Races

Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 5 NO.5 MINTHA

MINTHA will be fitter for one run back from a spell and looks ideally placed to return to the winners stall when she tackles the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m). The Tony McEvoy trained mare ran an even race when finishing 8th behind stablemate I’M A PRINCESS in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes (1500m). That was an extremely high pressure race and she performed well enough and will appreciate the drop in grade. It’s only a small field and may come down to a battle of tactics, however MINTHA possesses the versatility to make her own luck and run well here.


RACE 7 NO.3 HOLY BLADE

The best value of the day looks to be HOLY BLADE when he runs in the Open Handicap (1000m). The four year old has been freshened since a luckless unplaced run behind his stablemate THERMAL CURRENT in the Century Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on November 8. He returns to handicap conditions which suits and Harry Coffey, who has enjoyed good success aboard the horse, is back in the saddle. He is drawn for a great run and appeals at each way odds.


RACE 9 NO.5 SIRIUS SUSPECT

Reliable sprinter SIRIUS SUSPECT has been racing very well of late and looks a strong winning chance when he runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m). The four year old has built an impressive record of four wins and four placings from 10 starts to date including a solid last start 2nd behind ORDER OF COMMAND in the Grand Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on November 10. He is drawn for a great run with the in-form John Allen taking the ride and another bold showing can be expected.

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