Danny O’Brien’s reliable sprinter, It’Sourtime, proved once again why Flemington’s straight six is his happy hunting ground, claiming his fourth black-type victory in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Guided by Billy Egan, It’Sourtime ($4.60) showcased his grit, fending off a late charge from Aztec Ruler ($14) to win by a head. Early frontrunner Joyful Fortune ($5) finished just a long head behind in third, while race favourite Pereille endured a troubled run and was only a length away in fifth.
Assistant trainer James Hicks expressed pride in the seven-year-old gelding, highlighting his consistency and resilience. “The team down at Barwon’s done a great job with him. They just tick him over,” Hicks said. “He’s rock-hard fit, goes out in the paddock during the day, enjoys just being a horse. So he’s a pretty easy horse to deal with and train. Danny does a great job placing him, good team effort from everyone.”
Known for his determination, It’Sourtime delivered yet another gutsy performance. “He always tries hard when it comes to the races. So we know when there’s a dogfight he’ll fight it out for us and put his nose in front,” Hicks added.
Victory in the Standish Handicap secures It’Sourtime a ballot-exempt spot in Flemington’s premier straight-six sprint, the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m). Last year, the gelding missed the start in the Newmarket and finished last, but the team might consider another attempt at the prestigious event.
“It’s Danny’s call. But you get a golden ticket, so it might be worth just having a crack and see if we can win it,” Hicks said.
Jockey Billy Egan praised It’Sourtime for his determination in the closing stages. “I was half getting a little frustrated with him getting on the line because he gave me such a good ride,” Egan said. “He went to a Harry’s horse like a winner and then just the last couple of metres, that horse coming on my outside was starting to worry him out of it. I was like, oh come on, you bastard, there’s like 20 metres to go. Just dig deep for me.”
The tough gelding responded when it mattered most, giving Egan and the team a well-earned victory in a thrilling finish.