No one expected Tareena based stallion Manton to throw two-year-old runners and when Disputes was stakes placed in the Gimcrack Stakes last season it raised the odd eyebrow.
Graskop then stepped out later in the season and was stakes placed in the Blue Diamond Prelude and also won in Melbourne.
However, Manton had to turn back to Disputes to provide his first stakes winner and she duly saluted in the $100,000 Listed Reginald Allan Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on the weekend.
Even now the better judges expect Manton’s progeny to furnish into stronger horses as late three-year-olds and to strike black type in the spring with a promising filly raises the anticipation even higher.
Mick Tubman, of Chance Bye fame, speaks freely of a possible AJC Oaks contender in Mick’s Mantle who had the one run as a two-year-old for a solid effort when placed at Hawkesbury over an unsuitable trip and an interrupted preparation.
Even Disputes gives the indication that more ground will allow her to settle into rhythm a little easier and Darley are looking towards richer pickings as the spring progresses.
As for Manton, the win by Disputes pushed him to 8th on the list of second season sires and he is the only runner in the top 10 with less than 12 runners to his name.
Manton has had 3 winners from 7 runners this season and while a lack of numbers is going to make it difficult for him to stake a claim for leading sire honours he may well prove to be the best value among the second season sires.
Standing at a fee of $5000 inclusive of gst Manton represents tremendous value. For bookings contact Ian McRobert at Tareena on 0438 531 205.
