Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

Posted on September 17, 2021September 17, 2021 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 1 NO.4 HELA

Exciting Tasmanian mare HELA kicks off her spring campaign when she runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m) and looks well placed to kick off her preparation with a win. The four year old has built an imposing record of seven wins from eight starts to date with the only defeat coming at the end of her last preparation when finishing unplaced in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) on May 1. A recent trial at Stawell would suggest that the Scott Brunton trained mare is in top form and primed for a winning return to the track.

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RACE 2 NO.3 WILLIAM THOMAS

WILLIAM THOMAS is a recent acquisition to the Lindsey Smith stable and looks placed to advantage when he contests the Open Handicap (1100m). The seven year old has been contesting races that haven’t suited him of late, however he has a real liking for this track and distance which gives him a great chance to burst back to his best form. He won this race in 2019 and finished 3^rd last year so he is well graded here. There’s good speed in this race which suits WILLIAM THOMAS and he appeals as the value runner of the day.

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RACE 6 NO.3 ANNAVISTO

Reliable mare ANNAVISTO will be fitter for one run back from a spell and looks the best bet of the day when she contests the Mares Benchmark 90 Handicap (1400m). The four year old resumed with a solid second behind TURAATH over 1400 metres at Caulfield on August 28. TURAATH enhanced that form with a win in last week’s Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and ANNAVISTO stays in the same grade as her first-up run from a good barrier draw. She has a solid record at this distance and only needs to maintain her form to record her 5^th career victory from just 10 race starts.

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