Races

Deane Lester’s Flemington Best Bets

Posted on | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 1 NO.3 RIVER RIBBLE

RIVER RIBBLE will be greatly improved by one run back from a spell and looks one of the better bets of the day when he runs in the 3YO Benchmark 70 Handicap (1200m). The son of Ribchester had his first start as a gelding when running a solid third behind RED CARD over 1000 metres at Pakenham on December 3. He will appreciate stepping up in distance, looks well graded in this class and gets the services of a very much in-form jockey Blake Shinn. He’s the ideal horse for this time of year that looks ideally placed to record his second career win.

RACE 3 NO.7 POUNDING

Champion trainer Peter Moody has a very strong team heading to Flemington with the likelihood on many favourites and POUNDING looks as good a winning hope as any of his runners when he tackles the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m). The four year old appreciated getting onto a dry track when finishing a brave second behind the in-form DETONATOR JACK over 1600 metres at Sandown Hillside on December 10. He’s on a quick back up and rises 5.5kg in weight but elite rider Jamie Kah takes over the reins and he presents with the best form in this race. It’s a handy race but POUNDING looks one of the good bets of the day.

RACE 4 NO.11 FREEDOM ESCAPE

FREEDOM ESCAPE should be ready to peak with two runs under his belt and looks a great value chance in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1800m). The four year old was unluckily beaten over 1700 metres at Flemington last campaign and has recorded two city placings to start this preparation. He looks nicely weighted courtesy of Matthew Cartwright’s 1.5kg claim and the speed of this race should suit. He’s finished in the top 5 at his past six starts depicting his consistency in this grade and he looks a terrific each way play.

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