Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 4 NO.11 EVENING GLORY

EVENING GLORY should be fitter for one run back from a spell and looks a terrific value chance when he tackles the 3YO Benchmark 70 Handicap (1400m). The Anthony Freedman trained gelding ran an excellent first-up 4th over 1200 metres at Sandown Lakeside on November 20, finishing on the heels of subsequent city winners NEIGHBOURHOOD and SCORPIUS. He was strong through the line on that occasion and should appreciate a step up in distance. There looks good early speed in this race which should suit EVENING GLORY and he appeals as the value bet of the day.

RACE 6 NO.6 SURE KNEE

SURE KNEE will appreciate getting back to Flemington and should prove hard to beat when she runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1800m). The four year old never looked comfortable around the tight Moonee Valley circuit yet still battled on strongly to finish 3rd behind SOMETHING SILVER over 1600 metres on November 30. Her record at Flemington stands at two wins and two placings from five outings at the track and the extra distance of this race should be in her favour. Champion rider Craig Williams has enjoyed success on the mare in the past and SURE KNEE looks one of the better bets of the day.

RACE 7 NO.2 DEFIBRILLATE

DEFIBRILLATE has been in stunning form since joining the Patrick Payne stable and looks the one to beat again when he runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2500m). The son of Shocking won four on end before running a game second behind CREEDENCE over 2600 metres at Ballarat on November 23. He settled well back on that occasion and greenness over the final stages probably cost him victory. He is drawn for a very cheap run, looks to have more upside than his rivals and DEFIBRILLATE represents the best bet of the day.

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