Brandenburg To Box on to Rich Q22

Having pulled up in fine fettle from his third, although beaten over nine lengths, behind Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) in the Gr1 Doomben Cup last Saturday, trained John Sargent has indicated that 4yo gelding Brandenburg (Burgundy-Wansesingyee, by Galilo) will now head towards the lucrative Q22 (2200m) on June 22 at Eagle Farm, where a clash with the now Cox Plate favourite Zaaki is a strong possibility. Having scored in the $500,000 The Coast the start prior defeating Nudge (Fastnet Rock), who franked that form with a solid win in the Gr3 Pam O'Neill Stakes (1600m) at Doomben last Saturday, Brandenburg has continued to improve throughout his campaign, and although he has never raced past 2000m before in his 21-start career, the way he stuck on last start gives the indication it will pose no issue. That's especially so with his half-sister Luvaluva (Mastercraftsman) winning the Gr2 Wakeful Stakes and Gr3 Adrian Knox Stakes both over 2000m, and finishing a solid fourth over 2500m in the Gr1 VRC Oaks at three.

Brandenburg (pic: Steve Hart)