Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

Posted on January 4, 2019 | Posted by Deane Lester

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RACE 2 NO.11 CINCINNATI RED

CINCINNATI RED has returned to racing in good form and looks the one to beat when she contests the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m). The four year old recorded her maiden win over 1140 metres at Geelong three starts back before recent placings at Sandown and Flemington which is the strongest formlines for this race. She is drawn for a midfield run and, significantly, top rider Mark Zahra takes the mount. The daughter of Reset appears to have more upside than her rivals and looks one of the better bets of the day.

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RACE 6 NO.1 SILENTZ

SILENTZ is building a very good winning record and looks the testing material again when he runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap. The five year old showed signs of a coming winner when finishing 2nd behind the in-form SUPERHARD in the Port Fairy Cup (1400m) at Warrnambool on December 13 before a strong finishing win over 1600 metres at Caulfield on December 26. He is very well placed again especially with the benefit of Ethan Brown’s 1.5kg claim. Whilst he is likely to be giving away a start in the run, SILENTZ has such a strong finishing burst that he should reel in his rivals and record his 7th win from 16 starts.

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RACE 8 NO.11 MASTERING

Whilst MASTERING had his colours lowered last time, he is racing in career best form and can bounce back to winning form when he tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). The four year old has only had two starts for the Mick Price stable for a stunning win over 1200 metres at Kilmore on November 25 defeating subsequent city winners EXCELTARA and MR MONEY BAGS. At his last run, the son of Smart Missile ran very well to finish 2nd behind USAIN BOWLER over 1200 metres at Flemington on December 22 and that is the superior form reference for this race. He handles all track conditions and the step up in distance this time shouldn’t pose any problems. He is drawn for a cheap run and MASTERING represents the best bet of the day.

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