Deane Lester’s Best Bets
RACE 1 NO.1 CAN’T BE DONE
CAN’T BE DONE has been a revelation for the Danny O’Brien stable over the winter months and should prove hard to beat again when he contests the 2yo Handicap (1200m). The son of All Too Hard has won two of his three starts to date including a brave win defeating subsequent Caulfield winner KING OF HASTINGS over 1200 metres at Sandown Lakeside on June 15. He has been kept fresh for this race, handles all conditions and appears well graded again in this company. He will make his own luck from a good draw and it will take a talented youngster to beat CAN’T BE DONE in this race.
RACE 3 NO.15 CRYPTIC JEWEL
Lightly raced mare CRYPTIC JEWEL resumed with a comprehensive first-up win and can continue on her winning way when she contests the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). The four year old produced the best figures of the day when winning over 1200 metres at Geelong on June 28. She will be fitter for that run, should appreciate stepping up in distance and drop 5.5kg off her last start win. She is already a winner at Caulfield and appears to be improving with every run. In-form champion rider Craig Williams takes the mount and CRYPTIC JEWEL makes strong appeal at each way odds.
RACE 6 NO.1 JUNIPAL
JUNIPAL has been running into winning form and looks a strong chance again when he runs in the 3YO Handicap (2000m). The son of Reset should be at his peak following three runs back from a spell which includes a luckless last start second behind BACCARAT BABY in the Sunshine Coast Guineas (1600m) on June 29. He will appreciate a step up in distance and appears to have a class edge on his rivals. He will need a good ride by Ben Melham considering that he has 60kg from a wide draw but he looks to be hitting this race at the right time of his preparation. It looks a thin race for winning chances and JUNIPAL is well placed to record his second career victory.
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