Exciting staying colt Tarzino fulfilled his potential in spectacular fashion when powering to a dominant two length win in the Group I VRC Victoria Derby at Flemington on Saturday. Prepared by Mick Price and ridden by Craig Newitt, Tarzino was sent out favourite for the Derby following good recent runs in the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas and Group II MVRC Dilmah Vase. Ridden in every start he’s had by Newitt, the talented son of Tavistock finally joined all the dots for this commanding performance, travelling midfield before surging to the front when it counted. He relished the 2500 metres, proving too good for Godolphin entry Etymology and WA raider Kia Ora Koutou. “He just travelled for me all the way,” said a relieved Newitt, who took just the one ride for the day. “I was counting to ten at the top of the straight and when I went for him, he found for me.” A $60,000 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale purchase for his trainer from the Yarraman Park draft, Tarzino was bred by Sir Patrick Hogan’s Cambridge Stud and fetched $45,000 at the NZB Select Yearling Sale in New Zealand before heading to Australia. He was originally bought in New Zealand by part-owner and well known vet Chris Lawler on behalf of his client Jason Jurie, who subsequently passed away resulting in the horse being re-offered for sale. He now runs for a big group of very happy owners including Mr Jurie’s widow, Melissa. With three wins and two placings from six starts, Tarzino has already won $1million in prizemoney and his trainer Mick Price believes the best is to come. “I think he’s going to make a 2000 metre weight-for-age horse in the autumn,” Price said. “As a four-year-old he’ll be fantastic. “I was a little bit nervous when he pulled for the first half mile, but Craig was very confident. “At the top of the straight he looked like he was going to hit the front too early but he was just too strong. “Everyone around him was off the bridle at the turn and the horse did a good job as he’s a bit of a stargazer.” Price was winning the Derby for the first time and described it as a career highlight. “Absolutely, this is a massive race to win,” Price said. Tarzino is the first winner for well-bred Zabeel mare Zarzino, a sister to Group II winner Respect and half-sister to Group I winner Kindacross from the family of triple Group I winner Sky Chase.
