At two years old, Mandanaba is right at the start of everything. First seasons for young horses are about learning as much as winning — getting used to the noise, the crowds, the starting stalls, the whole strange business of racing. Some take to it immediately; others need time. We simply don't know yet which kind this one is.
The trainer, F-H Graffard, operates out of France and has sent out 6 winners already this season, which tells you the yard is in decent form and knows how to have a horse ready when it matters. Graffard has a reputation for placing horses carefully and getting the best out of well-bred youngsters. Mandanaba landing in that yard is no bad thing for a horse with this kind of pedigree. The debut will tell us a great deal.