Races

Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

RACE 3 NO.7 LOMBARDO

LOMBARDO has made great progression this campaign and should continue on his winning way when he runs in the Caulfield Village Stakes (1200m). The five year old is a capable galloper on all track conditions , however the three best runs of his career have been on firmer tracks so he should relish the conditions at this meeting. He has a good racing style in that he should race near the lead, gets the services of elite rider Jye McNeil and appeals as one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 9 NO.14 EMBOLISM

The Toorak Handicap (1600m) is a feature mile race that often advantages the lighter weighted runners and EMBOLISM is a talented horse fitter for one run back that will run a bold race at generous odds. The four year old showed glimpses of talent last season including a solid 4th behind LUNAR FOX in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March. The Danny O’Brien stable elected to geld the son of Shamus Award at the end of his autumn campaign and he seemed much more focused on his racing when finished a brave first-up 3rd behind SIRILEO MISS over 1400 metres at Sandown on September 25. Whilst this is a rise in class, he will be fitter for that run, drops 6kg and is a previous winner at this track and distance. It’s a competitive race but EMBOLISM represents great each way value.


RACE 10 NO. 5 DELPHI

DELPHI can race himself into Caulfield Cup contention with a win in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m). The son of Galileo should be close to peak fitness following two runs back from a spell which a luckless last start 2nd behind NONCONFORMIST in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 18. He has winning form up to 2816 metres so the extra distance of this race holds no fears for him and he looks drawn for an ideal run with Damien Oliver taking the ride. There are some handy stayers in this race but DELPHI looks to have a class edge and rates as the best bet of the day.

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