Let's See To Overcome Newcastle Cup Setback

MARK Davidson is confident promising stayer Let's See can shake off a less than ideal lead-up and make her presence felt in the opening heat of the Newcastle Cup (715m) at Ladbrokes Gardens on Friday.

Last Saturday night, the daughter of My Bro Fabio was to start a short-priced favourite in a 600 metre event at Ladbrokes Gardens, her final hit-out before tackling the $25,000-to-the-winner Listed Newcastle Cup.

But a hiccup on race morning resulted in the last start Gosford winner being a late scratching, throwing a spanner into her Newcastle Cup preparations.

"She can get a bit flighty and wound up at home and she clipped a post and took a bit of skin off in a yard on race morning," Davidson said.

"It swelled up a bit so I took her to the track for the vet to go over her and she basically got the okay to start but it just wasn't worth the risk so we pulled her out.

"I'm a bit worried about missing the run with her but she's such a strong, clean winded bitch. She's struck the easier of the heats it looks and there's only six in it which helps as well.

"Providing she beats two home we'll be in the final and that's really what Friday is about. Even if she ran a place I'd be happy."

Since entering Davidson's kennels, Let's See has had seven starts for three wins and four placings, included in those wins a thumping 42.32 Wentworth Park distance success.

"I got a call from a mate of mine Trent Hedges in August asking if I'd have a go with her if he was to buy her," Davidson recalled.

"Trent had been watching her getting home in 500s and thought she'd make a nice stayer. He bought her off a Taree run so he's got a good eye.

"Her first 600 trial at The Gardens she went 34.48 with a 12.26 run home and you could just tell it was all natural to her. I said to Trent then I thought she could be a Newcastle Cup bitch.

"But the best thing lately has been her improvement in a field. At the start she was very green. Instead of running up the back of them now she's going inside and outside and using her brain – whatever she needs to do really."

Included in the syndicate that races Let's See is Luke Murrell, Director of Melbourne Cup winning horse syndicators, Australian Bloodstock.

“There's a pretty big group of owners in her,” Davidson said.

“And if she keeps improving I think we are going to have plenty of fun with her. After the Newcastle Cup we'll sit down and map out a plan for her and target some of the bigger races.”

Sportsbet has installed Let's See a $2.60 second favourite for Friday's opening Newcastle Cup heat with favouritism held by last year's cup winner Just Terms at $1.85.

A stacked second heat sees group 1 winner Here's Tears a $2.15 favourite from box one for his Ladbrokes Gardens debut ahead of Cawbourne Footrot at $2.70.

Stanley Road is third favourite at $4.60 for his 715 metre debut.

"It's a very strong series," Davidson said.

"It would be a big thrill to win my hometown cup but it's not going to be easy. There's some quality stayers there that's for sure."

Newcastle Cup Honour Roll

2019 – Just Terms
2018 – Poco Dorado
2017 – Zipping Katelyn
2016 – Melissa's Pride
2014 – Dusty Moonshine
2013 – Smart Valentino
2012 – Zsa Zsa
2011 – Zipping Lad
2010 – Dashing Corsair
2009 – Drill ‘Em
2008 – Lilley Criminal
2007 – Miagi
2006 – Royal Riddle