One of the confirmed runners in Randwick's inaugural $10 million The Everest (1200m) scorched through a Gold Coast barrier trial on Monday.
Ridden by Jeff Lloyd, the Toby Edmonds-trained Houtzen led throughout to win the 1000m trial by 3-1/2 lengths in a time of 57.82 seconds on the good 4 course proper.
Easy work - Houtzen !!!
— STEVE HEWLETT 🏇🎣⚓️ (@stevejoseph69) 20 August 2017
Gold Coast trial pic.twitter.com/fbhoWmeOMb
"The competition wasn't very strong but she was sharp and ran quick time," Edmonds said.
"Jeff was very happy with how she went and she had a good blow afterwards, as she usually does."
The three-year-old daughter of I Am Invincible won her first four starts, including the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, before suffering her first and only defeat in the Golden Slipper when a fading fifth behind She Will Reign.
Edmonds is planning to resume Houtzen in the Group II McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 9.
Under weight-for-age conditions she will carry only 50kg, with Craig Williams booked to ride.
A second-up run in the September 29 Group I Moir Stakes (1000m) is an option with The Everest an anticipated third-up target.
Whilst regular hoop Lloyd is keen to make the 51kg for The Everest, a final decision on who partners Houtzen in the $10 million sprint will be made by connections closer to the race.
Houtzen, representing slot holder Aquis Farm in The Everest, is priced at $15 with Sportsbet for the October 14 contest.