The Christmas Stakes at Caulfield will be one the last chances for consistent galloper Itsamonty to win a feature race.Trainer Dean Lawson admitted time was running out for the seven-year-old who has been sparingly raced because of knee trouble but believes he deserves to be a stakes winner on Friday."He's a seven-year-old horse now and we try to pick and choose the right races," Lawson said."Every time you go around you know you're right in it and he probably deserves to have a crack at this ra

The Christmas Stakes at Caulfield will be one the last chances for consistent galloper Itsamonty to win a feature race.

Trainer Dean Lawson admitted time was running out for the seven-year-old who has been sparingly raced because of knee trouble but believes he deserves to be a stakes winner on Friday.

"He's a seven-year-old horse now and we try to pick and choose the right races," Lawson said.

"Every time you go around you know you're right in it and he probably deserves to have a crack at this race.

"He has a big heart and while everything is holding together he runs well."

Itsamonty has won eight of his 35 starts but has also finished second on 10 occasions, three times beaten in tight photo finishes.

Last start the son of Kenny's Best Pal was beaten a length when fourth to Orbit Express over 1400 metres at Caulfield after posting successive wins at Cranbourne and Sandown.

Before that he was pipped when second to Gold Coast sprinter Tour Guide in the Dual Choice Plate at Geelong on October 22.

"He has had a good campaign and I think he will run well again," Lawson said.

"He only just missed out at Caulfield but that was only because he felt the firmness of the track a little bit."

In-form apprentice Dean Holland reunites with Itsamonty after having to get off him last start to ride for his master David Hayes.

Holland previously won on Itsamonty at Cranbourne and Lakeside.

"He's an honest old horse and with a bit of cover I am sure he can be in the mix again," Holland said.

Itsamonty is on the fourth line of betting $12 with TAB Sportsbet to win the Christmas Stakes while Scenic Silver ($4.80), El Mandon ($5.00) and Orbit Express ($5.50) dominate the market.

Cocinero is $14 to become the first dual Christmas Stakes winner since the race became a stakes race 30 years ago.