Racing: Winter Cup beckons for Manning

Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning pulled off part one of a plan at Tauranga yesterday. Now he anxiously awaits the opportunity to complete the second part.

Manning produced Rags To Riches to win the Vero 1600 by two lengths from Mohini Surprise at the horse's second start within eight days.

"The only reason I backed him up today was to try and win this, so he could get into the Winter Cup at Riccarton," Manning said.

"It will still be touch and go, but he could get in the field now. He deserves a crack at it."

The $80,000 Winter Cup (1600m) is run on August 6 at Riccarton, a course on which Manning has enjoyed big time success.

Manning has twice won the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton, the first time with Oak Vue and the other with Laud Peregrine.

Manning trains Rags To Riches for the Baker family of Hallmark Stud at Te Kauwhata in the Waikato and Eamon Cleary.

The Entrepreneur 4-year-old yesterday recorded his fourth win from 19 starts when kicking back strongly in the home straight after being challenged strongly by Mohini Surprise.

Said rider Michael Coleman: "He's a handy horse and could be a lightweight chance in a race like the Winter Cup."

- NZPA