Top colt might race in Australia

The Ryder Stakes, won impressively by Manhattan Street, turned out to be the last race at Otaki on Saturday.

Stewards decided not to run the remaining two races because the track had become waterlogged and caused visibility problems for jockeys. A group of jockeys, trainers and race officials met with stewards and all agreed to call the meeting off.

Steward Neil Goodwin said heavy rain just before the Ryder was held saturated the track.

The bleak conditions and horses’ hooves flicking water into the faces of jockeys made it difficult for them to see.

The worst part of the track was at the 800m.

With the last two races not run, the TAB’s $100,000 Terminating Turbo Pick6 was abandoned. All bets were refunded.

Manhattan Street made it three wins from as many starts when winning on Saturday. The colt led and drew out by six and a half lengths from Cortado, with two lengths to Impulsive Habit third.

‘‘He’s quite a smart horse,’’ Riddell said.

‘‘I’m hoping he’s not just a wettracker.’’

Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta is considering spring racing in Sydney and Melbourne for Manhattan Street.

The Wanganui Guineas on September 3 is also a possible target for the son of Manhattan Rain.

‘‘He’s a well-bred colt on the way up, just keeps getting better and better,’’ Latta said.

‘‘We’ll see how he pulls up and make a decision next week on where we head with him.’’