Houtzen registered an easy win in Friday night's Group III Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley but a decision is yet to made on a start in The Everest.
Having finished a creditable third against older horses first-up in the Group II McEwen Stakes on September 9, Houtzen was able to dominate back against three-year-old fillies.
Ridden for 200m to hold the lead, Jeff Lloyd had an easy sit aboard Houtzen who set a solid tempo.
Clear around the home turn, Houtzen ($1.35) was untroubled in the run to the line to defeat Mintha ($31) by a length with True Excelsior ($21) a head away third in 1:10.75.
Trainer Toby Edmonds said he was satisfied with the performance.
"She hasn't won by a big margin but that's not that her style," Edmonds said. "It's been three weeks between runs for her so she'll improve a lot off that.
"Jeff was keen to be aggressive from the barrier and make his intentions known to get some cheap sectionals and she's strong enough to be able to hold on."
Edmonds said he expects a decision on a start in the $10m The Everest will be made on Monday.
"The Everest has always been her grand final so we've left a little bit in the tank," Edmonds said.
"We'll sit down and think about it (Everest), we're not going to make a decision tonight. We'll have the conversation with Aquis (part-owners) who have the slot - the best part about it is they're conscious the horse comes first.
"If we don't go to The Everest we'll stay in Melbourne against three-year-olds.
"If I want to run in The Everest we'll run but we'll probably make the call on Monday."
