Races

Deane Lester’s Bendigo Best Bets

Posted on | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 2 NO.2 SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC

SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC kicks off his autumn campaign when he runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1100m) and looks a great winning chance. The six year old has a breakout campaign last winter with consecutive wins at Geelong and The Valley before running 4th behind the stakes performed SANSOM over 1200 metres at The Valley on October 23. The chestnut looked in terrific order when finishing 4th in an 800 metres jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday and the Busuttin/ Young trained gelding appears primed for a strong first-up showing.

RACE 4 NO.6 SARACEN KNIGHT

SARACEN KNIGHT is a talented stayer from the Rob Hickmott yard that can bounce back to his best form when he runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (2400m). The import scored a stunning win defeating the subsequent Ballarat Cup winner IRISH FLAME over 2000 metres at Caulfield last September. Later in that preparation he finished a solid 4th behind PRINCESS JENNI in the Bendigo Cup (2400m) which is a superior form reference to his rivals. At his first run this campaign, he began awkwardly and was virtually eased out of the race when finishing 7th in the Wangaratta Cup on February 27. He only needs to be close to his best form and he’ll prove hard to beat at good each way odds.

RACE 8 NO.14 IRONCLAD

The Golden Mile (1600m) is the feature race on the program and the South Australian visitor IRONCLAD is trying to maintain his unbeaten record since joining the Will Clarken stable. The English import has won three in a row in South Australia, the most recent being the C.S. Hayes Memorial Cup (1600m) at Morphettville on March 8. He looks well placed in this race being at peak fitness from a good barrier draw with Melbourne’s leading rider Jamie Kah taking the mount. He is drawn for a cheap run and looks the one to beat in this race.

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