As Turnitaround enjoys a well-earned break after a successful campaign, trainer Matthew Williams hopes another member of the family can now make her mark in town.
Five-year-old Turnitaround won four of his six starts in his latest preparation including three in the city, and is having a month’s rest after failing at Moonee Valley last Saturday.
His three-year-old half-sister Lady Selkirk, the winner of two of her eight starts, will chase her first city win on Saturday in the Western Otway Handicap (1600m) at Flemington after striking trouble in the straight in her first city appearance at the same track last Saturday week.
“She was very unlucky last start,” Williams said.
“She fell on her nose at about the 300 metre mark but she picked herself up and kept finding the line. We were pretty happy with her run and it showed us she’s up to that class.”
Lady Selkirk’s rider Beau Mertens was suspended for angling her into a position where there was insufficient room near the 350m.
The Hawkes Racing-trained Euro Angel is also in Saturday’s field and has barrier 17.
“Euro Angel looks pretty smart but will need a bit of luck from that gate,” Williams said.
“We’ve also nominated Lady Selkirk for a race at Sandown next Wednesday but at this stage we’re leaning to running on Saturday and then having a crack at the Rivette Series Final.”
Williams believes Lady Selkirk is on the way up and, like Turnitaround, will keep improving with time.
“I reckon she goes as good as him,” he said.
“He showed similar glimpses of ability at the same stage but probably took another preparation to really hit his straps.
“I think she’s going to be a better filly again in 12 months, but she’s going pretty well.”
Lady Selkirk is one of two runners for Williams at the Flemington meeting with Artie’s Shore contesting the $100,000 David Bourke Provincial Plate (1600m) with Damien Oliver booked to ride.
Williams says Artie’s Shore has come through his unplaced Swan Hill Cup run well and can make his presence felt at Flemington.
