Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on December 31, 2021January 1, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 2 NO.6 MRS SIPPY

MRS SIPPY looks well placed to break a frustrating runs of placings when she contests the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 70 Handicap (2000m). The six year old has been thwarted by tricky draws and race patterns of late including a last start 4^th from a wide draw in a leader dominated race won by GENTLEMAN ROY over 1400 metres at Flemington on December 18. Significantly, she drops back to racing against her own gender, appears drawn for a good run and in-form apprentice Josh Richards takes the ride. It’s an even field however MRS SIPPY gets her chance to win a city race and represents the best bet of the day.

---

RACE 6 NO.7 MR PICKWICK

MR PICKWICK should be at peak fitness following three runs back from a spell and appeals as a great value chance when he runs in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (2000m). The four year old was a city winner over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley last campaign and showed that he is returning to that form with an excellent 4^th behind HIGH ‘N’ DRY over 1600 metres at Pakenham on December 4. At his last start, he was ridden against his natural racing pattern by being restrained at the start in a slowly run race, ultimately finishing 6^th behind SWISS HERO over 1750 metres at Geelong on December 21. The Patrick Payne stable have already notified stewards that he will return to his normal pattern of racing and, with the benefit of Madison Lloyd’s 3kg claim, should give a great sight at good odds.

---

RACE 9 NO.8 CRESTANI

CRESTANI hasn’t enjoyed much luck of late and will appreciate dropping in class when he tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m). The four year old was one of the hard luck stories of Melbourne Cup week when finishing unplaced over 1400 metres at Flemington on November 2. Trainer Pat Carey elected to freshen the son of Nicconi after that run and he probably found the distance too short and raced without clear galloping room when finishing 7^th behind MILEVA in the Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on December 11. This is a much easier task over his best distance, gets the services of champion rider Damien Oliver and now has the benefit of a run down the Flemington straight course. It’s a big field but there doesn’t look many winning chances and CRESTANI is poised to record his 4^th career victory.

Market Market