Corstens Plots Baraqiel's Manikato Stakes Assault
From Setbacks To Spectacular Group One Form
The horse they once considered selling online for next to nothing now stands as one of Australia's most compelling sprinters. Baraqiel, the injury-ravaged gelding who didn't debut until age five, has his sights set on the A$2 million Gr.1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 26. Trainer Troy Corstens believes his remarkable comeback king could be the perfect fit for the Gr.1 TAB Everest.
Baraqiel's story reads like racing folklore. Purchased for US$100,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions as a son of champion sire Snitzel, the brown gelding endured a nightmarish catalogue of injuries that would have broken lesser connections. Tendon damage, bone bruising, suspensory problems; if something could go wrong, it did.
The breeding credentials promised greatness from birth. His dam, Angel Of Mercy, was no ordinary broodmare but a Group Three winner who had finished second in the Gr.1 Tattersall's Tiara. Bred by the prestigious Arrowfield Group and Jungle Pocket, the colt combined two of the most successful bloodlines in Australian racing.
Owned by Bennett Racing and 80 loyal syndicate members who refused to abandon ship, Baraqiel has transformed from liability to superstar, earning over US$750,000 in prize money with a perfect four-from-four record at Moonee Valley.
The Valley King Finds His Kingdom
Baraqiel's affinity for Moonee Valley borders on the supernatural. Where other horses struggle with the tight, turning circuit, this gelding has discovered his racing nirvana. His racing style suits the venue perfectly, sitting close to the pace before unleashing a devastating turn of foot that has become his trademark.
"He showed a lot of ability since he was a young horse, so we've always thought that he had very good ability. It was just a matter of him having a lot of injuries that we had to get right and wait until he came right so we could race him," Corstens reflected on the long journey so far.
The trainer's patience, inherited from his father's quarter-century working alongside Bart Cummings, proved decisive when others lost faith. The legendary trainer's advice that "patience is a virtue" became the guiding philosophy during Baraqiel's darkest periods.
At one stage, syndicate leader Nathan Bennett contemplated an online sale before Corstens intervened with an extraordinary offer. "There was a stage where just about everyone had had enough of him," Corstens revealed. "Nathan was talking about selling him online, I said, 'Don't do that, because I will buy him.'"
The current training partnership between Corstens and Will Larkin has refined the gelding's preparation. "Our father doesn't have a lot to do with the training anymore," Corstens explained, referring to the operational changes that have streamlined decision-making.
Distance Debate Resolved For Manikato
The step from 1000 metres in the Moir Stakes to 1200 metres for the Manikato Stakes sparks no concerns for Corstens, who views the extra furlong as an advantage. His assessment is based on a comprehensive analysis of the gelding's racing pattern and stamina reserves.
"It should be better for him. I think the 1000 meters was good. I think 1200 will be better," the trainer said with conviction born from intimate knowledge of his charge's capabilities.
This confidence stems from Baraqiel's Gr.2 McEwen Stakes performance over the same distance at the same venue. That run demonstrated his ability to sustain his finishing kick over the longer trip whilst maintaining his explosive acceleration.
Corstens maintains a philosophical approach to managing pre-race pressure. "I think it's quite easy, because the whole way along our goal has been to win. The journey in the morning has been fantastic," he said, emphasising the routine nature of their preparation.
The meticulous daily routine includes regular beach work that has become central to Baraqiel's conditioning program. The salt water and sand provide natural therapy whilst building the muscular strength essential for sprint racing.
"Yes, we are. We do lots of work with him. He goes to the beach frequently, and we treat him very well," Corstens said of their management strategy that prioritises the gelding's physical and mental wellbeing.
Everest Dreams Beckon For Baraqiel
The A$20 million Gr.1 TAB Everest represents racing's ultimate destination, and Corstens believes Baraqiel possesses the credentials to attract slot-holder interest following a strong Manikato performance. The unique entry system creates opportunities for late selections based on current form.
"He's exactly the kind of horse that would get plucked out from one of the slot holders. That is a big possibility. So hopefully, if he runs really well in the Manikato, we should be able to get a slot into The Everest," the trainer explained.
The race's 1200-metre distance aligns perfectly with Baraqiel's proven range, whilst the weight-for-age conditions eliminate handicapping concerns. The timing also suits his preparation cycle.
Randwick's configuration should suit Baraqiel better than Flemington's problematic straight track, where the gelding has struggled. The Sydney venue's sweeping turns and shorter straight more closely mirror Moonee Valley's characteristics.
"Not at all. He'll be very good at Randwick, and I think he'll actually be better on that track. So I've got no issues with him heading to Randwick whatsoever," Corstens stated confidently.
Interstate travel presents the only unknown factor, with all 12 career starts confined to Victoria. However, Corstens backs his charge's adaptability based on his temperament.
"He's a very adaptable horse, and I think the travel won't affect him at all," he emphasises, citing the gelding's calm demeanour and professional approach to racing.
Managing The Miracle With Caution
Balancing ambition with reality remains Corstens' greatest responsibility. Baraqiel's injury history demands constant vigilance, with every training session carrying inherent risk that must be weighed against preparation requirements.
The gelding's catalogue of setbacks reads like a veterinary textbook. Early tendon problems delayed his debut by years, whilst subsequent issues, including bone chips and suspensory damage, threatened to end his career before it began.
"It's just something that we have to deal with. The possibility of him getting a further injury is always going to be there. We just have to manage him as carefully as we can and get the best out of him without him getting injured," Corstens acknowledged.
This reality shapes every aspect of the training regime. Track surfaces are carefully monitored, work intensity is constantly adjusted, and veterinary oversight remains intensive. The team's conservative approach prioritises longevity over short-term gains.
Future planning maintains flexibility, recognising both opportunities and limitations imposed by the gelding's fragile constitution. "If we don't get a slot in The Everest, I'll have a look at what the options are, but I wouldn't mind even giving him a break if we need to, and then coming up with a different plan," he explained.
This pragmatic approach reflects lessons learned during years of rehabilitation. The beach work, conservative training methods, and careful monitoring have all contributed to keeping Baraqiel sound whilst maximising his considerable talent.
The Syndicate's Unwavering Faith
The ownership group's loyalty throughout Baraqiel's troubled early years exemplifies the sport's capacity for patience and persistence. Approximately 80 investors maintained their commitment despite mounting costs and uncertain prospects.
The syndicate model, pioneered by Bennett Racing, democratises elite racing ownership whilst spreading both costs and risks. This structure proved crucial during Baraqiel's extended rehabilitation periods when traditional ownership might have faltered.
Baraqiel's remarkable transformation from potential online sale to Group One performer exemplifies racing's capacity for redemption stories. With eight wins from 12 starts, including that emotional Moir Stakes breakthrough, he enters the Manikato Stakes carrying the hopes of connections who never lost faith.
His consistency remains remarkable, with only one unplaced effort from 12 career starts. This reliability, combined with his devastating turn of foot, makes him a formidable opponent when conditions suit his racing style.
For Corstens and his team, the journey continues with cautious optimism and unwavering belief in their remarkable comeback king as they target the A$2 million Manikato Stakes, competing in which represents validation for years long-held dreams, strategic planning and tireless devotion..