IT'SOURTIME TURNS AROUND FORTUNES

Danny O’Brien celebrated his 54th birthday in style when the luckless It’sourtime ran clear to score a decisive first stakes success in the listed Straight Six at Flemington on Saturday.

It’sourtime ($4.80), who was a late scratching from Warrnambool’s Wangoom Handicap last week after losing a glue-on shoe, had been runner-up at six of his last 10 starts since his most recent win in November 2021.

“He loves the straight and he’s probably overdue,” O’Brien conceded after his gelding had outgunned the favourite D’jumbuck ($2.35) late to score.

“He’s had a heap of seconds over the last 18 months in similar style races. He got a lovely steer from Michael (Dee) and deserved the win.”

O’Brien said the bad luck suffered at Warrnambool when he had to put the horse back in the float and return to Melbourne after he was a late scratching, turned around for the five-year-old on Saturday.

“There was always this race as a back-up, so unfortunately, we had no luck in the Wangoom, but having this race 10 days later was no disadvantage,” O’Brien said.

“I would say he might stay for something like that or potentially have a look at something up north (Queensland). It’s just good to see him back on the winner’s list; it’s been a while.”

Dee said he was aware the horse had some problems winning his races.

“I just wanted to ensure he was kept relaxed pre-race, so he was good in the barriers and was able to jump clean and then we were able to get into a nice spot, a little bit closer than had been in the past and showed a good gallop to the line.”

By Andrew Eddy, for Racing.com

Pic by Racing Photos