Mick Price is taking a big-picture approach in starting Tarzino’s autumn campaign against the Victoria Derby winner’s own age.
Tarzino is nominated for Saturday’s Group One CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield but Price said the colt would make his return in the Group Two Autumn Stakes over the same distance.
Tarzino
“I thought that this year’s running of the Orr presents as a really good race. A really tough race,” Price said.
“I probably don’t need Tarzino to have an absolute gut buster against the good horses.
“It’s not so much where we start with Tarzino, it’s more that he goes into the Australian Derby at his best.”
Tarzino is scheduled to run in the Group One Australian Guineas second-up at Flemington before heading to Sydney for the Rosehill Guineas and ATC Australian Derby.
“He’s ready to run very well over 1400 (metres) and it gives me three weeks after that into the Australian Guineas,” Price said.
Three Price-trained three-year-olds are set to clash in the Autumn Stakes with Morphettville Guineas winner Celtic Tiger and the talented filly Sailing By also resuming.
The 23 nominations for the Autumn Stakes include the Chris Waller-trained Group One winners Press Statement and Vanbrugh.
But Press Statement will remain in Sydney while a decision will be made on a start for Vanbrugh after the barrier draw.
Sandown Guineas and Magic Millions Guineas winner Mahuta will be chasing his sixth win in a row while the John O’Shea-trained Holler is also among the entries having beaten older horses at weight-for-age in the Australia Stakes.
