Races

Deane Lester’s Pakenham Best Bets

RACE 5 NO.8 TAVIDANCE

TAVIDANCE has endured a luckless start to his preparation, however he appears very well placed in the David Bourke Memorial Handicap (1600m) and can bounce back to winning form. The five year old was badly held up for a run when unplaced behind OUTRAGEOUS over 1400 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day. He then ventured to the Kilmore Cup (1600m) and, whilst unsuited by the tight Kilmore track, ran a solid 2nd behind PANCHO and was finishing strongly over the concluding stages. He will relish the spacious Pakenham track and looks one of the best bets of the day.


RACE 8 NO. 5 THE ASTROLOGIST

THE ASTROLOGIST has been racing in career best form and looks the one to beat in this year’s Super VOBIS Gold Bullion (1400m). After a first-up win over 1100 metres at Geelong on October 21, the son of Zoustar produced a brave showing when finishing 2nd behind EXHILIRATES in a high rating race over 1200 metres at Flemington on Cup day. That run, combined with coming back in distance, left him a touch flat when finishing 2nd behind SISSTAR in the Magic Million 3&4YO Classic (1100m). He did his best work over the final stages suggesting the step up to 1400 metres appears ideal for him to return to the winners list and he represents the best bet of the day.


RACE 9 NO.10 HASSTOBEGOOD

HASSTOBEGOOD is dropping sharply in class and looks a strong winning chance when she contests the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). The four year old didn’t enjoy the best of luck but still battled strongly to finish 8th behind MISSILE MANTRA in the Summoned Stakes (1500m) at Sandown on November 14. On that occasion she finished beside the subsequent Traralgon Cup winner NO EFFORT so that formline is looking solid. Rider Jordan Childs has been in good form of late and appears to have a strong chance of continuing that run when he partners HASSTOBEGOOD in this race.

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