resume on March 14 at the Gold Coast’s $1.5 million The Jewel race day.

Manaya, a $65,000 yearling purchase by Costa, immediately added black type to her pedigree when she won the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Scone, NSW, at her race debut in 2016.

She was sold for $400,000 last year to Glenlogan Park, who plan to race her until the end of the current season before retiring her to stud.

Manaya has appeal as a broodmare, being a half-sister to 2010 Doomben 10,000 victor and 13-times stakes winner Hot Danish.

“Her win on Saturday was great second-up. She always needs that first run,” Costa said. “Our target has always been about trying to get more black type for her and the Goldmarket looks like a nice one on her home track.

“We expect a decent field but she has pulled up well and if she turns up on the day she will give the race a fair shake”

Costa’s emotional connection to Manaya, a daughter of Hinchinbrook, runs deeper than most of his horses.

She was part of the brigade he brought with him when he moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast in 2016 and has won eight races from 30 starts.

“You particularly have that connection with horses that you have purchased from the sales yourself,” Costa said.

“You are in deep and have to back them in. The wins are a bit more special.”

Costa is also preparing Malahide to have a crack at the Goldmarket while stablemate Seentoomany will contest the Class 6 Plate on the same day after winning at Canterbury on February 14.