Talented five-year-old Manicero showed he was set for a big spring and summer campaign with his comfortable win in the Stanton Mienert Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm.

The gelding has taken time to mature but may be on the verge of showing his full potential with his smart win at his first test over a mile this time in.

Manicero ran a solid fifth first-up in mid-September before he was narrowly beaten at the Sunshine Coast late last month. He improved again off that effort to win well at his latest outing.

Jockey Ryan Hurdle took over from Ryan Wiggins aboard Manicero in a bid to take advantage of the teenager’s 3kg claim, which brought the horse’s weight down to 56kg.

The developing galloper helped his own chances with a smart beginning, allowing Hurdle to settle him in the perfect spot behind the leaders without expending any energy.

Manicero had plenty to offer when Hurdle switched him into clear running as the field entered the straight before he broke two lengths clear with a furlong to travel.

Hurdle was kind to Manicero late in the race, which allowed the runner-up to get within a half-length of the winner in the final 50 metres but he was never in danger.

Manicero’s latest win was his third from 17 starts and second since he joined the O’Dea stable after starting his career in Victoria.

Congratulations to Manicero’s owners - V Corry, A Kelly, M P Walsh, H Goddard & S J O'Dea.

© MiStable 2012