Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Posted on January 28, 2022January 28, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.7 MUSWELLBROOK

MUSWELLBROOK backs up from a good run at The Valley last week and appeals as a value runner at this meeting when he contests the Open Handicap (1600m). The Ben and JD Hayes trained gelding ran a solid 4^th in a high pressure race behind HIGH’N’DRY over 1500 metres at The Valley on January 22 and he should now be at peak fitness following two runs back from a spell. He drops 4kg and, significantly, the stable have elected to put the blinkers on again which will sharpen the six year old back into winning form. It’s an even race but MUSWELLBROOK looks a terrific each way chance.

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RACE 4 NO.5 DUNDIRTCHEAP

DUNDIRTCHEAP looks the lightly raced and progressive horse in the field for this year’s Martin Ralston BM 70 Cup (2040m) and represents one of the better bets of the day. The four year old will be fitter for one run this campaign when unsuited by a slow tempo in finishing 3^rd behind SAVANNAH CLOUD over 1600 metres at Caulfield on January 12. He will relish a rise in distance, looks drawn for a good run and top rider John Allen retains the ride. He looks the horse in this field destined for better class races and should record his third win from four outings.

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RACE 6 NO.2 GENTLEMAN ROY

The best bet of the day is GENTLEMAN ROY when he runs in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m). The five year old is building a good record of three wins and two placings from seven starts to date and comes off a last start 2^nd behind SAVANNAH CLOUD over 1600 metres at Caulfield on January 12. He led too slowly on that occasion which allowed the eventual winner to build momentum and outsprint him, however Luke Nolen has a fine understanding of the son of So You Think and is reunited with him. He makes his own luck on the pace and should dominate this race; standout bet of the day.

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