“A thriller in Manila”

As racecaller Chris Barsby stated it was “a one act affair from the favourite” when Manila Playboy cruised to victory in harness racing’s Group 1 Qbred Triad Final at Albion Park, Queensland tonight.

“He’s a good quality pacer and he has dealt with that field very easy,” Barsby stated.

Driven by Shane Graham, Manila Playboy was guided to the front in the $102,200 feature, where he remained throughout.

The three-year-old son of Pet Rock rolled through the quarters in 29.6, 28.7, 29.3 and 28.2 seconds to space his rivals by more than 13 metres in a mile rate of 1:55.

“He’s racing manners is what helps him, he relaxes and has stop-start speed,” said Graham.

“It’s going to be exciting times coming into the Derby’s.

“He gets over the ground so easy and as a high cruising speed – good ones do that, he’s a pleasure to drive.

“I’m fortunate to get the drive on him.”

Trained by Shane Fraser, Manila Playboy, a Group 1 winner at two, has extended his record to six wins and two placings in 13 starts.

His earnings of $156,815 makes his the second richest son of Pet Rock in Australia.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink