Races

Deane Lester’s Caulfield Best Bets

RACE 1 NO.2 IN THE BOAT

IN THE BOAT has been a revelation over the summer period of racing and looks well placed to make it five wins in a row when he tackles the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m). The four year old started his winning run at Warrnambool before consecutive wins at Caulfield then venturing to The Valley and winning again over 1200 metres on January 22. Apprentice rider Alana Kelly has been abord IN THE BOAT at his past two wins and she retains the ride with her 2kg allowance reducing his weight to 58kg. It is his first test at 1400m but he has such a positive racing style that he should find the front and prove hard to beat again.


RACE 3 NO.4 COUNTTHEHEADLIGHTS

The I Am Invincible colt COUNTTHEHEADLIGHTS created a favourable impression winning on debut and can stamp himself as the one to beat for the Blue Diamond Stakes on February 26 with a win in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m).  The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained colt had impressed in his jumpouts before scoring a comprehensive victory over 1200 metres at The Valley on January 22. Whilst he is coming back in distance, he will appreciate a stronger tempo and getting onto a bigger track. In-form rider Ben Allen retains the ride and COUNTTHEHEADLIGHTS is poised to win again and confirm his class for the bigger two year old races.


RACE 9 NO.1 PROBABEEL

Quality mare PROBABEEL is aiming to defend her title when she runs in the Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) and appeals as the standout bet of the day. The five year old won this race last year before group one successes later in the year in the Futurity Stakes and the Might And Power Stakes, both at Caulfield. She has trialled quietly for this but that is in keeping with her previous campaigns. Elite trainer Jamie Richards knows how to have PROBABEEL on song to win fresh and she’s ideally suited to record her 13th career win from 29 starts.

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