Hi Manameisjeff NZ Photo by Club Menangle
A NEW season mantra will see NSW young gun Will Rixon surrender a big book of drives at Menangle for just one drive at Bendigo on Saturday night.
But that drive is key player Hi Manameisjeff in the star-studded $75,000 Group 2 Bendigo Cup (1609m).
Rixon jumped at the opportunity when his close friend, premier NSW driver Cam Hart, opted to drive at Menangle.
“I really want to be part of the big races whenever I can. That’s something I’m going to prioritise when I get the chance this year,” he said.
“This one is a bit unexpected, but I’m excited to take it. It’s a really suitable race for a speedster like this horse, you only have to look back to his latest win in the Sunshine Sprint (Albion Park, November 29).”
The last time Hi Manameisjeff raced in Victoria he led and ran second to Kingman and relegated the great Leap To Fame to third spot in the Group 1 Victoria Cup on October 18.
“That’s outstanding form for a race like this and he’s even better suited to a sprint than the middle distance of a Victoria Cup,” Rixon said.
He concedes the start will be crucial, especially with Bendigo’s 1609m start only having a short run to the first turn.
“He’s really quick out and I’m hoping he can get across. If he does, gee I think he’ll take some running down over a mile,” he said.
“Kingman is obviously the best horse in the race, his NZ Cup win was incredible, but the barrier draw and sprint trip really opens the race up.”
Kingman, who has beaten Leap To Fame in the Victora and NZ Cups in two of his past three starts, has drawn awkwardly inside the back row (gate eight).
Rixon, 25, has driven almost 900 winners, including three at Group 1 level.
He drove 199 winners last year and finished second to Hart in both the NSW statewide and metropolitan drivers’ premierships.
Hart had the option of Hi Manameisjeff and Petracca as his Bendigo Cup drive, so his decision to stay home leaves trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin needing a new driver for the emerging Petracca.
Kingman has eased from $1.50 to $1.85 since the barrier draw, while Hi Manameisjeff ($4.20 to $3.40) and Petracca ($6.50 to $3.50){ have been the big firmers.
In other key Bendigo news, Glen Craven will replace his cousin, Jason Lee, aboard superstar trotting mare Keayang Zahara in the $100,000 Group 1 Maori Mile.
Craven has driven the five-year-old on four occasions for three wins and a second.
Keayang Zahara is $1.15 to win her 21st race from just 22 starts and her 11th at Group 1 level.
PHOTO:- Hi Manameisjeff - Club Menangle
