Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on July 2, 2021July 2, 2021 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.2 GRAND PROMENADE

Progressive stayer GRAND PROMENADE is enjoying a breakout preparation and looks the one to beat again when he runs in the Banjo Paterson Final (2600m). The five year old ran a brave second behind REALM OF FLOWERS in the Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington on May 15 before a dominant win over 2500 metres at Flemington on June 5. Whilst he rises 4kg for that win, he seems better than this grade and leading rider Jamie Kah retains the ride. He’s a good stayer that makes his own luck and should win again.

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RACE 5 NO.11 DOUBLE CHANCE

Improving filly DOUBLE CHANCE steps up in grade when she runs in the Rivette Series Final (1400m), however she is hitting this race in peak form and represents a good each way play. The Levi Kavanagh trained galloper scored a good win over 1400 metres at Geelong on June 6 before a strong finishing 3^rd behind SO FAR AWAY over 1400 metres at Bendigo on June 20. He drops 2kg on that run and gets the services of Jamie Kah which is a bonus as she strives to win her first Victorian riders premiership.

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RACE 7 NO.10 HOPKINS

The Mahogany Series Final (2500m) is for the three year old stayers and several of these horses have endured plenty of racing and long campaigns. The fresh horse in these ranks is HOPKINS, who looks a terrific winning chance at each way odds. The Busuttin/ Young trainer gelding has had three runs back from a spell and comes off a fast finishing third behind SO ABLE over 2025 metres at Cranbourne on June 23. That was a great run against the pattern of the day and the extra distance of this race on the spacious Flemington track will suit him ideally. Brett Prebble has building steadily building form and takes the mount aboard HOPKINS who represents the best value of the day.

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