Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

RACE 4 NO.3 MELODEON

MELODEON should now be at peak fitness following two runs back from a spell and represents good each way value when she contests the Mares BM 84 Handicap (1410m). The daughter of Glass Harmonium worked to the line sweetly when finishing 8th behind IMPERIAL LAD in a leader dominated race over 1200 metres at The Valley last Saturday. She’s had two easy runs leading into this race, gets the services of Ben Melham and should relish the extra distance of this race. This looks a competitive mares race with a host of chances, however MELODEON hits this race at this right time of her campaign and should race well.


RACE 6 NO.7 KING MAGNUS

Pocket rocket KING MAGNUS has been in flying form in recent weeks and can make it a hat-trick of wins when he tackles the Open Handicap (1410m). The six year old has built a fine record of six wins and four placings from 16 starts and comes off a blistering win over 1400 metres at Caulfield on July 24. Most importantly, he stays down in the weights at 51.5kg courtesy of Alana Kelly’s 3kg claim and she is building a fine rapport with him having ridden him to his past two victories. He is drawn for a cheap run, possesses a terrific turn of foot and appeals as one of the best bets of the day.


RACE 7 NO.7 HOSIER

Imported galloper HOSIER looks the most progressive horse at the Flemington meeting and can extend his winning run to four wins on end when he runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m). The Rob Hickmott trained gelding is unbeaten in three Australian outings, starting with consecutive wins at Bendigo before a dominant display over 1800 metres at Sandown Hillside on July 14. The stable have used the class system of racing to advantage and, again, the son of Camelot looks placed to advantage dropping 1kg on his last run. He has a likeable racing style in that he makes his own luck and, whilst he looks destined for high grade races long-term, should take care of this field and represents the standout bet of the day.

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