Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets Posted on November 1, 2019 | Posted by Deane Lester Deane Lester’s Best Bets RACE 3 NO.2 GROUNDSWELL Promising colt GROUNDSWELL has made rapid development in his short career to date and looks the one to beat when he contests the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m). The son of Fastnet Rock was a last start 3rd behind stablemate SUPER SETH in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 and that should be the strongest form reference for this race. He is drawn for a good run and gets the services of in-form rider Mark Zahra. He’s a high priced yearling that is starting to live up to expectations and can record his second win from just five starts. RACE 5 NO.9 POHUTAKAWA The first of the Group One races on Derby Day is the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and looks a highly competitive race for the mares. POHUTAKAWA has enjoyed an ideal preparation for this race and makes appeal at each way odds. The four year old should be ready to peak following three runs back from a spell including a last start 4th behind SAVATIANO in the Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 19. She is ready for a step up in distance and will relish the spacious Flemington circuit. She was a winner at last year’s Flemington carnival and looks a great chance of recording her first group one win. RACE 7 NO.1 SHADOW HERO The feature race on the first day of the Flemington carnival is the AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) and the Sydney visitor SHADOW HERO is clearly the one to beat. The son of Pierro has been impressive in his career to date having won three of his six race starts including recent victories in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) and the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). He looks a genuine stayer that should enjoy the extra distance of this race and his form appears to be superior to his rivals. The best of the local form comes from SOUL PATCH and WARNING, however SHADOW HERO can win the classic and represents the best bet of the day. Market Market
Glenn Ingram’s Wednesday Geelong Preview September 22, 2026 RACE 1 Keen YOUMZAA for the Laurie stable, good debut setting the speed and run over by a smart one, drier track is a positive… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Northam Preview September 22, 2026 RACE 1 LAST STYLEBENDER is a wonderful opportunity for fledging apprentice Gemma Taylor to join the rare ‘first ride, first winner’ club. He is deep… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview September 22, 2026 Race 1 GALVINSTON JOHN (4) has good early speed and looks a strong chance to cross to the pegs and can show his best at… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview September 21, 2026 Race 1 LAVRADORE (5) will be looking to jump and keep the advantage on his main rivals, he has been racing well in this grade… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Kalgoorlie Preview September 18, 2026 RACE 1 VIVALDA hasn’t had much luck at all since arriving in Kalgoorlie with MR Peter Fernie. First-up ran second to Dance Version, second-up worked… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Mount Magnet Preview September 18, 2026 RACE 1 TINY CHAMPION showed something last start. She went around 25-1 and was forced to cover ground from start to finish before eventually finishing… Read More
Matt Young’s Friday Gloucester Park Preview September 18, 2026 Race 1 MAJOR DISCO (12) is racing in top form and looks hard to beat, he is rarely out of the money and will be… Read More
Matt Young’s Saturday Bunbury Preview September 18, 2026 Race 1 LAKE PICHOLA (12) was a winner on return after a long time away from the track, showed above average ability as a two-year-old… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Caulfield Preview September 17, 2026 RACE 1 Good pace expected. SLANE is the obvious speed, pressure from FEAR NO EVIL and then EMPEROR TZU and SAPPHIRE SIREN thereabouts, the latter… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview September 17, 2026 RACE 1 Outstanding day of racing to look forward to at Randwick highlighted by the appearance of Autumn Glow in Race 8. Warm day ahead… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Gold Coast Preview September 17, 2026 RACE 1 Pink Ribbon Day at the Gold Coast under fine skies with a temp in the high 20’s, bring it on! We get the… Read More