Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets

Posted on December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 | Posted by Deane Lester

RACE 6 NO.6 RIOT AND ROSE

RIOT AND ROSE has been building to winning form and appears to have found the ideal race when he contests the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m). The five year old resumed with a solid 4^th on unsuitable wet ground behind GREEN FLY over 1400 metres at Ballarat on November 19. He then came from well back to finish a solid 5^th behind the in-form SAVANNAH CLOUD over 1400 metres at Sandown Hillside on December 10. He now hits peak fitness, gets a preferred step up in distance and has the services of Daniel Stackhouse who is fresh off multiple wins in the past week. He’ll get back and need a touch of luck but RIOT AND ROSE looks one of the better bets of the day.

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RACE 7 NO.2 ICE PICK NICK

ICE PICK NICK is a talented four year old fitter for one run back from a spell and represents one of the best graded horses at the meeting when he contests the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m). The Maher/ Eustace trained galloper wasn’t suited on soft track yet battled bravely when finishing 5^th behind ALL ABOUT EVE at Benchmark 70 level over 1100 metes at Ballarat on November 19. He’s a winner over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley last campaign in much stronger company and the firm track will be to his liking. In-form rider Ethan Brown takes the ride and ICE PICK NICK is the best bet of the day.

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RACE 9 NO.2 QURAYSHA

QURAYSHA seems to improve with every race start and looks the one to beat again when she runs in the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 70 Handicap (1200m), The four year old has won three of her past six starts including a tough win over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley on December 2. She recorded very quick time on that occasion suggesting her form continues to improve which is always encouraging in lightly raced horses. Apprentice rider Matthew Cartwright has enjoyed a good run of form over the past couple of weeks and partners QURAYSHA, who appeals as a big chance of sending Valley punters home on a winning note.

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