Houtzen will resume in the Group Two McEwen Stakes
Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds is heading to Melbourne to supervise the final stages of star filly Houtzen’s first-up run.
Houtzen will resume in the Group Two McEwen Stakes (1000m) which will be her first attempt at weight-for-age racing.
The Magic Millions Classic winner on her home track in January, Houtzen hasn’t started since finishing fifth on a heavy Rosehill track in the Golden Slipper in March, her only defeat from five starts.
She has had a trial which she won easily in good time and headed to Melbourne on Thursday.
Edmonds said Houtzen was near where he wanted her in the build-up to The Everest at Randwick on October 14.
“She arrived safely in Melbourne and has settled in well. I will work her at Moonee Valley on Tuesday and then it is into the McEwen Stakes on that track on Saturday,” Edmonds said.
“It is important for her to get a look at the track before starting there. Over the years a few horses having their first go at The Valley haven’t handled it.”
Houtzen will carry 50kg in the McEwen and is expected to be in the leading group from the jump.
“I think she will give them something to chase and with the light weight she will be hard to run down,”Edmonds said.
Premier Melbourne jockey Craig Williams will ride Houtzen in the Moonee Valley gallop on Tuesday ahead of the McEwen but an Everest rider is yet to be decided.
Houtzen is guaranteed a spot in the $10 million Everest at Randwick where she will run for slot-holder Aquis Farm.
