Connections of flying sprinter Tarzan want only one thing and that is a good barrier for the gelding at Doomben.
Tarzan is set to take on star mare Houtzen in Saturday’s Listed Bribie Handicap (1050m).
The gelding’s best form is at the Sunshine Coast where his seven wins on the track include the Listed Queensland Lightning.
But he has also won four races at Doomben where he can be hard to run down.
At his first run back from a spell two weeks ago Tarzan led for most of the race from a wide barrier before being collared by Irish Constabulary who is among the 14 entries for the Bribie.
Part-owner David Dawson explained the key to Tarzan winning races was drawing well, especially against good quality fields.
“He doesn’t jump brilliantly but gathers speed quickly. If he is well drawn he can drive through and get to the lead easily but if he is wide often he has to be ridden hard early,” Dawson said.
Tarzan is likely to push on to a Magic Millions Sprint race at the Gold Coast on January 12.
Trainer Toby Edmonds was pleased with the way Houtzen trialled at Doomben last week.
The 2017 Magic Millions Classic winner dropped out to last but ran on solidly to finish just behind the placegetters.
It was against her usual pattern of being up on the pace in her races.
“We didn’t want to take the edge off her with a hard trial,” Edmonds said.
Edmonds was in great form on Saturday combining with apprentice Jackson Murphy for a double with Lulu Express and Cadogan.
“Jackson is really coming into his own and his three kilo-claim is invaluable,” Edmonds said.
