Races

Deane Lester’s Sandown Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Best Bets

RACE 2 NO.4 AZURO

The Sandown Cup (3200m) has attracted a field of horses deep into their respective preparations with the exception of AZURO who looks ready to peak at his fifth run for the campaign. The six year old was runner up behind YOGI in this race last year and has won twice over 3200 metres. His last start third behind DOWNDRAFT in the Hotham Handicap (2500m) at Flemington on November 2 was full of merit and he will relish a step up in distance. Mark Zahra takes the mount and AZURO looks a great winning chance in a moderate race.


RACE 4 NO.1 WIDGEE TURF

The ever reliable WIDGEE TURF looks ideally placed to win his 12th race when he tackles the Sandown Stakes (1500m). The six year old was very good as usual when finishing 2nd behind ICONOCLASM in the Super VOBIS Gold Star (1500m) at Moonee Valley on October 25. He is graded to advantage in this race and should relish the spacious Sandown Hillside circuit. Trainer Patrick Payne elected to scratch WIDGEE TURF from Flemington last Saturday to aim at this race and appeals as one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 7 NO.10 PRETTY BRAZEN

The Sandown Guineas (1600m) has brought together a modest group of three year olds for this year’s renewal, however PRETTY BRAZEN is the highest rated runner in this field and should prove hard to beat. The Tony McEvoy trained filly has been in good form since being ridden off the pace at her past three runs. After consecutive wins at Bendigo and Caulfield, the daughter of I Am Invincible finished a solid 5th behind AKARI in the Desirable Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on November 5. She has drawn a better barrier this time which should allow in-form rider Luke Currie to give her a cheap run and record a valuable Group 2 win.

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