Artzino set for Caulfield test

[Wandering Eyes]

Co-trainer Mick Price believes his Kiwi-bred charge Artzino (NZ) (Tarzino) will benefit from further experience when contesting his second start over 2000m on Saturday, lining up in the Caulfield Handicap (2000m) for three-year-old’s at the Melbourne course.

A son Westbury Stud stallion Tarzino, Artzino has faced poor draws and luckless runs in recent starts for Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr., however, Price is confident the gelding will see out the 10-furlong distance if he can settle well in the running.

“You’ve got to draw a gate in those 2000m races and put him to sleep, he’s still learning that horse,” Price told Racing.com.

In his most recent start, Artzino finished fifth following a three-wide trip near the tail of the field from a wide gate under expat-Kiwi apprentice Wiremu Pinn, and the three-year-old will again be forced to jump well from barrier 10 when paired with Victorian hoop Beau Mertens this Saturday.

Fellow New Zealand-bred stablemate Upwoods (NZ) (Redwood) will join Artzino in the three-year-old handicap race and will benefit from Celine Gaudray’s two-kilo claim, bringing his race weight down to 52kg.

Upwoods has recorded two seconds and two thirds in his four race-day appearances, all of which were on heavy or soft ground which is likely to be the case at Caulfield on Saturday, which was rated a Soft6 on Thursday.

Upwoods will also have the favourable draw over stablemate and current race favourite Artzino, jumping from barrier 5.

“Celine rode him this morning and I thought he worked excellent. I reckon he’ll show up Upwoods, he’s still learning, big, raw Kiwi horse but it’ll be interesting,” Price said.

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