Coolmore shuttler Oratorio (Ire) is poised to sire a Group 1 double on the first day of the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington next Saturday.

Manawanui is a firming favourite to win the VRC Victoria Derby (2500m) and his NZ based mare Banchee can beat the locals in the VRC Myer Stakes (1600m).

Manawanui (3g Oratorio – Lady Remlap by Filante) heads the classic market at $2.25 after a smooth victory in the G2 Mitchelton Wines Vase at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The Sydney galloper won the G1 Golden Rose and G2 Stan Fox Stakes before travelling south.  He was runner-up to Helmet in a pulsating finish to the G1 Caulfield Guineas and, unlike the winner, will stay in his own age group this spring.

That decision was vindicated at Moonee Valley and trainer Ron Leemon is confident of a big pay-day at Flemington.  “The intention was to ride him quietly and let him relax at Moonee Valley,” Leemon said.  “He’s ready to go further and will run the Derby right out.”

Manawanui cost $45,000 at the 2010 Inglis Sydney Classic yearling sale.  His dam Lady Remlap has a yearling colt by Oratorio and is due to Darley sire Domesday.

Banshee is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday for the Myer Stakes.  “She’s ticking over really nicely,” Matamata trainer John Sargent said.  “She will be ready to do her best against More Joyous and company.”

Sargent booked her flight after a stirring gallop with Red Ruler at Te Aroha last week.  She beat her G1 winning stablemate by three lengths clocking 35.30s for the last 600m.

Banchee (4m Oratorio – Miss Jessie Jay by Spectacularphantom) was purchased by Peter and Philip Vela from Sam Kelt last year after victories in the G1 Diamond Stakes and G2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes.  

Banchee was the most expensive Oratorio yearling at the 2009 majors when selling for $375,000 at the NZB Karaka Premier yearling sale.  She is a half-sister to NZ 1000 and 2000 Guineas winner Katie Lee.

Oratorio (Danehill) was a G1 winner of the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at two and trained on to claim the G1 Eclipse Stakes and G1 Irish Champion Stakes.  He is standing for an $11,000 (inc gst) service fee at Coolmore this spring.