Races

Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Posted on | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.2 TOO CLOSE THE SUN

The Lindsey Smith trained gelding TOO CLOSE THE SUN is dropping sharply in class on his first-up run and looks the one to beat when he contests the Open Handicap (2040m). The five year old showed pace when finishing 7th behind PROBABEEL in the Group One Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 20. He’s had six starts at this distance range for three wins and three placings including a dominant win here in March 2020, he’s had four second-up runs for three wins and will make his own luck racing near the lead. The added bonus is Lachlan Neindorf’s 2kg allowance and TOO CLOSE THE RUN represents the best bet of the day.

RACE 5 NO.1 CHERRY TORTONI

CHERRY TORTONI will start one of the shortest priced favourites of the day when he runs in the Alistair Clark Stakes (2040m) and should justify that quote by recording another win. The son of Night Of Thunder has won four of his 10 starts to date with his biggest career victory coming at this track and distance in last year’s Group Two Drummond Vase on Cox Plate day. He rounded off his preparation for this race with a fast-finishing 2nd behind LUNAR FOX in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 27. That’s a perfect lead up for this race and CHERRY TORTONI looks the next best bet of the day.

RACE 6 NO.2. INDISPENSABLE

The best value chance of the day runs in the hardest race of the day and that’s INDISPENSABLE when he contests the Country Mile Series Final (1600m). The four year old has enjoyed a fruitful campaign which includes three consecutive wins and comes off a brave last start 2nd behind INTELLECTIVE in the Country Series Heat (1600m) at Ballarat on February 21. The Paul Preusker trained gelding has been freshened since that run and gets the services of Damien Oliver for the $250,000 final. He should make his own luck on the pace and looks a good each way chance in a competitive race.

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