Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 2 NO.6 PREZADO

Talented sprinter PREZADO kicks off his spring campaign when he runs in the Benchmark 90 Handicap (1000m) and looks ideally placed to make a winning return to racing. The four year old won over this track and distance on Melbourne Cup day last year and has trialled well on two occasions leading into this race. Elite rider Damien Lane takes the mount aboard the son of Denman who looks to have more upside than his rivals and represents the best bet of the day.


RACE 4 NO.4 HARMATTAN

HARMATTAN is a member of the Godolphin racing team that enjoyed a solid first preparation and appears nicely graded for her first-up assignment when she tackles the Mares Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m). The four year old won her first two starts before three solid performances in stakes class races before a spell. She has been trialling strongly for her return to racing and the 1400 metres of this race looks an ideal distance for her to kick off as a winner. She’s a good talent that should prove hard to beat.


RACE 6 NO.10 ORAKEI OVERLORD

The best value chance of the day could be ORAKEI OVERLORD when he contests the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m). The five year old has been patiently handled by astute trainer Patrick Payne and has built an impressive record of four wins and six placings from 13 starts to date. This is his first run at 2000 metres, however he has enjoyed a solid build-up for this challenge and drops in class on his past couple of runs. He gets the benefit of Nathan Punch’s 3kg claim and looks a solid each way chance in a competitive race.

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