The Mark Walker stable has opted for a softer first-up assignment for It’s Business Time as the New Zealand mare makes her long-awaited return to the racetrack.

Although she was also entered for the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Sandown on Saturday, It’s Business Time will instead run in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) and bypass a showdown with stablemate Quintessa.

Walker’s assistant trainer in Melbourne, Ben Gleeson, explained that the decision was made based on the mares’ current ratings and because It’s Business Time hasn’t raced in 14 months.

It’s Business Time traveled to Melbourne last spring, but a series of minor issues prevented her from starting. “She had an eye issue that came out of nowhere,” Gleeson said. “She hasn’t had a lot of luck since being here, but her owners have been patient, especially as she was up and winning a few jump-outs and showing that she would have been a spring contender.”

Gleeson added that It’s Business Time has now had three jump-outs, winning two impressively, but a win first-up carrying 60 kilos after such a long break would be a big ask. “It will be a big effort if she can win first-up, 60 kilos, off a 14-month break. She can run a good race, but I think she will be better when she gets to 1400 metres and a mile.”

It’s Business Time has won six of her 10 starts, along with three minor placings. Gleeson noted that the move to Melbourne is part of the plan to take her to the next level. “She came over Stakes placed in New Zealand, and it was all about making that step up over here,” he said. “If she can run a big race, it will open her up to the Mannerism Stakes and those mares’ races over 1400 metres to a mile over the autumn.”

Gleeson is also eager for the return of Quintessa in the Bellmaine Stakes and hopes she can continue her impressive first-up record. Quintessa won the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield first-up last campaign.

“She’s built up really well and has followed a similar path to last preparation when she won first-up, which a lot of people didn’t expect,” Gleeson said. “First-up she’s had four starts, won three and run second once, and at 1200 metres, she’s had four runs and run second. She’s got very good credentials, but she’s probably going to be ignored in the market because of her big weight.”