Sadler Racing is starting to heat up with some lovely youngsters hitting the track and none have been more impressive than their latest 2yo debutant Manhattan Thunder at Sale on Friday.

Group 1 winning trainer John Sadler and his son Tom have been striking at better than 20% since moving from Caulfield to Pakenham and they produced one for the future when the son of Geisel Park sire Manhattan Rain defeated Miss Subtly (Rich Enuff) in the Laser Clinics Maiden (1113m).

“He had been trialling nicely but from the outside draw we elected to go back and let him find his feet first-up,” jockey Jamie Mott said.  “The speed was solid and he gave me a terrific feel in the run.

“He was a bit wayward at the top of the straight but then he knuckled down and ran down a good filly.  He will definitely go on to better things.”

Manhattan Thunder is a half-brother to Stakes winners Fontiton and Sartorial Splendour and was a $150,000 buy for John Sadler at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.  Their dam Personal Ensign (Rubiton) was Listed winner of the Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield for Mick Price and Jim Cassidy.

“Moving to Pakenham and training in partnership with Tom has given me a new lease of life,” Sadler added.  “Manhattan Thunder is exciting and I’m elated for his connections and the team at home.  It’s a sign of the trajectory to come for our stable.”

Manhattan Rain (Encosta de Lago) has an outstanding 21% strike-rate with 2yo winners to 2yo Stakes winners headed by Group 1 Golden Slipper queen She Will Reign.

A half-brother to Champion sire Redoute’s Choice, he was a Group 1 2yo winner of the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick and has just been signed by Geisel Park where he will stand for $8,800 alongside All American ($5,500).  Service fees (inc GST).