Racing
Winter campaign kicks off at Caulfield
Charterhouse is set to commence his winter campaign at Caulfield.
The travelling days look as though they are over for the Ciaron Maher-trained Chaterhouse.
The imported galloper makes his return in the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday with the gelding expected to remain in Melbourne for the winter.
Having started his career in Ireland before making his way to Maher's yard, Charterhouse raced well at his first campaign in Australia, making it to Group 1 level in the spring of 2023, eventually winning the Cranbourne Cup on wet ground.
In 2024, Charterhouse campaigned in the northern states, with mixed results in Queensland and New South Wales before making his way back to Victoria.
Maher's assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the stable had gone about resetting Charterhouse for his upcoming campaign and were focussing on the Winter Championship Series, in which the gelding ran second in the final at Flemington in 2023.
"He's coming along well, but he's taken time," Turnbull said.
"He had a good break, and we've reset him.
"He trained off a little bit and we just thought he wasn't putting in 100 per cent and everything on race day was suggesting that with what was coming back to us.
"He had a good break, a solid upbringing and he's had plenty of work, so he's not going to lack fitness and it's a good kick-off point to see where he is at mentally.
"Physically we know he is fine, but he needs to show us that he wants to be there.
"We think he will and that's why we're kicking him off here."
Turnbull said Charterhouse's best performance last campaign came in the Country Cup (2000m) at Caulfield last November when second to Torranzino.
The stable thought the 2000m may have been a step beyond him, but it showed Charterhouse's versatility.
"At his best, kept fresh, we think he's a good miler, 1800-metre horse," Turnbull said.
"He will stay in Melbourne this time and be aimed at the Winter Championship.
"That is why we have him back in work now."
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