Deane Lester’s Best Bets
RACE 2 NO.9 GOLDIFOX
Handy mare GOLDIFOX has returned to racing in good form and looks a value each way chance when she contests the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m). The four year old produced a barnstorming finish to win over 1400 metres at Flemington on January 1 before another strong performance when finishing 4th behind THE CLOSER over 1400 metres at Sandown Lakeside on January 22. She is racing as though the extra distance of this race is in her favour and drops 3.5kg on her last run. Her five runs at Flemington has yielded a win and two placings so she enjoys the spacious circuit and Dwayne Dunn is building a strong affinity with the mare. It’s a competitive race however GOLDIFOX appeals as the value bet of the day.
RACE 5 NO.3 ALLIGATOR BLOOD
The C.S.Hayes Stakes (1400m) is one of the highlights of the day which sees the clash of some of Australasian’s best three year old, however ALLIGATOR BLOOD is well placed to continue on his winning way and record his 9th win from just 10 starts. The David Vandyke trained gelding enjoyed a stellar summer campaign winning three races in the row culminating in a dominant win in the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 11. The son of All Too Hard has the versatility to use the inside barrier to advantage and rider Ryan Maloney continues to give him every chance. This race promises to be one of the highlights of the Festival of Racing and ALLIGATOR BLOOD should prove equal to the challenge.
RACE 8 NO.1 PRETTY BRAZEN
PRETTY BRAZEN enjoyed a fruitful spring campaign and can return to racing as a winner when she tackles The Vanity (1400m). The Team McEvoy trained filly won three of her past four runs which culminated with a win in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) on November 16. The daughter of Brazen Beau looked very sharp winning a recent 800 metres jumpout at Flemington on February 7 and should be fit enough for a bold first-up showing. The Sydney visitor KATALIN is unbeaten in two starts to date and looks the main danger, however PRETTY BRAZEN should enjoy a great run and can win again.
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