Races

Deane’s Saturday Mornington Best Bets

Deane Lester’s Preview

RACE 1 NO. 4 MATTY

MATTY is a talented sprinter fitter for one run back from a long spell and looks the one to beat when he runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m). The four year old resumed with a solid second behind SPRIGHTLY LASS over 955 metres at Moonee Valley on March 2. SPRIGHTLY LASS then went onto to be first past the post before losing on protest at stakes level at Rosehill last Saturday so this is a very strong form reference for a restricted class race. MATTY also gets the benefit of Stephanie Thornton’s 2kg claim and appears well placed to record his fourth win from 7 starts.

SuperPick - RACE 1 NO. 4 MATTY - Win Boost


RACE 3 NO. 3 A FIGHTING FURY

The Mornington Sires (1500m) contains a field all stepping up to this distance for the first time and the value runner might be A FIGHTING FURY from the Hayes/ Dabernig stable. The son of Fastnet Rock made an encouraging debut finishing 6th behind SUNSET WATCH over 1200 metres at Ballarat on March 12. That was a leader dominated race, however A FIGHTING FURY finished off well suggesting the extra distance of this race will be to his liking. It is also the comeback ride for elite rider Nicholas Hall who hasn’t ridden in a race since February 2017 having succumbed to severe hip problems. This looks a great ride for Hall to return a winner and A FIGHTING FURY looks over the odds in this race.


RACE 8 NO. 4 PERUGGIA

PERUGGIA has been in flying form for the Darren Weir stable and looks a strong chance for a hat-trick of wins when he contests the Mornington Guineas (1600m). The son of Strategic was too strong for subsequent group two winner VALIANT SPIRIT over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley on February 9 before beating older horses over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley on March 2. He is unbeaten in two runs at this distance, has a great racing style and looks well placed again in this grade. He’s an in-form horse hitting this race at the right time and PERUGGIA can continue on his winning way.

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