Hopes Houtzen will peak for Coolmore

STAR filly Houtzen will press on to the $500,000 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes after finishing seventh in The Everest at Randwick on Saturday.

The three-year-old couldn’t match it against the seasoned horses in the world’s richest race, but still did her owners proud after leading from barrier one.

Geelong-based part owner Peter Mullen said Houtzen’s 3.2 length defeat was full of merit.

“Against the seasoned horses (she found it tough). She’s only a baby,” Mullen said.

“I still think we have one hell of a filly.

“She Will Reign sideswiped her (out of the barrier) then she had to use some petrol to get to the front. We thought she was right in the race at the 250m.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest races in the world, you’ve just got to give it time. The atmosphere was huge, it was a massive crowd.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

The Everest was won by Peter and Paul Snowden’s star Redzel, who scored $5.8 million for his connections.

Redzel shared the lead with Houtzen, but kicked away with Kerrin McEvoy on board.

“What a race to win,” McEvoy said. “It is so exciting. It’s such a thrill to be part of it. Such a huge buzz.

“(Redzel) is a little star. I’m so privileged to be riding these horses for Peter and Paul Snowden. They are master horsemen.”

Peter let his son take centre stage with granddaughter Demi needing his attention post race.

“It’s a thrill to win the race,” Peter said. “Our first Golden Slipper was exceptional. I didn’t think I’d ever get that feeling again but today is well past it. But my most important role is grandad.”

Trainer Toby Edmonds will now set Houtzen for the 1200m race down Flemington’s straight six for threeyear-olds.

“She has pulled up enormous. So we will head to the Coolmore on Derby Day,” he said.