Grunt Filly Manolo Bling Keeps the Family Flag Flying

Mark Smith - Saturday July 13

The second most expensive yearling by her sire Grunt, Manolo Bling made the perfect start to her career in Saturday’s Sportsbet Jockey Watch Hcp (1100m) for 2-year-old fillies at Caulfield.

Manolo Bling makes a statement on debut (image Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)

Ridden by Ethan Brown for Anthony and Sam Freedman, Manolo Bling travelled sweetly three wide and, when asked for an effort, strode clear to defeat the honest  Husk (Calyx) by one and a quarter lengths with Berezka (Xtravagant) a length back in third.

Manolo Bling was a $340,000 buy for Matt Laurie Racing/Justin Bahen from the Yulong draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

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“She is a really nice filly and has done everything right this preparation. She is a progressive horse and has earned a shot at the spring,” stable representative Stephanie Hateley said.

“Sam and Anthony will sit down and map out a program.”

It could well be an exciting spring for the family as Manolo Bling is the first foal of the winning Snitel mare Evening Slippers, a sister to the Group 1 TC Galaxy Hcp winner Sweet Idea and the dual Group II winner Showtime, and a half to Rush, a stakes winner in Singapore.

Sweet Idea is the dam of the exciting, undefeated Dubawi mare Clear Thinking (GB).

Manolo Bling a $340,000 Magic Millions yearling

A $1,800,000 yearling, Evening Slipper was a $550,000 purchase for Yulong from the Arrowfield draft at the 2020 National Broodmare Sale.

Evening Slippers has a yearling filly and weanling colt by Written Tycoon. She was covered by Grunt last spring.

A $550,000 purchase for Yulong, Evening Slippers is doing the family proud

The Group 1 VRC Australian Guineas and Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes winner Grunt is enjoying a successful season, with his standout performer Veight winning the Group 1 ATC George Ryder Stakes and Miraval Rose winning the Listed Twilight Glow Stakes.

The son of O’Reilly stands at Yulong in 2024 for $22,000.

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Race Result - Sportsbet Jockey Watch Hcp 1100m

Caulfield Track: Soft(7) Time: 1:05.38
1
Manolo Bling
- 2f Grunt (NZ) x Evening Slippers (AUS) (Snitzel (AUS))
Tnr: A & S Freedman Rdr: Ethan Brown 56.5
2
1.3
Husk
- 2f Calyx (GB) x Tikal (AUS) (Denman (AUS))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: K Jennings 59
3
2.3
Berezka
- 2f Xtravagant (NZ) x Moshki (AUS) (Moshe (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: Ben Allen 56.5
MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale $150,000
Seller: Newhaven Park, Boorowa, NSW (As Agent)
Buyer: Amy Feng
4
2.3
Kalimna Views
- 2f Delago Deluxe (AUS) x Sistine Spirit (AUS) (Big Brown (USA))
Tnr: John McArdle Rdr: J Mott 57.5
5
2.7
Loafer
- 2f Hellbent (AUS) x Head Over Heels (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Archie Alexander Rdr: Declan Bates 57.5
6
3
On Display
- 2f Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Different To (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: Damian Lane 56.5
7
3.5
Bossy Benita
- 2f So You Think (NZ) x Bossy Woman (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: M J Mehegan Rdr: Zac Spain 56.5
8
3.6
Turbinado
- 2f Lonhro (AUS) x Demerara (AUS) (Commands (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: B Shinn 57.5
9
4.1
Butternut Princess
- 2f Capitalist (AUS) x Tahni Dancer (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: P G Moody & Katherine Coleman Rdr: Thomas Stockdale 56.5
10
4.2
Star Angel
- 2f Toronado (IRE) x Whispering Angel (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: Nick Ryan Rdr: Jye McNeil 56.5
11
5.2
Porsha Crystal
- 2f Frosted (USA) x Relaunch (AUS) (Statue Of Liberty (USA))
Tnr: Mark & Levi Kavanagh Rdr: M J Dee 56.5
12
13.2
Flying Straz
- 2f Strasbourg (AUS) x Flying Gaga (AUS) (Flying Pegasus (AUS))
Tnr: P G Moody & Katherine Coleman Rdr: Will Price 56.5
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