Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Trainer Danny O’Brien and jockey Damien Oliver have enjoyed a stellar Melbourne Cup week and can continue their winning streak when they combine with GRINZINGER STAR in the Benchmark 90 Handicap (2000m). The four year will be fitter for two runs this campaign and drops 6.5kg on his last start 5^th behind stablemate EXTREME PRIDE over 1700 metres at Caulfield on October 16. He will relish a step up in distance and looks nicely graded in this contest. He’s a promising stayer that should prove hard to beat in this contest.

RACE 4 NO.5 TRUE SELF

It was unfortunate that imported stayer TRUE SELF missed a start in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup however the Willie Mullins trained mare should receive a solid consolation by winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m). The seven year old looked quite unlucky when finishing 2^nd behind subsequent Melbourne Cup placegetter PRINCE OF ARRAN in the Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23. She has a very good record of eight wins from 19 starts and, whilst she handles all track conditions, she relishes soft tracks. International rider Ryan Moore takes the mount and TRUE SELF should prove too good for this field.

RACE 5 NO.1 SANTA ANA LANE

SANTA ANA LANE has been the nation’s premier sprinter over the past year and can record another group one victory when he tackles the Darley Sprint Classic (1200m). The seven year old has been tremendous without winning this preparation finishing second in both the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) on October 5 before running 2^nd behind YES YES YES in the Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 19. The Anthony Freedman trained gelding won this race last year confirming that he is comfortable down the Flemington straight track and appeals as one of the standout bets of the day.