Deane Lester’s Pakenham Best Bets

Posted on December 6, 2019 | Posted by Deane Lester

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 2 NO.6 CAPE RICHARDS

CAPE RICHARDS resumes from a spell when he tackles the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m) and a prominent showing can be expected. The five year old raced consistently without a win last preparation, however he’s a good talent that appears well graded in this company. He has a handy record of three wins and five placings from 12 career runs and this is his best distance range. He has trialled strongly at Seymour recently and looks ready for a big first-up run. The Patrick Payne stable has been in hot form of late and CAPE RICHARDS is nicely placed to keep the winning run going.

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RACE 3 NO.7 NEIGHBOURHOOD

Lightly raced mare NEIGHBOURHOOD returned to racing as a winner recently and looks well suited to win again when she tackles the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). The four year old has only had five starts for two wins and impressed with her first-up win over 1200 metres at Sandown Lakeside on November 20. She will relish a rise in distance and has performed well in higher grade than this. She is drawn for a good run and Michael Dee has already ridden her at her two wins so he knows the mare well and NEIGHBOURHOOD looks one of the better bets of the day.

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RACE 9 NO.7 BEN HERCULES

The value runner on Pakenham Cup day looks to be BEN HERCULES when he resumes from a spell in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m). The four year old boasts a good record at this distance of four wins from eight starts and usually performs well fresh. He has trialled well in recent weeks and has been gelded since his last campaign which should focus him into being a more genuine racehorse. Elite rider Luke Nolen takes the ride from a good draw and BEN HERCULES appears to be a great winning chance at each way odds.

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