Houtzen on target for Arrowfield, Everest

GLYN Schofield reckons an invigorated Houtzen can strengthen her claims for another shot at The Everest through the Group Two Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick.

The Gold Coast-trained and Far North Queensland-owned filly ran as the Aquis Farm representative in last October’s inaugural $10 million sprint.

Trainer Toby Edmonds brought Houtzen to Sydney for the Listed Fireball Stakes (1100m) last month when she ran third as the $2.90 favourite behind I Am Excited.

She maintained her perfect second-up record when Schofield guided her to a dogged victory in the Group Three P J Bell Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last Saturday.

In a tight finish, Houtzen got home by a short neck from Manicure and Demerara.

“She’s bounced back to top form and clearly she’s come out of the race well,” Schofield said.

Although the $13 million Everest is months away, Schofield thinks Houtzen is well placed to stake her claim again.

“If she wins on Saturday, maybe,” he said. “There’s a lot to like about the way she fought in the P J Bell.”

Schofield agreed favourite Viridine would be hard to beat.

“Although he hasn’t won a Group One, when he gets it all together he’s a smart horse,” he said.

Godolphin trainer James Cummings is encouraged by Viridine’s work as he returns to racing after a third in the Group One Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on March 24.