Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 4 NO.6 ANGELIC RULER

The Western Australian trained horses have been flying in Melbourne in recent weeks and ANGELIC RULER looks a great chance to continue the trend when she runs in the Blazer Stakes (1400m). The four year old was genuinely unlucky when badly held up for a run but still finished strongly to finish 2nd behind MANICURE in the How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 21. She will be improved by that run, will appreciate stepping up in distance and is unbeaten in two previous second-up runs. Significantly, she gets the services of champion rider Damien Oliver and represents terrific each way value in a competitive mares race.


RACE 8 NO.3 SURPRISE BABY

The winner of the Lexus Bart Cummings (2520m) gains automatic entry into next month’s Lexus Melbourne Cup and SURPRISE BABY looks primed to gain the golden ticket. The Paul Preusker trained gelding resumed from a spell with an eye catching 4th behind HOMESMAN in the Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 7. Whilst it is an unusual preparation for a horse to be racing second-up from a spell in this distance range, SURPRISE BABY has proven in the past that he can successfully step up sharply in distance. He is shaping as one of the best Australian trained chances for the Melbourne Cup and only needs to win this race to secure his spot in the field. He is an outstanding staying prospect and appeals as the best bet of the day.


RACE 9 NO.7 MIAMI BOUND

MIAMI BOUND is shaping as a legitimate Oaks prospect that should continue on her winning way when she runs in the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m). The daughter of Reliable Man has been impressive winning her two runs this campaign, firstly over 1400 metres at Bendigo on August 23 before returning to the same track and strolling home for a two lengths win over 1600 metres on September 11. She is drawn for a great run with Damien Oliver in the saddle and makes plenty of appeal in this Group 2 contest.

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