Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

RACE 1 NO.4 SCHABAU

SCHABAU is on a path which, hopefully, will lead him to a start in this year’s Melbourne Cup and he should enhance his prospects for that race by winning the Open Handicap (2500m). The Rob Hickmott trained stallion produced a game first up performance when finishing third behind the in-form AL GALAYEL over 2000 metres at Caulfield on August 29. He will be much fitter for that outing and will relish the extra distance on the spacious Flemington circuit. Champion WA rider William Pike retains his association with SCHABAU and they should start punters off on a winning note.


RACE 5 NO.3 AKTAU

AKTAU has already qualified for a run in next month’s Caulfield Cup, however the five year old has been trialling so well that he looks a great winning chance when he resumes from a spell in the Open Handicap (1700m). The Michael Moroney trained gelding has won three of his four Australian starts including the Mornington Cup (2400m) on March 21. His most recent trial was over 1200 metres and he finished strongly suggesting that the distance of this race looks an ideal starting point for his spring campaign. He is a winner at Flemington, looks drawn for a great run and appears poised to continue his winning run.


RACE 6 NO.9 ROMANCER

The best value runner of the day is ROMANCER when he contests The Sofitel (1400m). The seven year old has been freshened up after a dominant win over 1600 metres at Flemington on July 18. The Graeme Begg trained gelding has trialled well in recent weeks, possesses a real affinity for the Flemington track and appears drawn for a great run. Whilst his obvious danger is the exciting WA galloper WINDSTORM, ROMANCER is a seasoned galloper in this class whose prospects soar if the anticipated rain falls at Flemington and looks a great each way play.

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