Gavin Bedggood was left searching for answers following Oscar’s Fortune’s lacklustre return in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.

The ex-Perth galloper, who had shown good promise since making the move east, finished ninth in his first-up run, a result that didn’t match the trainer’s expectations after strong work at home.

Oscar’s Fortune is entered for two stakes races this Saturday — the Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington and the Railway Stakes (1100m) at Oakbank — as connections look for a quick turnaround in form.

The gelding made an impression during his early days in Perth, winning five of his first nine starts, and held his own when fifth in last year’s Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.

Oscar’s Fortune resumed in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield under former trainer Dion Luciani and finished runner-up to Bellatrix Star before starting favourite on Cox Plate Day, where he disappointed with a second-last result.

Since moving to Bedggood’s care, the gelding has delivered mixed performances — sixth on Oaks Day and ninth in the Meteorite at Cranbourne — before heading to the paddock for a break.

Despite two promising jump-outs, Oscar’s Fortune underperformed first-up, leaving Bedggood scratching his head.

“He was below par at Flemington first-up and I’m not sure of the reason why,” Bedggood said.

“He had been very good in his work and his jump-outs leading into it and the only thing I could say was (being on the) rails in run and (getting) cover was probably the place to be on the day and that wasn’t what he received.

“I’m hopeful, rather than confident, that he can bounce back, but off his work at home he would go and win anything.

“Hopefully we can see him return to something like his best.”