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.
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.
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.”
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.
