Races

Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

RACE 1 NO.3 SANDY PRINCE

SANDY PRINCE is aiming for a hat-trick of wins when he contests the 3YO Handicap (1500m) and looks well placed to score again. The son of Pride of Dubai has recorded wins at Moe and Sandown in recent weeks and looks hard fit for the slight rise in distance. Elite rider Craig Williams should use an inside draw to advantage and SANDY PRINCE appeals as one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 5 NO.3 PORTLAND SKY

The McEwan Stakes (1000m) looks a good launching pad for the group one winner PORTLAND SKY as he makes a bid for a slot in next month’s TAB Everest (1200m). The four year old has been trialling well in recent weeks in preparations for his return to racing. The Matt Laurie trained stallion has drawn wide, however that’s no great disadvantage from the 1000 metres chute at The Valley. The main danger is SEPTEMBER RUN who will be charging late but PORTLAND SKY can pinch a break and win his fifth race from just 9 starts.


RACE 8 NO.3 THE CHOSEN ONE

The Feehan Stakes (1600m) sees the return of many spring hopefuls and THE CHOSEN ONE represents a terrific winning chance at each way odds. The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman trained stallion kicks off his Cups preparation in this race and has the capacity to perform well fresh. He has the blinkers back on which looks a real sign of intent and the stable won this race with a first-up runner in BONEVAL in 2017. Damian Lane is riding in great form, has enjoyed great success with the stable in the past and can guide THE CHOSEN ONE to a big showing in the Feehan.

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