Life in the central districts is agreeing with Group One performer El Pescado.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old joined Polly Macdonald’s Opaki stable last month and, as often is the case, the change of environment has had a positive impact.

“He’s doing really well and I think the horse is on track,” Macdonald 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 Gr.1 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.

“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 Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on September 23 and the Gr.1 Livamol Classic a fortnight later. He finished fifth and fourth in those events respectively last year.