Houtzen on trek to Everest

SOME of the world’s best sprinters are racing for starts in the $10 million The Everest at Royal Ascot this week but on the Gold Coast, trainer Toby Edmonds only has to worry about getting flying filly Houtzen right for the world’s richest turf race later this year.

Houtzen is assured of a start in The Everest at Randwick on October 12 as part-owners Aquis Farm bought a slot for their filly.

Edmonds, who has enjoyed a career-best season preparing 77 winners on all tracks for stable earnings of more than $3.6 million, is already planning the path Houtzen will climb towards The Everest.

“We will kick off in Melbourne in early September and have two or three runs into The Everest,’’ Edmonds said.

“I’m not sure if we will stick to three-year-old races or have a go at the Moir Stakes – we will make that decision later – before bringing her back to Sydney.’’

Houtzen has won four of her five starts including the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on her home track in January, earning nearly $1.5 million prizemoney.

Her only defeat came at her final race of the season in the Golden Slipper when the filly struggled in the heavy conditions to run fifth behind She Will Reign.

“She had 10 weeks out,’’ Edmonds said. “She is back in work now and looks great.’’

Houtzen, She Will Reign and champion sprinter Chautauqua are the only confirmed starters for The Everest.

But this could change later tonight when England’s famous Royal Ascot carnival begins with the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m).

America’s brilliant filly Lady Aurelia is the $4 favourite to win the King’s Stand Stakes and then possibly clinch a start in The Everest.

There are at least two Everest slot owners including the Australian Turf Club keen to entice Lady Aurelia’s trainer Wesley Ward to bring the filly to Sydney for the big race.

Lady Aurelia is on the fourth line of Everest betting at $15 alongside Houtzen. Chautauqua is the $4.60 favourite.