Races

Deane Lester’s Ballarat Best Bets

Posted on | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 4 NO.6 DUCHESS OF DORSET

In-form mare DUCHESS OF DORSET looks set to post her third win from four outings this campaign when she contests the Mares Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m). The daughter of Canford Cliffs recorded impressive wins at Warrnambool and Bendigo before a brave effort to finish 3rd behind IT’SOURTIME in the Grand Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on November 6. She lacked experience for straight track which may have proved costly to her winning chance on that occasion. She returns to a one-turn track with Linda Meech in the saddle and returns to mares grade; appeals as the best bet of the day.

RACE 5 NO.9 IRISH SONGS

Whilst IRISH SONGS is not renowned for being a regular winner, he has been racing in good form and looks over the odds in this year’s Ballarat Town Plate (1200m). The six year old endured a wide run when a courageous 4th behind ART CADEAU in the Kosciusko (1200m) at Randwick on October 16. He then looked the winner but failed to run a strong 1400 metres when finishing 4th behind AL MAH HAHA in the Goulburn Cup on October 31. He drops in weight and distance, will appreciate the likelihood of a strong speed and gets the services of rising star jockey Blaike McDougall. It’s a competitive race but IRISH SONGS looks a good chance and looks the best value of the day.

RACE 6 NO.8 MARABI

Unbeaten mare MARABI is aiming to extend her winning run to four consecutive wins when she resumes from a spell in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m) and appears ideally graded to continue on her winning way. The daughter of I Am Invincible ran very quick times in her wins last campaign, firstly at Pakenham before consecutive wins at The Valley. She has trialled well in preparations for her return to racing and galloped strongly at The Valley on Monday morning. Talented rider Ben Allen can use barrier one to his advantage and MARABI should prove too slick for her rivals.

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