Trainer Mick Price has been understandably thrilled with the form and class displayed by Tarzino this season but concedes the colt faces a tough task in Saturday’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), in what will be the colt’s first interstate trip.
Tarzino (outside) is primed for a big performance in Saturday’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. Photo: Steve Hart
The standout performer for Price through the recent Spring Carnival, Tarzino returned this time for an impressive fourth in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on February 13th before producing an impressive turn of foot to finish an agonizingly-close second to Pablentino in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) a fortnight ago.
Yet to contest a race in the opposite way of going, Price told AAP he wanted to keep the son of Tavistock in Victoria to contest the Australian Guineas for stud-related reasons, but is confident he will have no issue immediately adapting to the Sydney conditions in the 2016 Rosehill Guineas.
“I wanted to run him in the Australian Guineas because if he had won that race, it’s the same race that Zabeel won, True Version won, and it gets him a home at stud,” Price said.
“I know O’Reilly and Darci Brahma ran second in it and are successful stallions, but it’s not quite the same.
“He galloped the reverse way on Saturday morning with (stablemate) Top Ravine and he was good in his work.
“He’ll go up Wednesday night but I’m just not sure what I’m going to do on Tuesday with him.”
Tarzino has been a strong and consistent performer through his entire racing career so far; posting a commendable three wins and as many minors through only eight competitive starts.
Debuting in July for third in the Racing.com Maiden Plate (1380m) at Pakenham, Tarzino returned in late August for success in the Slick Pix Maiden Plate (1400m) before repeating the dose in the Cove Hotel Handicap (1600m) on September 19th.
Making a credible transition to black type company for seventh in the featured Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), Tarzino clearly relished a continued step up in distance when third in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) before posting a dominant win in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2400m) on October 31st.
The 2016 Rosehill Guineas field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
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