Tarzino too good in Victoria Derby

Tarzino (NZ) has emerged as a potential weight-for-age star of Australian racing following a dominant victory in the G1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.

“You will see him in the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup next year,” trainer Mick Price said.  “I think he’s going to be a top class weight-for-age horse.  The future looks very exciting.”

Tarzino (3c Tavistock – Zarzino by Zabeel) had won a Ballarat maiden in August and doubled up at Caulfield before a quick-closing third in the G2 Moonee Valley Vase last week.  He started the $2.90 favourite in the classic and the result was never in doubt when Craig Newitt sooled him to a two length lead in the straight.

“It’s a great sense of relief,” Price noted.  “It’s a nice problem to have the favourite but they’ve still got to go out there and win.”

Tarzino is a son of Cambridge Stud sire Tavistock (Montjeu) and was bred by Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan.  He was purchased for $60,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions National yearling sale and the Caulfield trainer has a share in the colt as does his wife Caroline.

“He’s just an outstanding stayer,” Newitt said.  “He’s got class written all over him.”

Tarzino is the first winner from four named foals for his dam Zarzino.  She is a sister to G2 Perth Cup winner Respect and hails from the family of Group 1 champion Sky Chase.