The 2023 edition of the Group 1 Manikato Stakes will be held on Saturday 28th October at Moonee Valley, with some of the most exciting sprinters in the country set to compete.
Previously run on Friday nights, the $2 million weight-for-age feature event will be part of a blockbuster day at the track, with the time-honoured Group 1 Cox Plate set to headline.
The race has held G1 status since 1989 and was previously named the Freeway Stakes, before a name change in 1984 to honour multiple-time winner Manikato.
The Sporting News has all the information on Saturday's race below.
When is the 2023 Manikato Stakes?
This year's Manikato Stakes will take place on Saturday 28th October at Moonee Valley Racecourse.
What time is the Manikato Stakes?
This year's Manikato Stakes will jump at 4.20pm AEDT and will be the eighth race of a 10-race card.
Manikato Stakes 2023 prize money
The prizemoney for the Group 1 Cox Plate is $2 million, in which the winning connections take home $1.2 million.
How to watch the 2023 Manikato Stakes
This year's Manikato Stakes will be broadcast nationally on Channel 7.
Sky Racing will also broadcast the big race, given its extensive history of showing the spring carnival's major races.
Manikato Stakes 2023 tickets
To purchase tickets for this year's Cox Plate, click here.
Manikato Stakes 2023 final field, barriers and betting odds
Imperatriz is set to start as a short-priced favourite for the race, with the likes of Buenos Noches and I Am Me also confirmed for the small seven-horse field.
Odds courtesy of Dabble. Correct as of October 28th. Say HEY to the social bet, Download the DABBLE app.
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. The Inferno (3) | Jake Noonan | Cliff Brown | $41 |
| 2. Buenos Noches (5) | Blake Shinn | Matthew Smith | $10 |
| 3. Uncommon James (2) | Damian Lane | S.O'Dea/M.Hoysted | $10 |
| 4. Jigsaw (7) | Daniel Moor | Cindy Alderson | $26 |
| 5. I Am War (1) | Jamie Mott | Trevor Andrews | $81 |
| 6. Imperatriz (4) | Opie Bossom | Mark Walker | $1.38 |
| 7. I Am Me (6) | James McDonald | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $6.50 |
Manikato Stakes past winners
| 2022 | Bella Nipotina |
| 2021 | Jonker |
| 2020 | Hey Doc |
| 2019 | Loving Gaby |
| 2018 | Brave Smash |
| 2017 | Hey Doc |
| 2016 | Rebel Dane |
| 2015 | Chautauqua |
| 2014 | Lankan Rupee |
| 2013 | Buffering |