Flying Artie's Democracy Manifest Brave in Group II Ajax Stakes - Next Stop Doncaster Mile

Mark Smith - Saturday March 16

The high-class Flying Artie gelding Democracy Manifest is off to the Group 1 Doncaster Mile on Day One of the Championships at Randwick after a fighting win in Saturday’s Group II ATC Foundation Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

Democracy Manifest gets the bob (image Steve Hart)

Ridden by James McDonald for Chris Waller, Democracy Manifest staged a dogfight with the Paul Niceforo-trained Territories (IRE) gelding Territory Express to prevail by a nose.

The ultra-consistent Jakkalberry (IRE) gelding Detonator Jack was a half-length back in third.

Advertisement

The winner of the Group III Cameron handicap at Newcastle last September, Democracy Manifest advances his record to nine wins, four seconds, and two thirds from 25 starts with earnings of $919,475.

“It was deserved,” Waller said. “He’s just been chipping away without a lot of luck.

“In the Group One Epsom he didn’t get a lot of luck go his way. But to win a Group Two today, I think it’s pretty rewarding. He’s got a good group of owners and it’s a good reward.

“It’s a big step, but he’s hit the line with a lot to give, a bit of purpose. So you don’t dare take away the chances of the dream of winning a Doncaster. It’s a great race.”Rounds out another big day for Waller and McDonald (image Steve Hart)

McDonald said he was worried about the pattern of the day, favouring on-pace runners.

“At the 600m I didn’t think he was much hope because you just haven’t been able to make ground up in the sticky conditions,” McDonald said.

“But he just accelerated beautifully. He was really strong. To be fair to him, he got a little bit tired, but he was entitled to because I set him a bit of a task. He enjoyed the room and he’s got a brilliant acceleration. He’s just a good horse in good form.”

Democracy Manifest had been passed in short of his $25,000 reserve at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale before Allam Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock had the final say at $70,000 when Network Bloodstock consigned the son of Flying Artie to the Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale.

He is the best of three winners from four to race for the Melbourne-winning Benicio mare Slippery Satin, a half-sister to Group 1 WATC Railway Stakes winner Great Shot (Magnus) and multiple Listed winner Gawne (Flying Spur).

Purchased by Botty's Bloodstock for a mere $11,000 at the 2015 National Broodmare Sale, Slippery Satin has a 2yo filly by Magna Grecia (IRE) named Slippery Miss who is in the Bryce Hayes stable.

After missing in 2021, Slippery Satin foaled a Zousain filly last spring and was covered by Flying Artie’s dual Group 1 winning son Artorius.

Democracy Manifest is one of eight stakes-winners for Blue Gum Farm’s VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes hero Flying Artie, whose son Coin Toss won the Listed National Sprint last Sunday. 

Advertisment

Race Result - ATC Foundation Ajax Stakes Gr2 1500m

Rosehill Track: Soft(6) Time: 1:28.39
1
Democracy Manifest
- 5g Flying Artie (AUS) x Slippery Satin (AUS) (Benicio (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J B Mc Donald 56
Flying Artie
2
0.1
Territory Express
- 4g Territories (IRE) x Miss Chattering (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: P Niceforo Rdr: Zac Lloyd 53
3
0.6
Detonator Jack
- 5g Jakkalberry (IRE) x Red Delicious (NZ) (No Excuse Needed (GB))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: J R Collett 58
4
1.5
Bold Mac
- 6g The Bold One (NZ) x Mrs Mac (NZ) (Colombia (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Tommy Berry 56
5
1.7
Robusto
- 4g Churchill (IRE) x She's Clean (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Tyler Schiller 53
6
2.6
Just Folk
- 7g Magnus (AUS) x Fast Ruby (AUS) (Desert Sun (GB))
Tnr: Gavin Bedggood Rdr: M J Dee 56
7
4.3
Amor Victorious
- 4g Caravaggio (USA) x Koizora (AUS) (Snitzel (AUS))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: Rachel King 53
8
5
Welwal
- 5g Shalaa (IRE) x Cheriearch (USA) (Arch (USA))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: K Mc Evoy 55
9
5.7
Hezashocka
- 6g Shocking (AUS) x Shezakiwi (NZ) (Brilliance (USA))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: T Marquand 55
10
8.6
Palmetto
- 5g Ghibellines (AUS) x Carolina Island (NZ) (Darci Brahma (NZ))
Tnr: J G Sargent Rdr: A Hyeronimus 56
11
9.1
Glory Daze
- 5g Cotai Glory (GB) x Pioneer Alexander (IRE) (Rip Van Winkle (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: Dylan Gibbons 53
12
10.9
Phearson
- 6g Exosphere (AUS) x Chateau D'yquem (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: Brad Widdup Rdr: Tom Sherry 56.5
13
23.2
Caesars Palace
- 6g Casino Prince (AUS) x Soffraaj (AUS) (Iffraaj (GB))
Tnr: A J Cummings Rdr: C Schofield 54.5
More Reading...
Flying Artie's Democracy Manifest Opens Winning Account
With Flying Artie’s son Giannis winning the Listed Dulcify Stakes and his Blue Diamond Stakes winning son Artorius edged out in the Listed Exford Plate, the win of Democracy Manifest at Dubbo on Sunday may be little more than a bleep on the radar.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
One To Watch – Belmont
We look far and wide to highlight Breednet’s ‘One To Watch’ and today’s winner of the first race at Belmont, 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, won in the manner of a horse with a nice future and in the process shone a spotlight on her sire who recorded his ninth winner so far this month.
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
One to Watch – Mornington
In Cox Plate week it only seems fitting that the 2013 winner Shamus Award would give us a ‘One to Watch’ at Mornington on Thursday.
End Of An Era - 2025 G1 Cox Plate
“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still” - Franklin D Roosevelt.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Inglis Digital - Darby Swoop on Amazing Eagle for $310,000
Scott Darby believes today’s Inglis Digital sale-topper Amazing Eagle (Capitalist) can continue along the same successful mould as the likes of former online Darby acquisitions Robusto, Caballus and Imperial Force and progress on to become a future racetrack star.