Tshahitsi wins 2017 Vrc-Crv Winter C’ship Final Listed $150,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1600m.

Former Tasmanian-trained and Listed stakes winner there, Tshahitsi has thrived since transferring to Victoria, taking his record to 11 wins from 24 starts; three wins in his last four starts. Under jockey Brendon McCoull, he jumped well from the outside draw (12) to be a handy third yet three wide when they settled. He held his position around the bend and into the straight, challenged for the lead inside the 400m and took over narrowly at the 300m. From there he was challenged on the inner and outer but refused to give in, holding on gamely by a neck at the post.

Amovatio settled second last (one out) past the 800m, moved out near the last corner but did not see daylight until the 200m then ran on well but a little late for a good second.

Sovereign Nation was last turning in (rails) but had a lovely clear run, ran up to second then faded slightly to be not far away in third. In a good line up for fourth, Loyalty Man flew from the pack late when it was all over.