Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

RACE 2 NO.7 HITOTSU

HITOTSU is a recent addition to the Ciaron Maher/ David Eustace stable that recorded an impressive maiden win and can measure up to the higher grade when he contests the Super Impose Stakes (1800m). The son of Maurice hit the line strongly to win over 1350 metres at Donald on September 12. This is a sharp class and distance rise however the stable have a great record of preparing middle distance and staying horses so he won’t lack on the side of fitness. It looks a race in which HITOTSU can race near the lead and prove hard to beat.


RACE 3 NO.12 GLINT OF HOPE

GLINT OF HOPE is a daughter of the great Japanese sire Deep Impact and can stake her claim for next month’s Kennedy Oaks (2500m) with a big showing in the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m). The Busuttin/ Young trained filly has been luckless at both runs to date starting with her debut 2nd over 1206 metres at Benalla before a fast finishing 3rd over 1400 metres at Cranbourne on September 12. She will relish a step up in distance on the spacious Flemington circuit, can break her maiden status in spectacular fashion at Group 2 level and represents the best value of the day.


RACE 5 NO.1 INGRATIATING

The Danehill Stakes (1100m) promises to be a great clash between the established stars at this level- INGRATIATING, GENERAL BEAU, RANCH HAND and GIMME PAR. Their formlines have intertwined during the careers to date with INGRATIATING already being a dual Group one placegetter and, significantly, getting the blinkers on at his third run this campaign. It’s been a significant gear change for him in the past and gives him the chance to turn the tables of RANCH HAND, who defeated him in the Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on September 11. He’s a reliable colt especially down the Flemington straight that looks poised to record his 4th career victory.

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