Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

CALIFORNIA ZIMBOL is an exciting filly from the Peter and Paul Snowden stable that has returned to racing in good form and looks a strong winning chance when she contests the Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m). The daughter of I Am Invincible has won two of her four starts to date including a dominant first-up win over 1100 metres at Canterbury on September 25. She will be further improved by that run and returns to her own age group in this race. It’s a solid race with LOVING GABY looking the main danger but CALIFORNIA ZIMBOL looks well placed to continue on her winning way.

RACE 5 NO.3 STEEL PRINCE

STEEL PRINCE should be close to peak fitness following two runs back from a spell and looks the one to beat when he runs in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m). The six year old was hitting the line strongly when finishing 6^th behind BRIMHAM ROCKS in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 21. The Anthony Freedman trained gelding will relish a step up in distance, appears drawn for a good run and has the services of champion rider Damien Oliver back in the saddle. He’s a guaranteed runner in next month’s Melbourne Cup and this looks an ideal stepping stone for the great race.

RACE 10 NO.2 TREKKING

Quality sprinter TREKKING should be fitter for one run back from a spell and should prove hard to beat when he runs in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m). The five year old enjoyed a wonderful winter campaign culminating in his win in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in June. His first-up 8^th behind NATURE STRIP in the Moir Stakes (1000m) was full of merit as he was hitting the line strongly over the final stages. He will appreciate the extra distance of this race and has raced well at Caulfield in the past. The James Cummings stable has enjoyed a stellar start to the season and TREKKING can provide them with another winner.