Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on July 17, 2020 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.1 ALCYONE

The Byerley Handicap (1800m) could be a stepping stone for greater riches for talented youngster ALCYONE. The son of Teofilo has been placed at two of his three runs to date and is shaping like a Victoria Derby prospect later in the year. His last start 2nd behind the unbeaten CHERRY TORTONI in the Taj Rossi Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 4 is the definitive formline for this race and ALCYONE was very strong through the line suggesting that he will relish the extra distance of this race. Whilst he is likely to be the shortest priced favourite on the Flemington program, ALCYONE appeals as one of the good bets of the day.

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RACE 4 NO.1 LABURNUM

Smart mare LABURNUM should be close to peak fitness following two runs back from a spell and looks a strong winning chance when she contests the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 90 Handicap (1400m). The James Cummings trained mare battled on well when finishing 3rd behind SHE’S A THIEF over 1200 metres at Caulfield on June 27. The four year old has a fine record at this distance with two wins and four placings from seven starts that includes a win in the JB Carr Stakes in April 2019 which was her last run over 1400 metres. She gets the benefit of Michael Poy’s 1.5kg claim and has to be given strong consideration.

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RACE 5 NO.5 SOUTH PACIFIC

Imported galloper SOUTH PACIFIC looks the fresh blood in the stayers ranks when he contests the Flemington Cup (2800m) and should prove hard to beat. The four year old had no luck at his Australian debut when finishing 9th behind MIRAMAR over 2000 metres at Caulfield on June 27. He had his momentum stopped on a couple of occasions in a slowly run race yet still went to the line sweetly under a light ride. He will be fitter for that run, should relish a rise in distance and the spacious Flemington circuit will be to his liking. The Maher/ Eustace stable looks to have another progressive stayer in SOUTH PACIFIC and he represents one of the good bets of the day.

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