Trainer Jim Conlan is planning to get a flying start to the New Year with a first-up assault on the Group Three Standish Handicap with talented sprinter Huxssen.The five-year-old has promised much in his career and Conlan is determined for him to realise his potential in 2011, beginning with the 1200m feature on January 1.Huxssen has been given his chances in the better races but his best of five wins in 19 starts was the Listed Hareeba Stakes at Mornington when first-up last February.He ran in

Trainer Jim Conlan is planning to get a flying start to the New Year with a first-up assault on the Group Three Standish Handicap with talented sprinter Huxssen.

The five-year-old has promised much in his career and Conlan is determined for him to realise his potential in 2011, beginning with the 1200m feature on January 1.

Huxssen has been given his chances in the better races but his best of five wins in 19 starts was the Listed Hareeba Stakes at Mornington when first-up last February.

He ran in the Group Two Bill Stutt Stakes at his third start, the Group One Australian Guineas at his seventh and Group One Goodwood at his ninth but without success.

He also ran in the 2010 Goodwood where he finished fifth and Conlan believes the Standish is the right springboard for his next campaign.

"He hasn't had that much experience up the straight at Flemington but you would think the way he races it would suit him ideally so the Standish is what we are aiming for," Conlan said.

Huxssen made his first public appearance since June when he finished fourth in an 800-metre barrier trial at Werribee on Friday.

Ridden by Mark Zahra he was a conspicuous last to the home turn but made up many lengths in the straight despite carrying a pot belly.

"It was all I wanted him to do in the trial," Conlan said.

"He has had two soft gallops and is 20 kilos overweight so he has a bit to come."

Conlan said Huxssen pleased him with the way picked up under his own steam in the trial which was won by Barwon Express.

Huxssen finished seventh in the 2009 Group Two Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at his only attempt at the Flemington straight course.

He was spelled after he finished well back in the field in both the Group Three BRC Sprint (1350m) and Listed Lightning (1000m) at the Brisbane winter carnival.

"He hasn't won for a while and I would like to see him get back," Conlan said.

"The way he races he always needs that bit of luck as he gets back, but he is a beautiful horse and lovely horse to have around the stable."

The Standish would be Huxssen's first run for Conlan who took control of most of Jonathon Munz's racing team from Rodney Douglas about three months ago.