Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

RACE 1 NO.6 SENSE OF HONOUR

The vagaries of the Flemington straight track looks the only thing that stands between SENSE OF HONOUR and a win in the 2YO Sprint Series Final (1200m). The daughter of Pride Of Dubai recorded an impressive debut win over 1200 metres at Sandown on January 27. The Mick Price/ Michael Kent jnr trained filly was sent for a break after that victory and resumed with an impressive first-up 4th behind the talented CROSSHAVEN over 1200 metres at The Valley on June 13. She was unsuited by severe track bias suiting leaders yet still recorded the best 600m, 400m and 200 metres sectionals of the entire meeting. She will be fitter for that run, elite jockey Ben Melham retains the ride and she looks the most talented horse in this field; should prove hard to beat.


RACE 3 NO.1 CHERRY TORTONI

CHERRY TORTONI might be the most exciting horse to come through the Melbourne winter and can maintain his unbeaten record when he contests the Taj Rossi Final (1600m). The Patrick Payne trained gelding was an impressive debut winner over 1200 metres at Sale on May 27 before recording another easy win over 1420 metres at Flemington on June 20. He has had the ideal preparation for this race and has been superbly prepared for another step up in distance in this race. Billy Egan has been the in-form rider in Victoria over the past two months and can record another stakes win aboard CHERRY TORTONI, who represents the best bet of the day.


RACE 5 NO.9 LORD VON COSTA

LORD VON COSTA is ready to peak at his third run this preparation and represents terrific each way value when he tackles the All Victorian Sprint Series Final (1200m). The seven year old does his racing almost exclusively down the Flemington straight track in the latter part of his career and that is a good formula as he’s had 10 starts at the track for two wins and four placings. His three wins have all been over 1200 metres so he will appreciate stepping up in distance off his last start 4th behind I AM SOMEONE over 1100 metres at Flemington on June 20. This is a very evenly graded race with several chances, however LORD VON COSTA is ready to put his best foot forward and produce a big showing at each way odds.

Market Market