The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott team are looking to shake things up with Shamarkand, applying key gear changes ahead of his Flemington test.
Set to contest Saturday’s Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m), the imported gelding will wear blinkers and a tongue tie for the first time in a bid to spark improvement.
Shamarkand is having his third run in Australia after being secured from The Arc Sale in France last year for €170,000 (approximately $300,000).
He brought with him a solid record, including three French wins—one at Listed level at Vichy—and a Group 3 placing at Longchamp.
His final start in Europe saw him finish at the rear in the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay behind Illinois, who recently finished second in the Ascot Gold Cup.
Since arriving in Australia, Shamarkand has struggled to recapture that form, most recently finishing sixth over 2600m at Flemington on July 5.
“We’ve put the blinkers on in a bid to sharpen him up a bit,” Bott said.
“He’s still adapting to the conditions over here and he’s been a bit one-paced this preparation.”
Bott noted that this campaign is primarily about acclimatising the gelding to local racing conditions and style.
“I thought there was some nice improvement there second-up and we thought the blinkers may help, but he may still be a preparation away from really seeing the form he has shown previously,” Bott said.
“We would like to see some improvement from him on Saturday but it’s all stepping stones for next campaign and getting him acclimatised.”
Jett Stanley retains the ride on Shamarkand this weekend.
Punters interested in backing Shamarkand can find top bookmakers for Saturday’s Flemington meeting here.