Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on September 9, 2022September 9, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 5 NO.1 I’M THUNDERSTRUCK

Quality galloper I’M THUNDERSTRUCK should be fitter for one run this campaign and looks the one to beat when he runs in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m). The five year old was thwarted by a wide draw but still charged to the line when finishing 2^nd behind SNAPDANCER in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 27. The small field here will likely prove a battle of tactics so the inside draw should see I’M THUNDERSTRUCK race closer to the lead and he has beaten most of the runners in this field. He’s a reliable horse at the highest level that can record his 7^th win from 15 starts.

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RACE 6 NO.4 INTERPRETATION

Imported stayer INTERPRETATION has his second run in Australia when he contests The Sally Chirnside (2500m) and looks well placed to record his first Australian win. The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained stallion hasn’t raced an encouraging 6^th behind HEZASHOCKA over 2000 metres at Flemington on July 16. He will appreciate stepping up in distance and showed his staying talent last year highlighted by his 4^th behind HURRICANE LANE in the English St Leger (2922m). Whilst he is awkwardly drawn, he gets the services of one of the best staying riders in John Allen and looks a horse destined for better things. On a tough day, INTERPRETATION is one of the better bets of the day.

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RACE 9 NO.3 TIJUANA

The Exford Plate (1400m) is always a good guide to the feature spring three year old races and this year should prove no exception with a good field full of depth. TIJUANA has done nothing wrong in his short career to date and appeals as an each way play. The son of American Pharoah was a winner of the Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on April 25 and resumed from a break with an eye catching 3^rd behind JACQUINOT in the McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 27. He will enjoy stepping up in distance and getting back to the spacious Flemington circuit which augurs well for another big run from the Hayes brothers trained colt.

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