Manhattan Stakes 2021 Results: Domestic Spending hits high gear

Colonel Liam and Domestic Spending were involved in a dead heat last time out but our in-house handicapper certainly liked one of the two more heading into the Grade I Manhattan:

This is a fascinating renewal of the G1 Manhattan dominated by trainer Chad Brown, who will saddle four of 10 runners as he attempts to pull off his second three-peat in this race. The morning-line favorite Colonel Liam (#10) is not among Brown’s quartet, however I do think his Domestic Spending (#4) is going to be awfully tough to beat as he makes his second start of the year.

Our turf-man couldn't agree more:

There are many directions to go, but I cannot see anyone beating Domestic Spending #4 from the barn of Chad Brown. Here is why … bred out of Kingman (GB), last time this deep turf router came off-the-bench in maybe one of the toughest grass races of the year—Turf Classic @CD on Derby Day. The 4-yr-old gelding had to face short-priced favorite Colonel Liam #10, and that was no easy task. With Flavien Prat in the saddle, the “KS” of Klaravich came rolling late! He was just up in time to score a “Dead Heat.” Now, Prat has returned, and I am not at all worried about the added distance. The sky is the limit for this one.

To make it three-from-three. I too was on Domestic Spending.

As they broke from the starting gate - Tribhuvan and Channel Cat made the speed and went out extremely fast early. Colonel Liam tried to keep up but it was Chad Brown's Tribhuvan who came off the turn and took a clear lead pulling away from the field. Domestic Spending along with Gufo though weren't done and as we often see on the turf - if you can finish fast you still have a shot. Flavien Prat got Domestic Spending going and he chased down the leader. With about half a furlong to go he looked to have topped out but Prat engaged another gear on the horse and he sailed by to win.

Domestic Spending was the best horse going into the race and boy he proved it with a quite splendid final half-furlong to make it to the line. An inquiry was called but the result was made official several minutes later.