Races

Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 4 NO.14 LEATHER’N’LACE

The best value of the day might be LEATHER’N’LACE when she contests the Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m).  The four year old should be fitter for two runs back from a spell, didn’t enjoy the best of luck when finishing 5th behind WINTER BRIDE in the How Now Stakes (1200m) and finished just behind last week’s Gilgai Stakes winner I AM EXCITED. She’s always looked as though she has the talent to win a race of this standard and looks drawn for a cosy midfield run before Damian Lane asks her for an effort in the straight. It’s a very competitive race but LEATHER’N’LACE looks primed for a big showing.


RACE 6 NO.5 SMART MELODY

One of the feature races of the day is the Thousand Guineas (1600m) and SMART MELODY can maintain her unbeaten record with a win in this Group one fillies classic. The Kris Lees trained filly has been dynamic in winning both Melbourne starts especially her last start victory in the Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on September 30. Whilst there is a slight query about her running the distance, she is drawn for a very cheap run and James McDonald can use her sharp turn of foot to dominate this race. She’s a class act that can make it six wins on end.


RACE 7 NO.5 LAND OF PLENTY

The Toorak Handicap (1600m) is always one of most open betting races of the year and this renewal is no exception with a host of chances. Whilst LAND OF PLENTY has drawn wide, his recent form has been excellent and he’s likely to be well suited by a frantic lead speed in this race. He looked the best run in the race when finishing 3rd behind JUNGLE CAT in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 22, a race that is always a good guide to the Toorak Handicap. He deserves a win at Group One level and this looks his chance to break through at nice odds.

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