Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 1 NO.2 TANAKA SON

The Byerley Handicap (1800m) is the end of season race for budding young stayers and TANAKA SON has enjoyed a good grounding for this race and represents good each way value. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy trained gelding has made good improvement at each of his three starts to date and that has also coincided with a step up in distance. After winning over 1516 metres at Gawler two starts back, the son of Dissident ran a solid 2^nd against older horses behind CELTIC VALOUR over 1800 metres at Murray Bridge on June 23. He is drawn for a good run, in-form rider Damien Thornton takes the ride and TANAKA SON should produce another bold showing.

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RACE 3 NO.6 AIDENSFIELD

The Rising Stars Final (1400m) for the apprentice riders looks a solid contest for the fillies and mares, however the youngest filly in the race AIDENSFIELD appeals as a terrific winning chance at an each way price. The Ben and JD Hayes trained galloper should now be at peak fitness following two runs back from a spell and comes off a solid third behind FOXY FRIDA in the Rivette Series Final (1400m) at Flemington on July 3. She drops 5kg on that run and gets the services of Victoria’s leading apprentice Will Price. There looks good speed in this race which suits AIDENSFIELD and she’s primed to produce a winning run.

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RACE 6 NO.8 DEGRAVES

Imported galloper DEGRAVES created a big impression at his Australian debut and can continue on his winning way when he runs in the Open Handicap (1600m). The son of Camelot raced greenly over the final stages but still proved too good for a handy field in winning over 1600 metres at Flemington on June 19. That was his first outing in nine months so he can only be fitter for that run and, whilst he strikes a stronger field this time, stays down in the weights courtesy of Will Price’s 1.5kg claim. The Macedon Lodge team have been in great form in recent weeks with a string of winners and DEGRAVES can continue that trend.

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