McEwen pair get a look at Moonee Valley
The McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley will see potential Everest contenders put their credentials on the line.
Saturday’s Group Two 1000m race has attracted eight nominations with Houtzen already a starter in next month’s $10 million The Everest at Randwick.
Co-trainer Paul Snowden said he and his father Peter are eyeing two berths in The Everest, Redzel and Saturday’s McEwen nomination Russian Revolution.
Redzel did his claims of an Everest berth no harm defeating Spieth in the Concorde Stakes first-up at Randwick last Saturday.
Snowden said taking on Houtzen, who runs for Aquis Farm in The Everest, would give other slot holders an idea of where Russian Revolution sits in the pecking order.
“That’s how we attacked with Redzel in Sydney,” Snowden said.
“He was going to be judged on that run and I believe on Saturday Russian Revolution against the filly will be looked upon that way as well.
“You make your intentions felt that you think the horse is good enough and deserves to run, but the horse has to be going well to be suggested as running, let alone winning.”
Russian Revolution and Houtzen, the only two interstate nominations in the McEwen Stakes, galloped at Moonee Valley on Tuesday.
Importantly Russian Revolution tracked around Moonee Valley on his right lead leg.
“We basically brought him here to give him a look around,” Snowden said.
“It’s a unique track. Everyone is on top of you.”
Houtzen’s trainer Toby Edmonds said he’s not too worried what happens on Saturday, looking more towards her second and third-up performances.
Following Saturday Houtzen will contest either the Group One Moir Stakes (1000m) or the Group Three Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 29.
“If she wins, she wins but it’s not the be all and end all,” Edmonds said.
“She’s being set for The Everest and I’m comfortable where she is now.
“It would be great for her to win, don’t get me wrong, but second-up and third-up are more important.”