Trainer claims Tyzone shapes up for Group 3
BRISBANE trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith has made the bold declaration that North Queensland champion Tyzone is up to Group 3 racing.
Tyzone, trained at Atherton by Roy Chillemi before being transferred to Mayfield-Smith for a Brisbane campaign, was outstanding in its second start away from the Far North, claiming the RBWH Foundation Handicap (1200m) by 2.3 lengths on Saturday.
With a new hoop in the saddle, Glen Colless, the chestnut gelding improved its already sparkling career record to six wins from nine starts and its first at Doomben.
The gelding is raced by a syndicate headed by Tom Hedley, who watched the race on TV from Victoria, and praised the efforts of Colless, who was engaged after Brad Stewart decided to ride Rhyme Nor Rhythm instead of Tyzone.
“Lawrie said to me, he is pretty cool like Roy and has been around a long time, but he said to me the horse, if he can keep growing, he is up to a Group 3 type class,” Hedley said.
“It will be interesting to see how he goes but that is the trainer’s assessment.
“The horse will have to prove itself on the track.”
Before the $193,150 stakes earner does step up to Group racing company, a three-yearold race on the Gold Coast over 1200m in three weeks time or a 1300m event at Eagle Farm in a month awaits.
“We will give him another start there, that is the plan,” Hedley said.
“He may have two more at the most down there, maybe a couple more set weight races in North Queensland then into the Cleveland Bay Handicap.
“He will have maximum four or five starts this prep. He will probably be a better horse next prep. I expect him to improve from a three to a fouryear-old.”