Houtzen returns with a bang

Magic Millions Classic winner Houtzen has tuned up for her first visit to Melbourne with an easy barrier trial win at the Gold Coast.

As expected she went straight to the lead against a field of three other three-year-olds and strolled home by 3-1/2 lengths in 57.8 seconds for the 1000m.

Jeff Lloyd had her under a strong hold for most of the straight but she went through the line well.

The Toby Edmonds-trained filly was having her first public hit-out since her only defeat when fifth behind She Will Reign in the Golden Slipper on a heavy track.

“I was very happy with the trial. It was exactly what we wanted,” Edmonds said.

“She will head to Melbourne and have her first start back in the (Group Two) McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 9.”

Because the McEwen is a weight-for-age race Lloyd will be unable to ride Houtzen at 50kg.

“Craig Williams has agreed to ride her and we will see about jockeys after that race,” Edmonds said.

Both She Will Reign, who trials on Friday, and Houtzen are being aimed at the $10 million Everest at Randwick on October 14.

Watch the trial:

Easy work – Houtzen !!!
Gold Coast trial pic.twitter.com/fbhoWmeOMb

— STEVE HEWLETT 🏇🎣⚓️ (@stevejoseph69) August 20, 2017