Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 1 NO.3 LIBERTY STEPS

The Carbine Cub Stakes (1600m) is the traditional start to Cup week and there looks a good value chance with LIBERTY STEPS ready to strike at his third run this campaign. The Ben and JD Hayes trained colt has been thwarted by wide draws in two runs this preparation but has made nice progress at both runs including his last start 6^th behind SANDPAPER in the Gothic Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 15. That race is always a good form reference for the Carbine Club Stakes and LIBERTY STEPS hits this race in peak fitness and finally draws a decent barrier. It’s a very competitive race with a host of chances, however LIBERTY STEPS is big odds and looks the value play of the day.

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RACE 4 NO.8 AS TIME GOES BY

The Wakeful Stakes (2000m) is the traditional final lead up and definitive form reference for Thursday’s Kennedy Oaks (2500m) and AS TIME GOES BY looks in prime position to stake her claim for the Oaks with a positive run here. The daughter of Deep Impact has had two runs this campaign and comes off a last start 5^th behind SHE’S LICKEYSPLIT in the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 1. She looks ready for this distance, wears blinkers for the first time and has drawn barrier one which should afford her a cheap run and perhaps an advantage over some of her well credentialled rivals. She looks a likely staying type that will run a bold race here.

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RACE 6 NO.15 IN SECRET

The Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) is a great race every year and the gun filly IN SECRET is poised to deny the boys in what’s known as the stallion making race. The James Cummings trained filly has been freshened since a brave second behind JACQUINOT in the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 24. She has had two pieces of work down the Flemington straight in the past couple of weeks and looks primed for the group one contest. She won’t be disadvantaged by a wet track, appears to have drawn ideally in the middle of the field and represents the best bet of the day.

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