Last week, connections of 3 year old Manawanui were deliberating whether to pay a $50,000 late entry fee into the Group 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill. But after passing the post in front and picking up $600,00 for first place, there was no question whether they had made the right choice.

Manawanui was given a lovely ride on the pace by Glyn Schofield,who managed to avoid all the bumping behind him and steal a winning break coming into the straight. He just held off fast finishing favourite Smart Missile, who charged home from last but laid out in the final 200 metres and just fell short of the victory.

Ron Leemon, Manawanui's trainer was overcome with emotions after his gelding's enormous victory. "It's tremendous, it's a dream come true", he said.

The Peter Snowdon-trained Helmet ended up in third place, after jockey Kerrin McEvoy launched a successful protect against Foxwedge, who was relegated to fourth.

All three placegetters dominate the betting in the Caulfield Guineas market, which is run on October 8 at Caulfield Racecourse over 1600 metres.  Smart Missile is still the short priced favourite but he will need to be more focused during his races if he's to be a legitimate chance in the Group 1 feature.