Races

Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Posted on | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.3 CORNER POCKET

CORNER POCKET has been a revelation for the Lindsey Smith stable building an imposing record and goes for his 7th consecutive win when he runs in the Benchmark 90 Handicap (1200m). He has been given a 56 day break after an emphatic win over 1440 metres at Caulfield on June 26 and looks to have found another suitable race. Declan Bates, fresh from riding three winners at Warrnambool on Thursday, has built a terrific association with CORNER POCKET who looks drawn for a great run and can win again.

RACE 5 NO.4 HEIR TO THE THRONE

HEIR TO THE THRONE, the brother to 2015 Melbourne Cup winner PRINCE OF PENZANCE, is a rejuvenated racehorse under the guidance of trainer Andrea Leek and can continue on his winning way when he tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2500m). The seven year old has won two of his past three runs including a determined win over 2400 metres at Sandown Hillside on August 11. He is a horse that has had a tendency to race keenly in the past, however he relaxed perfectly under champion rider Jamie Kah at his last start and he retains the ride in this race. He is drawn to enjoy the run of the race and HEIR TO THE THRONE appeals as a good each way chance.

RACE 9 NO.11 DEGRAVES

The best of the day is DEGRAVES when he runs in the Open Handicap (1500m). The son of Camelot made an impressive Australian debut winning over 1600 metres at Flemington on June 19. Trainer Rob Hickmott elected to freshen the five year old after that run with an eye towards the spring riches. This looks a very good stepping stone to better class races and he gets the benefit of Jamie Kah taking the ride from a good draw. Most of his rivals have shown their level of talent whereas DEGRAVES has further scope for development and looks poised to win this race and go deeper into the spring.

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