Injury prone Tasmanian galloper Geejayhaitch returns to Sandown for the first time since breaking down after a win there in August.
Trainer Walter McShane said the seven-year-old was found to have fractured one of his pasterns he won over 3100 metres on a heavy 10 track at Sandown.
It was the second time Geejayhaitch had pulled up lame after winning at Sandown.
In July 2007, the gelding fractured the cannon bones in both front legs during a 2400m win.
But after an operation in which three screws were inserted in one leg and two in the other, he was able to resume racing 14 months later and has won three races since.
“He seems very sound so far. He’s had a trial and three runs to condition him and now he’s over here for some proper work,” said McShane who uses a water treadmill and a galloping treadmill to prepare his horses.
“I’ve tried to have him ready so I can give him a longer campaign than usual in Melbourne which normally amounts to two runs but this time I’m aiming at a bit more.
“He seems to be a bit stronger now as he gets older and I’m hoping he can regain his best form because he’ll need it.
“He needs the soft track these days and that’s what we’re here for. He doesn’t sprint on any going but heavy.”
Darren Gauci will ride Geejayhaitch in The Cove Hotel Hcp (2100m) and the heavy 9 going will be to his liking.
McShane has two horses stabled at Caulfield with Robert Smerdon, the other being Norsqui who won over 2400m on a heavy 10 track at Sandown last Wednesday which was his first start in Melbourne.
Gauci rode him in that race and will ride him in Saturday’s Listed $200,000 Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington.
Norsqui has won three of his past four starts and Gauci has been aboard for all three of those wins.
“He might be a little bit above his class but we have to give him the chance to see what he can do over the 3200 metres,” McShane said.
“The 2400 was hardly long enough for him and Darren reckons he can run the 3200 so we’re going to give it a good try.
“He took him around Caulfield this morning. We don’t do much track work with him. He’s a pretty light horse and not a great eater so we don’t do too much work with him.
“He’s a natural stayer.”
Both Geejayhaitch and Norsqui are by Matsqui who is now 19 years old.
“Matsqui stands in the paddock in front of my house,” said McShane who is based at Broadmarsh.
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