Easy for Houtzen with Everest decision pending

Darryl Sherer - Friday September 29

Houtzen registered an easy win in Friday night's Group III Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley but a decision is yet to made on a start in The Everest.

Advertisement
Houtzen was untroubled towards the finish of the Scarborough Stakes. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Having finished a creditable third against older horses first-up in the Group II McEwen Stakes on September 9, Houtzen was able to dominate back against three-year-old fillies.

Ridden for 200m to hold the lead, Jeff Lloyd had an easy sit aboard Houtzen who set a solid tempo.

Clear around the home turn, Houtzen ($1.35) was untroubled in the run to the line to defeat Mintha ($31) by a length with True Excelsior ($21) a head away third in 1:10.75.

Trainer Toby Edmonds said he was satisfied with the performance.

"She hasn't won by a big margin but that's not that her style," Edmonds said. "It's been three weeks between runs for her so she'll improve a lot off that.

"Jeff was keen to be aggressive from the barrier and make his intentions known to get some cheap sectionals and she's strong enough to be able to hold on."

Edmonds said he expects a decision on a start in the $10m The Everest will be made on Monday.

"The Everest has always been her grand final so we've left a little bit in the tank," Edmonds said.

"We'll sit down and think about it (Everest), we're not going to make a decision tonight. We'll have the conversation with Aquis (part-owners) who have the slot - the best part about it is they're conscious the horse comes first.

"If we don't go to The Everest we'll stay in Melbourne against three-year-olds.

"If I want to run in The Everest we'll run but we'll probably make the call on Monday."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 23
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
One To Watch – Belmont
We look far and wide to highlight Breednet’s ‘One To Watch’ and today’s winner of the first race at Belmont, 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, won in the manner of a horse with a nice future and in the process shone a spotlight on her sire who recorded his ninth winner so far this month.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 MVRC Cox Plate
An emotional week in Australasian racing approaches its crescendo as we count down to the final Cox Plate before a radical new era in its history begins and we mourn the passing of one of its greatest champions.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
One to Watch – Mornington
In Cox Plate week it only seems fitting that the 2013 winner Shamus Award would give us a ‘One to Watch’ at Mornington on Thursday.