Versetto returned to the races for a credible fourth placing at Canterbury and looks extremely difficult to beat at Newcastle today. The Your Song gelding hadn’t been seen at the races for more than a year when he stepped out two weeks ago, and there was a lot to like about the way he hit the line. He’ll obviously enjoy good improvement from that hit-out and is ready to win. There’s a little more than even money available at publish ($2.30), but I can’t imagine that will last.
Brandenburg hasn’t been seen at the races since April, but he showed decent ability during a short debut prep and looks ready to win first-up. The John Sargent-trained colt placed in each of his two starts in autumn and trialled extremely well in the lead-up to this race. Jason Collett should be able to find a nice position in transit from gate 2 and on exposed form, he does look the runner to beat.
Brunetta will take good improvement into her second campaign assignment at Newcastle today and looms as a live each-way chance of winning ($10 at publish). The Smart Missile mare returned some pleasing performances last time in and mustered an eye-catching turn of foot late at Gosford first-up this time. The increase in trip is obviously ideal and the booking of Nash Rawiller to ride is a positive move.
Destiny’s Hero will take good improvement into his second campaign target at Newcastle today and looks tough to beat. The Helmet gelding resumed with a pleasing performance to finish second behind Virgilio at Kembla Grange, and he looks to have conditions to suit today from the inside draw. With even luck, he can fight out the finish.