Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

Posted on January 7, 2022January 7, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 5 NO.7 RELIABLE DUDE

RELIABLE DUDE is ready to win after two runs this campaign and looks ideally placed to record another win in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1800m). The four year old was badly held up for a run when finishing 5^th behind GRACIAS AMIGOS over 1600 metres at Flemington on January 1. He didn’t have a hard run so the seven-day back up looks ideal and elite rider Damian Lane retains the ride. The slightly longer distance is in his favour and seems drawn for a good run to record his third win from 14 starts.

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RACE 6 NO.9 EXCELMAN

EXCELMAN has been freshened up from his spring campaign and appeals as a great lightweight chance in the Benchmark 100 Handicap (2000m). The Richard Laming trained gelding scored a solid first-up win in the Subzero Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on November 2 before missing the start and finishing unplaced REGALO DE GAETANO in the Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on November 27. He seems to race best whilst fresh so the 42 days between runs should suit and he gets the benefit of in-form apprentice Josh Richards 2kg claim. In an even race, EXCELMAN presents good each way value.

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RACE 7 NO.6 SIG POSITANO         

SIG POSITANO is enjoying a good campaign and looks the standout bet of the bet when he runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m). The five year old was a strong winner over 1400 metres at Pakenham three starts back before two luckless placings at Moonee Valley and Caulfield in recent weeks. He drops 3kg in this race and there looks a high abundance of top end speed which suits SIG POSITANO’s racing style. He has been disadvantaged by inside draws of late, but a wider draw and a fast run race should see SIG POSITANO get back into the winners stall.

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