Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

RACE 2 NO.9 VICTORIA QUAY

VICTORIA QUAY has been a rapid improver for the Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable that can record an important Group 2 win when she contests the Wakeful Stakes (2000m). The daughter of Dundeel recorded an impressive win over 1600 metres at Balaklava two starts back before a strong finishing 2nd behind the highly regarded colt AIN’TNODEELDUN in the Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville on October 10. She drops back to fillies grade and will relish the extra distance on the spacious Flemington circuit. Melbourne’s leading rider Jamie Kah takes the mount which only enhances VICTORIA’S QUAY’S prospects and she represents one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 4 NO.11 ADMIRE ROBSON

A ticket into Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup is on the line when the horses face the starter for the Hotham Stakes (2500m) and ADMIRE ROBSON is poised to take his spot in the great race with a win here. The Japanese bred stallion has shown good promise in two runs for the Paul Preusker stable, firstly when finishing 6th behind CREEDENCE over 2040 metres at The Valley on September 5. The son of Deep Impact then contested the Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on October 3 and looked most unlucky when finishing 7th behind PERSAN. Last week’s Cox Plate winning jockey Glen Boss takes the mount and ADMIRE ROBSON looks a good each way play in a competitive race.


RACE 5 NO.1 MYSTIC JOURNEY

The best bet on Derby day is the quality mare MYSTIC JOURNEY when she runs in the TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). The five year old bounced back to her best form with a fast finishing win over top class mare PERFECT JEWEL in the Stocks Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on September 25. She has been kept fresh since that win which is how she performs best and looks a prized pick up ride for three time Melbourne Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy. She has had three runs over the Flemington 1600 metres for two wins and a second placing with those victories coming in the Group 1 Australian Guineas and the inaugural All-Star Mile in March 2019. She’s drawn for a cheap run and looks the standout bet of the day.


VICTORIA DERBY

5. YOUNG WERTHER

4. LET’S KARAKA DEEL

6. HIT THE SHOT

1. CHERRY TORTONI

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