Trainer Gavin Bedggood was left puzzled by the first-up showing of Oscar’s Fortune, who failed to fire in his return to racing at Flemington.
The former WA-based galloper ran ninth in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) late last month, a performance that didn’t reflect his strong lead-in work and left Bedggood searching for answers.
Oscar’s Fortune is nominated for two Listed races this Saturday: the Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington and the Railway Stakes (1100m) at Oakbank, as connections look to bounce back from his flat effort.
The talented sprinter had an impressive record in the west, winning five of his first nine outings, and showed Group 1 potential when finishing fifth behind Benedetta in the The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville last May.
After placing second to Bellatrix Star in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) first-up at Caulfield under Dion Luciani’s guidance, he started favourite on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley but faded to finish near the tail.
Transferred to Bedggood’s stable, Oscar’s Fortune was sixth on Oaks Day at Flemington and ninth in the Meteorite at Cranbourne last November before going for a spell.
Following two encouraging jump-outs, expectations were high for his return, but the Flemington run fell short.
“He was below par at Flemington first-up and I’m not sure of the reason why,” Bedggood said.
“He had been very good in his work and his jump-outs leading into it and the only thing I could say was (being on the) rails in run and (getting) cover was probably the place to be on the day and that wasn’t what he received.
“I’m hopeful, rather than confident, that he can bounce back, but off his work at home he would go and win anything.
“Hopefully we can see him return to something like his best.”