Deane Lester’s Moonee Valley Best Bets Posted on November 30, 2018 | Posted by Deane Lester Deane Lester’s Best Bets RACE 5 NO.5 MINTHA MINTHA will be fitter for one run back from a spell and looks ideally placed to return to the winners stall when she tackles the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m). The Tony McEvoy trained mare ran an even race when finishing 8th behind stablemate I’M A PRINCESS in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes (1500m). That was an extremely high pressure race and she performed well enough and will appreciate the drop in grade. It’s only a small field and may come down to a battle of tactics, however MINTHA possesses the versatility to make her own luck and run well here. RACE 7 NO.3 HOLY BLADE The best value of the day looks to be HOLY BLADE when he runs in the Open Handicap (1000m). The four year old has been freshened since a luckless unplaced run behind his stablemate THERMAL CURRENT in the Century Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on November 8. He returns to handicap conditions which suits and Harry Coffey, who has enjoyed good success aboard the horse, is back in the saddle. He is drawn for a great run and appeals at each way odds. RACE 9 NO.5 SIRIUS SUSPECT Reliable sprinter SIRIUS SUSPECT has been racing very well of late and looks a strong winning chance when he runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m). The four year old has built an impressive record of four wins and four placings from 10 starts to date including a solid last start 2nd behind ORDER OF COMMAND in the Grand Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on November 10. He is drawn for a great run with the in-form John Allen taking the ride and another bold showing can be expected. Market Market
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview February 19, 2026 RACE 1 WATTO’S MARK won a very similar race two starts back before heading to the WA Breeders Classic, a race that has produced the… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Doomben Preview February 19, 2026 RACE 1 Racing at Doomben on Saturday will be on a good rated surface. We get the meeting underway with a 2yo affair where the… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Rosehill Preview February 19, 2026 RACE 1 With the autumn carnival now in full swing we have another terrific day of racing to look forward to at Rosehill on Saturday…. Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Caulfield Preview February 19, 2026 RACE 1 The speed is hot! CASTELLAR was outstanding winning here second-up sitting midfield and wide without cover, he sprinted quickly in the straight for… Read More
Scott Embry’s Friday Esperance Preview February 19, 2026 RACE 1 PUISSANCE PLAYBOY did it tough last start and was left a sitting duck to be run down. In the end Import got him… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Thursday Greyhound Best Bets February 19, 2026 MANDURAH Race 3 No. 5 Even Flow She’s kicked off her career in great fashion, winning her maiden here in very fast time over the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Thursday Geraldton Preview February 17, 2026 RACE 1 JUST PETTY CASH won a barrier trial over 1000m at Belmont beating Heaven Specified (maiden and 3 year old 0MWLY victor) and was… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Belmont Preview February 17, 2026 RACE 1 YOU CAN CALL ME AL gets out to 2100m for the first time in his career which is a natural unknown, but hopefully… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Wednesday Caulfield Preview February 16, 2026 RACE 1 SUNBURNT COUNTRY returned a gelding and ran above expectations in a sit/sprint at Seymour first-up when narrowly beaten, big gap to 3rd. From… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview February 16, 2026 Race 1 Some tricky races to work through with a lot of debutantes. MAGIC PLAYA (6) has run any time but has tracked the typical… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets February 16, 2026 MANDURAH Race 6 No. 5 Divot Has really hit his straps this fellow since he’s returned to Mandurah and has taken a real liking to… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview February 16, 2026 Race 1 MAJESTIC GA GA (4) won well on Friday night and is on the quick backup, has plenty of early speed and looks likely… Read More