Races

Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

RACE 4 NO.3 WILLIAM THOMAS

Talented sprinter WILLIAM THOMAS kicks off his spring campaign when he runs in the Open Handicap (1100m) and looks a great each way chance. The six year old has very encouraging statistics for this race with three first-up wins from five attempts, four wins from nine starts including three wins at this distance and rider Michael Dee has won two races aboard the John Price trained gelding. It looks a high pressure race which suits his racing style and a recent trial would suggest that WILLIAM THOMAS is primed to run a bold race at nice odds.


RACE 7 NO.8 ORDEROFTHEGARTER

A place in the field for next month’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) is on the line when the field faces the starter for the MRC Foundation Cup (2000m). It’s a solid contest with several good chances however ORDEROFTHEGARTER has enjoyed an ideal preparation for this race and makes plenty of appeal. The Danny O’Brien trained import has only had three starts in Australia over a period of two years and has finished runner up on each occasion including a brave last start second behind AL GALAYEL over 2000 metres at Caulfield on August 29. That run should now have him at peak fitness, he is drawn for a great run and champion jockey Damien Oliver retains the ride which all points to ORDEROFTHEGARTER being one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 9 NO.6 LYRE

The best placed horse at the Caulfield meeting is LYRE when she contests the How Now Stakes (1200m) and looks ideally suited to return to the winners list. Whilst the four year old hasn’t won since the 2019 Blue Diamond Stakes, the daughter of Lonhro has recorded multiple stakes placings including a terrific first-up second behind DIAMOND EFFORT in The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield on August 29. Under the set weights and penalties conditions of this race, LYRE carries the minimum weight even though she is the highest handicapper rated mare in this race. Elite rider Luke Currie has built a fine rapport with LYRE and they should combine to send favourite punters playing the Caulfield meeting home on a winning note.

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