El Pescado loving central districts life
GROUP one performer El Pescado is set to make a big impact in the spring after making the switch to Polly Macdonald’s Opaki stable.
The lightly raced seven-year-old made the switch to Macdonald’s base in the central districts last month and the change of environment has had a positive impact.
“He’s doing really well and I think the horse is on track,” the trainer said.
“Sometimes the different scenery can sort a lot of things out.
“He’s very bright and happy in himself. He’s put on some condition and looking great.
“I’m very lucky here in that we can do hill sprints on good ground. It’s big station country and I use a bit of interval training for variety. He has brightened up tremendously since he’s been here.
“He’s a really nice horse to have around, very intelligent and a lovely temperament.”
El Pescado was formerly with Stuart Manning and won five races for the Tauranga trainer and finished runner-up in last season’s Group One Makfi Challenge Stakes, now the Tarzino Trophy.
The September 2 feature is again on the gelding’s programme and he furthered his preparation last week with a winning run over 1200m at the Waverley trials.
“I was very happy with him and, while it wasn’t a strong field, it was a good hit-out for him and he looked happy in his work,” Macdonald said.
The trainer said she already has a race in mind for the horse, but is prepared to take El Pesado to the Tarinzo first up.
“He’ll be nominated for the open 1400m at Tauherenikau this weekend,” she said.
“It’s just down the road, but he doesn’t necessarily have to have a run before the Tarzino.”
El Pescado is also entered for the Group One Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on September 23 and the Group One Livamol Classic a fortnight later. He finished fifth and fourth in those events respectively last year.