Danny O'Brien and Michael Dee have combined to kick off the new racing season with a bang, as It'sourtime produced his brilliant best to take out the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.
Michael Dee was legged aboard for just second time on the son of Time For War, heading back toward the rear of the field; although, ultimately drawing the favorable grandstand side of the course.
It proved to be a winning move from the star jockey, with plenty of speed taking It'sourtime into the race, able to show his electric turn-of-foot after peeling off the backs of some tiring on-speed gallopers.
Runner-up Umgawa ($34) had shown some indifferent form heading into Saturday, but was able to find second place, while the trifecta spot went the way of Chassis ($21) who also seemed to relish the hot tempo engaged.
It's no surprise the wider drawn horse in barriers eight, nine and 10 saw the most benefit, while some other horses may be forgiven for finding the inferior ground.
It was all honors to the winner however.
2023 Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap Replay – It'sourtime
Trainer Danny O'Brien spoke post-race about the future of It'sourtime, with a possible trip to Sydney on the horizon.
“He was in a little bit of a difficult spot, last at the 250m,” said, O'Brien.
“But he really let down with a solid turn-of-foot there today and it's a credit to the whole team – He seems to be improving which is always difficult to do.
“We were looking at going up there (Sydney) in a fortnight for the Show County. It's another similar style of race, 1200m Group 3 Handicap and give him a look up there to see how he handles right-handed.
“There's a lot of options in Sydney over the spring for sprinters.”
Jockey Michael Dee has now had back-to-back wins on it'sourtime and brought up his second win in the Group 3 feature.
“I actually got a bit further back than I would've liked,” said Dee.
“But the horse has been going extremely well this prep and he's ultra-consistent. You've got to put that down to Danny O'Brien and his team.
“Obviously done an amazing job to keep him up at this level and going so well.
“I just had to make him work to get to the outside, and he was pretty soft on the line.”