Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.4 WHITE HIBISCUS

Promising mare WHITE HIBISCUS looks the standout bet of the day when she contests the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m). The four year old showed promise when previously trained in New Zealand, however her form appears to have elevated quickly in just two runs for the Danny O’Brien stable. After an encouraging 2^nd behind WITCHFULTHINKING over 1300 metres at Sandown Lakeside on December 9, the daughter of Animal Kingdom wore blinkers were reapplied and proved far too classy for her rivals in winning over 1600 metres at Sandown Lakeside on December 23. She’s well graded again, looks drawn for a good run and elite rider Damian Lane should steer WHITE HIBISCUS to her 3^rd victory from just 9 starts.

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RACE 8 NO.10 GARIMPEIRO

The Lindsey Smith stable have been churning out the winners in Victoria of late and GARIMPEIRO can continue the roll when he runs in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1800m). The four year old has worked home nicely at both runs this campaign, firstly when finishing 7^th behind SEBERATE over 1400 metres at Flemington on December 19 before hitting the line sweetly when running 4^th behind RULE THE WORLD over 1400 metres at Caulfield last Saturday. He should relish the quick back up and a step up in distance which all points to a peak run this preparation for GARIMPEIRO.

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RACE 9 NO.1 NOT ENOUGH EFFORT

The value runner of the Flemington meeting is NOT ENOUGH EFFORT when he commences his summer campaign in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m). The five year old was below his best last preparation when thwarted by unsuitable races and wet tracks. His two recent jumpouts at Cranbourne would suggest that he is back to his best and he looks well graded in this race, especially with Thomas Stockdale’s 2kg claim. He is a winner down the Flemington straight over 1100 metres and appears primed for a bold showing at nice odds.

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