Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on | Posted by Deane Lester

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 4 NO.1 ODEON

It’s been a long time between wins for ODEON, however the five year old looks ideally placed to return to the winners list when he runs in the Open Handicap (1600m). The Ellerton/ Zahra trained gelding has been freshened since a solid 4th behind PLEIN CIEL in the Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 20. After 31 career starts, he now wears blinkers for the first time, gets the services of champion rider Craig Williams and appears well positioned to make his own luck from an inner draw. He has contested far better races than this so ODEON is well suited to record his 7th career win.

RACE 7 NO.5 HAUNTED

In-form sprinter HAUNTED is enjoying a good campaign and looks the one to beat when he contests the Straight Six (1200m). The four year old resumed with a win over 1200 metres at Caulfield on April 20 and defeated subsequent Group one placegetter DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR. At his last run, he ran a solid 3rd behind subsequent Goodwood winner DESPATCH in the D.C.Mckay Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on May 4. He presents with irresistible formlines for this race, looks ideally drawn away from the rail down the Flemington straight track and looks another prominent ride for Craig Williams. Whilst this looks a handy sprint field, HAUNTED appeals as the best bet of the day.

RACE 8 NO.12 SURPRISE BABY

The Andrew Ramsden (2800m) is the feature race on the Flemington card with the winner gaining automatic entry into this year’s Melbourne Cup. The market has narrowed the race down to two principal winning chances and SURPRISE BABY looks the one best placed to get the golden ticket into the Cup. The four year old is an exciting stayer prospect for the Paul Preusker stable having had just 7 race starts for four wins including a dominant victory in the Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville in March. At his last start, he carried 60kg, endured a chequered run and still finished powerfully when running 3rd behind STEEL PRINCE over 2600 metres at Flemington on May 4. STEEL PRINCE looks his main rival again, however he meets him 6.5kg better and, with added fitness, should prove too good for this field.

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