A dominant winner of the Group I VRC Victoria Derby in the spring, high class Tavistock colt Tarzino looks to have the Australian Derby at his mercy following a resounding win in the Group I ATC Rosehill Guineas on Saturday. The Mick Price trained colt was considered unlucky when finishing second in the Group I VRC Australian Guineas two weeks ago at Flemington, but made amends with this commanding performance. He travelled well for Craig Newitt in the run and produced a barnstorming finish to win the 2000 metre contest running away with Montaigne finishing second ahead of VRC Oaks winner Jameka in third place. “He’ll only improve off that – he’s and out and out stayer with a turn of foot and is fast becoming one of the best horses I’ve ridden,” Newitt said. 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 four wins and three placings from nine starts, Tarzino has already won over $1.5 million in prizemoney. “He’s a really, really good staying colt,” Price said. “I thought today might have been a bit of a bogey day for him, first time in Sydney. “We’ve had plenty of practice at Caulfield, working the reverse way, but I think he’ll improve from today and he’s the one to beat going into the ATC Derby. 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.
