Bendigo 19 March – Thoroughbred Preview

Posted on March 18, 2016 | Posted by Deane Lester

Deane Lester’s Preview

RACE 1 NO. 4 ROCK FORTHE LADIES

ROCK FORTHE LADIES is a progressive type from the Peter Moody stable that can continue on his winning way when he runs in the Benchmark 90 Handicap (1400m). The four year old has won two of his three starts since joining Peter Moody’s Melbourne stable including a dominant fresh win over 1400 metres at Sandown on Sandown Lakeside on March 2. He will be improved by that outing and this race looks a lovely progression as he races through the grades. Stable rider Luke Nolen is starting to hit his best form after an extended injury enforced lay-off and can guide ROCK FORTHE LADIES to another win.

---

RACE 2 NO. 11 AZEEMA

AZEEMA appeals as the best bet of the day when she runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1300m). The lightly raced four year old from the Mick Price stable showed terrific ability last campaign which included an impressive win over 1400 metres at Flemington in June last year. A recent 12 lengths trial win over 1190 metres at Cranbourne on March 7 suggests that she is primed for a big first-up run, especially in this grade with only 52.5kg after Michael Dee’s 1.5kg claim. AZEEMA looks a stakes class mare in the making with more upside than her rivals and should return to racing as a winner.

---

RACE 5 NO. 1 ASSIGN

ASSIGN can bounce back to winning form when he contests the Better Loosen Up Trophy (2400m). The Robert Hickmott trained gelding was impressive at his first two wins this campaign, firstly over 1800 metres at Sandown on February 17 before a strong victory over 2000 metres at Caulfield on February 27. He was then asked to back up quickly and rise sharply in distance when finishing 5^th behind REAL LOVE in the Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington on March 5. The two weeks between runs and a slight ease in distance looks ideal for ASSIGN to show his true talent and defeat this field.

Bet Now