Races

Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

RACE 3 NO.5 MICRO

It took nine starts for MICRO to break his maiden status and now he looks poised to win a group two contest when he contests the Stutt Stakes (1600m). The son of Madaglia D’oro was placed in the Sires Produce as a two year old last season and looks to have matured further judging by his recent form. The James Cummings trained colt showed his true talent with a dominant win over 1400 metres at Bendigo on September 3. He responded well to the urgings of elite rider Damian Lane who retains the ride here and another bold showing can be expected.


RACE 5 NO.7 DESTINATION

DESTINATION is racing in great heart and looks a terrific each way chance when he runs in the Benchmark 84 Challenge (955m). The four year old was a solid winner over 1100 metres at Randwick on August 7 before running a brave second behind the in-form HE’S A BALTER over 1100 metres at Caulfield on August 28. He led on that occasion which doesn’t really suit his racing style, however he will sit off the pace over this shorter trip and will be finishing powerfully. He drops 2.5kg on his last run, champion rider Damien Oliver retains the ride and DESTINATION represents the best value at the meeting.


RACE 6 NO.3 DEFIBRILLATE

Trainer Patrick Payne has been meticulous in the planning of the career of his highly talented stayer DEFIBRILLATE and this looks his preparation to shine starting with a win in the JRA Cup (2040m). The seven year old has built the impressive record of nine wins from 17 starts and comes off a luckless 2nd behind FLOATING ARTIST over 1700 metres at Flemington on September 11. He will appreciate a step up in distance, has won at Moonee Valley in the past and is, potentially, on his way to a start in this year’s Melbourne Cup. This looks a great race for him and he makes strong appeal as the best bet of the night.

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