Races

Deane’s Saturday Flemington Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Preview

RACE 3 NO. 2 SOVEREIGN NATION

SOVEREIGN NATION has been freshened up since a fruitful early winter campaign and looks the one to beat when he contests the McMenamin Handicap (1400m). The five year old was a winner over this track and distance three starts back and comes off a solid last start third behind TSHAHITSI in the Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 8. He looks well graded here and drawn for a good run with exciting rider Regan Bayliss taking the ride, so SOVEREIGN NATION has everything in his favour to record his fourth career win.

SuperPick - RACE 3 NO. 2 SOVEREIGN NATION - Profit Plus – 25% (Win)


RACE 4 NO. 5 PORTION CONTROL

PORTION CONTROL is racing in good form and looks the testing material again when he runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1700m), The Hayes/ Dabernig trained gelding was rewarded for a series of solid runs with a big win over 1700 metres at Caulfield on July 15. He looks placed to advantage again and should make his own luck from a middle draw. Cory Parish has enjoyed a terrific year in the saddle and rode PORTION CONTROL very well last time and again takes the mount. In an even race, PORTION CONTROL appeals as a safe each way bet.


RACE 8 NO. 1 CROCODILE ROCK

Whilst imported stayer CROCODILE ROCK has a long way to go to be a player in the feature races, he commences his campaign for spring glory when he tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m). The son of Galileo has created a huge impression since arriving in Australia with two wins and a second placing from three starts including an effortless last start win over 2400 metres at Sandown on January 18. The Rob Hickmott stable always have their stayers well prepared to perform early in their campaigns and CROCODILE ROCK only has to be somewhere near his best and he should prove classy for this field.

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