Races

Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 3 NO.14 MANTASTIC

Imported galloper MANTASTIC looks well placed to record his first Australian victory when he tackles the Benchmark 90 Handicap (1700m). The Darren Weir trained galloper has been runner up in both runs to date, firstly over 1400 metres at Flemington on June 9 before a narrow defeat over 1600 metres at Caulfield on June 30. This looks the natural progression for this horse who appears to have more upside than his rivals and appeals as one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 7 NO.6 JUKEBOX

The best of the day comes along in the feature race and it’s JUKEBOX when he contests the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m). The son of Snitzel hasn’t raced since last spring, however astute trainer Ciaron Maher has given the three year old a long searching build up for his return to the track. His recent trials and jumpouts have been first rate and he gets the services of the white-hot Craig Williams, who has ridden 13 winners in the past seven days. This looks an ideal stepping stone to bigger spring riches and JUKEBOX should prove too good for this field.


RACE 8 NO.2 SNITZEPEG

SNITZEPEG was a dual stakes winner last spring that looks to be finding that form again and represents terrific each way value when he runs in the Three Year Old Handicap (1400m). He should be close to peak fitness following three runs back from a spell which includes a solid last start 6th behind AL PASSEM over 1400 metres at Caulfield on June 30. He was ridden conservatively from a wide draw on that occasion but found the line strongly and should race closer from an inner draw this time. He gets the benefit of Ethan Brown’s 1.5kg claim and looks a good value bet.

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