Barwon Heads pit-stop for Verstappen

Impressive debut winner Verstappen is being freshened ahead of a possible return later in the spring carnival.

Trainer Danny O'Brien reports the Stratum colt is currently spending time at his Barwon Heads property.

O'Brien will shortly determine whether Verstappen will then be prepared for some feature three-year-old sprint races during October and November.

Verstappen won his 1200m Racing.com Park Synthetic maiden by 4.25 lengths on August 5 before finishing fifth when having his second start in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on August 20.

"Things didn't really go to plan for him last start," O'Brien said.

"He ran below par and pulled up lame but he didn't have a run in the race which was going to make him the winner - he was on-speed three deep from the turn."

Verstappen was nominated for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) but isn't expected to be among first acceptances for that $1 million race after Monday's midday deadline.

By Carl Di Iorio, to view full Racing.com story click here

Pic by Racing Photos