Deane Lester’s Ballarat Best Bets

The Mares BM78 Handicap (1200m) has brought together an even and competitive field with a host of chances, however TAHITIAN DANCER looks a good value chance in this race. The four year old has had two runs this preparation for a first-up win over 1000 metres at Seymour on October 20 before enduring a chequered run when finishing 7^th behind HALVORSEN in the Grand Handicap (1100m) at Flemington on November 9. She returns to mares grade and gets the benefit of Teo Nugent’s 2kg claim. She’s a talented mare that looks a terrific each way chance.

RACE 2 NO.3 BAM’S ON FIRE

Former WA mare BAM’S ON FIRE resumes from a spell when she runs in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m) and looks to have a class edge on her rivals. The four year old enjoyed a good winter campaign with three consecutive wins, starting at Bendigo before consecutive wins at Caulfield in May and June. At her final run for that preparation, she was stakes placed when finishing 3^rd behind GYTRASH in the Creswick Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on June 22. That is an irresistible formline for this race and she has trialled stylishly in preparation for this race,. She is drawn for a cheap run and BAM’S ON FIRE represents one of the better bets of the day.

RACE 3 NO.4 DEFIBRILLATE

Exciting stayer DEFIBRILLATE can continue on his winning way when he tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2600m). After two wins in New Zealand, the five year old was sent to Australia and has recorded consecutive wins at Moe and Moonee Valley, the most recent of those victories over 2500 metres on November 1. His record currently stands at four wins from five starts and he is just improving with every start. Trainer Patrick Payne has found another good race for the son of Shocking and DEFIBRILLATE is ideally placed to win again.