Trying to replicate home conditions for Tshahitsi has resulted in a change of scenery for the Tasmanian’s Melbourne campaign.
Tshahitsi runs for the second time following a long lay-off in Saturday’s Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield.
The Chris Crook and Imogen Miller-trained Tshahitsi remained in Victoria after his first-up run at Flemington on July 6 when fifth behind Malibu Style.
On previous visits, Tshahitsi has been stabled with Glenn Thornton, but for his current campaign the gelding is staying at Balnarring with Kevin Corstens.
“He’s not a great traveller and we’ve been using the beach which has been fantastic for him,” Miller said.
“It’s a change from previous trips when we stayed with Glenn Thornton, but he’s since moved to Colac which wasn’t suitable as we like to keep him at the beach as much as possible, like we do at home.
“He’s had a number of issues his whole career so we find the beach really helps.”
Tshahitsi’s first-up run came after a 15-month break from racing.
Miller said Tshahitsi had been progressing well for a shot at last year’s spring carnival until he was laid low by a virus.
“After that we struggled to get him right, couldn’t get him to a place where we were happy with him so we turned him out, gave him a good break, and thankfully he’s come back,” Miller said.
Miller described Tshahitsi as ring-rusty in his return run and believes the gelding is still shy of his peak given his long break, but is happy with his condition ahead of Saturday’s race.
She said Tshahitsi would benefit from the 3kg claim of Teo Nugent who replaces regular rider Brendon McCoull, Miller’s partner.
“We all had a talk and a think about it and thought we needed to take some weight off,” Miller said.
“While Brendon was disappointed, he was very good about it.
“Hopefully he’ll get back on at his next run.”
