Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Posted on January 21, 2022January 21, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 4 NO.3 COUP DE TONNERRE

COUP DE TONNERRE is a capable stayer that finds himself in a suitable race and looks the best value of the day when he contests the Benchmark 70 Handicap (2500m). The four year old appeared disappointing when finishing 6^th behind BRILLIANT VENTURE over 2380 metres at Caulfield on January 8, however his chances were thwarted by a slowly run race and he was outsprinted over the final stages. This race is likely to be run at a truer tempo which suits COUP DE TONNERRE’S style and he can show sharp improvement and run well at each way odds.

RACE 5 NO.2 YULONG COMMAND

Reliable sprinter YULONG COMMAND looks very well graded when he contests the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m) and should prove hard to beat. The four year old has been to The Valley on four occasions for three wins and a second placing so he has a real affinity with the track. He has trialled in dashing style at Flemington since his last run which will keep his fitness levels up to standard and YULONG COMMAND represents one of the better bets of the day.

RACE 7 NO.4 FUNDRAISER

FUNDRAISER will be fitter for one run this preparation and looks the one to beat in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1500m). The five year old resumed with a very good 4^th behind PIONEER RIVER over 1200 metres at Flemington on January 1. On the occasion, the son of Helmet made good ground to the line on the inferior part of the straight track. He is better suited in this distance range, appears drawn for a sweet run and in the in-form Jye McNeil takes the ride. He should have a tactical advantage on his main rivals in this race and FUNDRAISER appeals as the best bet of the day.

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