The training partnership of Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin are optimistic that a return to racing around a bend will prove advantageous for Betwitchery.
Following a third-place finish first-up down the straight at Flemington last month, Betwitchery is set to compete in the MSC Signs Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield Heath this Saturday.
Betwitchery, a mare with five victories from 19 starts, finished behind Piastri and Royal Insignia at Flemington on July 18, with the ride taken by 3kg claiming apprentice Holly Durnan.
For Saturday’s engagement, the Corstens and Larkin team has enlisted Blake Shinn, who recently resumed riding at Flemington last Saturday after an extended injury absence, marking his return with a riding double.
Shinn was aboard Betwitchery during a 800m jump-out at Flemington on Monday, where the mare finished fifth.
Larkin explained that the purpose of the jump-out was to help Betwitchery shed any excessiveness before her Saturday race.
“She just had a light tick over jump-out on Monday morning,” Larkin said. “She is a horse that can get a bit fresh and keen up on speed and with three weeks between runs, I think it will take a little bit of the edge out of her and keep her nice and fit for the weekend.”
Larkin also noted that the stable was encouraged by Betwitchery’s performance in her initial run down the Flemington straight.
The form from that race appears robust, as the runner-up, Royal Insignia, subsequently secured second place in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington last Saturday.
Betwitchery concluded her previous campaign strongly, winning three of her last four starts, all contested over 1400m.
“I think she’s improved and has come back better which we saw in her first-up run,” Corstens stated. “That was her first time down the straight, so I think getting back around a bend it will be good for her.”
Betwitchery has drawn the widest stall in the 10-horse field, where she will once again face Piastri, who proved superior in their last encounter.
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