Sprinter Houtzen a 10,000 contender

TOP Queensland three-yearold filly Houtzen has been confirmed as a Doomben 10,000 runner, setting up a fascinating three-state tussle in the Group One sprint.

The 2017 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner, Houtzen, who has Far North connections, has raced well in her three-year-old season, winning the Group Three P J Bell Stakes at Randwick and the Group Three Scarborough Stakes at Moonee Valley.

She was far from disgraced in The Everest at Randwick last year when beaten about three lengths into seventh place behind Redzel.

Group One winners Redzel, Impending and In Her Time from NSW, and Victoria’s Jungle Edge and Supido are all expected to chase the 10,000 on May 12.

Impending, last year’s Stradbroke Handicap winner, showed he was on target with his success in Saturday’s Group Two Victory Stakes.

Houtzen has also been nominated for the Group One Robert Sangster at Morphettville on Saturday but trainer Toby Edmond’s son and foreman Trent Edmonds, says she will stay in Queensland.

“Dad has decided it is the ideal race for her as it is 1200 metres around Doomben at weight for age,” Edmonds said.

“She will make it interesting.

“She has pleased us since getting back from Sydney.”

Edmonds is likely to wait until today to decide whether brilliant last-start winning three-year-old Whypeeo joins Houtzen in the 10,000.

Whypeeo is also expected to be nominated for Saturday’s Group Three Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).