Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are hoping for a change of fortune as two of their three-year-olds, Nostringsattached and Daggers, face off in Saturday’s K A Morrison Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.

While the stablemates’ clash isn’t ideal, Busuttin believes the race suits both colts. Daggers, who was once earmarked for the Caulfield Guineas, had a challenging spring campaign before being given a break. Since returning, he’s shown improved form, including a second at Flemington in March and a solid run in Adelaide behind The Goodwood winner Reserve Bank.

“Daggers has been racing better horses than these,” Busuttin said.

Nostringsattached also had Guineas aspirations and showed promise, winning the Future Stars at Pakenham. A recent poor performance at Caulfield is being written off by Busuttin, who remains hopeful the colt can bounce back.

“If he turns up, he can bounce back,” he said.