Comeback pacer primed for victory

COMEBACK pacer Branson has a prime opportunity to register a highly-deserved win tomorrow night.

Sidelined with a fractured hind pastern and a tear in his flexor tendon in September 2024, Branson was nursed back to health by trainer Vaughn Newman.

Making his racing return three weeks ago, Branson was runner-up as a $71 outsider before finishing second again at his following start.

Branson has been away from the winners’ circle since scoring in Gawler on July 8, 2024.

“It has been a long road back with him,” Newman said. “It’s taken a lot of love and care to get him back.

“That was the second time he’d fractured it as he did it as a younger horse and missed most of his three-year-old season.

“Like I said, it’s taken a lot of care over 20 months to have him race again and I have been very happy with both his runs back.”

Branson’s latest performance was in a Rising Star Series heat, which resulted in the son of Fly Like An Eagle booking a berth in the Final.

To be driven by Terry Brown, Branson has drawn the inside of the back row, which should see the gelding gain the perfect trail behind Delightful Dream, which is tipped to lead from the pole.

“I would hope Samantha (Hill) leads with Delightful Dream,” Newman said. “It is ok out of the gate, so it should hold the front giving us the chance to follow through.

“I’m not sure we can beat it, but we will give it our all, and if good enough, we can wait on the sprint lane.

“He is certainly fitter for the two runs back and will be ready to run a good race.”