Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Posted on September 2, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 3 NO.8 AMENABLE

AMENABLE commences his spring campaign when he contests the 3YO Colts and Geldings Plate (1200m) and he makes appeal on an each way basis. The son of Lonhro produced a big finish on debut to win over 1300 metres at Sandown Hillside on March 30. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr trained colt has had two jumpouts in preparation for this race and appears to be going well. He is well drawn and will be very strong late; looks a great chance at odds.

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RACE 8 NO.5 UNCLE BRYN

Whilst UNCLE BRYN will start one of the shorter priced favourites on the Moonee Valley program, he looks one of the better bets when he runs in the Open Handicap (1600m). The five year old was set a big task first-up tackling weight for age company in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400) at Caulfield on August 13. Whilst he only managed 6^th behind quality galloper MR BRIGHTSIDE, the son of Sea The Stars was unsuited at the weights on that occasion and yet still finished nicely over the final stages. He drops 5kg on that run, faces easier opposition and the extra distance of this race suits. Significantly, top rider Ben Melham is riding at 54kg, which is 2kg lighter than he has ridden since his return to racing in July and that points to UNCLE BRYN proving hard to beat.

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RACE 9 NO.15 UNUSUAL CULTURE

Former NZ trained mare UNUSUAL CULTURE looks poised to return to winning chance when she contests the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m). The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained galloper has been thwarted by wide draws at her past two runs but she has finished nicely on both occasions. She drops in weight from a good draw and gets the services of last season’s champion rider Jye McNeil. The best of her New Zealand form included placings at Group level so this class of race on the minimum weight sees UNUSUAL CULTURE very well placed and she looks a value each way gamble.

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