Races

Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

RACE 5 NO.5 NICOLINI VITO

NICOLINI VITO is a progressive type from the Dabernig/ Hayes stable that is striving for a hat trick of wins when he contests the McKenzie Stakes (1200m). The son of Nicconi was a dominant maiden winner over 1200 metres at Kilmore on October 18 before overcoming difficulties in running and a track bias to win over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley on November 13. Whilst he is rising in class, he strikes this race in peak fitness and he will be very strong at the end of this race. There looks good speed in this race which will suit NICOLINI VITO’S racing style and he represents one of the better bets of the day.

RACE 6 NO.13 ALL BANTER

Adelaide visitor ALL BANTER appeals as the best bet of the day when she tackles the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m). The three year old filly has won two of her four starts to date including a strong win over 1000 metres at Morphettville Parks on November 14. On that occasion, she defeated CHOSEN BLONDE who had previously been placed behind the exciting filly WRITTEN BEAUTY at Moonee Valley and also DIAMONDS who has subsequently trekked across the border to win at Pakenham on Thursday night. Melbourne’s leading rider Jamie Kah takes the ride from a good draw and ALL BANTER is ideally placed to continue on her winning way.

RACE 8 NO.5 PREZADO

The feature race is the Carlyon Stakes (1000m) and short course specialist PREZADO looks well prepared to record a first-up win. Whilst the six year old is known as a straight course specialist at Flemington, his best form is over 1000 metres and he’s really clicked with Jamie Kah since they commenced their association earlier this year. His two recent trials have been outstanding and he will get important cover from barrier one as he tends to overrace if exposed early in a race. He only needs reasonable luck in running and PREZADO can record his 7th career victory.

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