Races

Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

RACE 2 NO.2 KAPLUMPICH

KAPLUMPICH has endured a frustrating campaign mainly due to poor barrier draws but gets his chance to record a win when he tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m). At his last run the Kevin Corstens trained gelding drew wide on a heavily biased track but still ran a brave 4th behind HOLBEIN over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley on June 13. In this race he is drawn for a sweet run with the benefit of Thomas Stockdale’s 2kg allowance and looks the best performed horse in the race. In a competitive race KAPLUMPICH appeals as one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 4 NO.8 ZABELARINA

The Fillies and Mares Benchmark 84 Handicap (1200m) looks a very open race with a host of chances, however in-form mare ZABELARINA makes appeal on an each way basis. The four year old is building a solid record having won 5 of her 12 starts to date including an impressive first-up win over 1200 metres at the Ballarat Synthetic track on June 11. She will be further improved by that run and drops 2.5kg on that run. ZABELARINA represents a good each way play on the Caulfield program.


RACE 7 NO.9 ALFA ORO

The best bet of the day is the highly progressive sprinter ALFA ORO when he contests the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1100m). The four year old has built an imposing record of four wins and two second placings from six starts to date and comes off a tenacious victory over 1100 metres at Flemington on May 23. He has been freshened up since that win and trialled impressively in fast time over 900 metres at Mornington on June 17. He has been superbly placed by astute trainer Matt Laurie who has found another ideal race for ALFA ORO and he should continue on his winning way.

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