After a 14-month absence from the racetrack, It’s Business Time (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) is ready for her return.
The Mark Walker stable has decided on a softer first-up for It’s Business Time when the New Zealand mare makes her long awaited racetrack return.
Having also been entered for the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) on Saturday’s Sandown card, It’s Business Time will instead run in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) and bypass a meeting with stablemate Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award).
Walker’s assistant-trainer in Melbourne, Ben Gleeson, said the decision was based on where the mares are at ratings wise while also noting It’s Business Time had not raced in 14 months.
It’s Business Time came to Melbourne to compete last spring, but a number of niggling issues stopped her from starting.
“She had an eye issue that come 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 a jump-outs and showing that she would have been a spring contender.
“She’s been off a long time now, hence she’s had three jump-outs. She’s won two of them impressively, but 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, with three minor placings, and Gleeson said the move to Melbourne was about taking the next step.
“She came over Stakes placed in New Zealand, and it was all about making that step up over here,” Gleeson 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 looking forward to the return of Quintessa in the Bellmaine Stakes and hopes she can continue her excellent 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.”
