Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on June 19, 2020 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 2 NO.3 CHERRY TORTONI

CHERRY TORTONI is striving to record his second win from as many starts when he runs in the Rod Johnson Handicap (1420m) and represents one of the better bets of the day. The son of Night Of Thunder had trialled well on several occasions before a comprehensive debut win over 1200 metres at Sale on May 27. He handled the soft (7) track with ease and ran strongly through the line suggesting the extra distance of this race will be in his favour. Trainer Patrick Payne won this race last year with his gun filly RUBISAKI coming off a similar preparation and CHERRY TORTONI can continue that trend by winning again.

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RACE 5 NO.12 THE LAST NAPOLEON

The best value chance of the day is THE LAST NAPOLEON when he tackles in the Murray Cox Handicap (1000m). The five year old settled too far back when running 7th over 1100 metres at Geelong on June 12. Whilst it looked an average effort, he recorded some of the best sectional times of the day under a light ride with 61kg so it was a much better effort than it appeared. He is unbeaten in two previous 2nd up runs, looks drawn for a good swooping run and makes plenty of appeal on an each way basis.

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RACE 6 NO.3 ALFARRIS

ALFARRIS is trending like a coming winner and gets his chance to break through when he contests the George Watson Handicap (2540m). The six year old has returned to racing with two solid efforts over 2000 metres and will relish the extra distance of this race. He was a winner over this track and distance last September defeating the subsequent Adelaide Cup winner KING OF LEOGRANCE. Champion rider Craig Williams has elected to stay with ALFARRIS which is a positive sign and he appeals as one of the good bets of the day.

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