Champion sprinter Takeover Target is a step closer to running in the Group One Telegraph Handicap in New Zealand after authorities relaxed quarantine protocols.But trainer Joe Janiak says Takeover Target's place in the 1200-metre race on January 17 depends on the weight the nine-year-old receives.Horses will be allowed to travel quarantine-free between Australia and New Zealand from January 5 under the new Import Health Standard (IHS) introduced by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and For

Champion sprinter Takeover Target is a step closer to running in the Group One Telegraph Handicap in New Zealand after authorities relaxed quarantine protocols.

But trainer Joe Janiak says Takeover Target's place in the 1200-metre race on January 17 depends on the weight the nine-year-old receives.

Horses will be allowed to travel quarantine-free between Australia and New Zealand from January 5 under the new Import Health Standard (IHS) introduced by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) on Tuesday.

"It's great news they've done this with the protocols but what weight they give him is the main thing now," Janiak said.

"When I see the weights I'll make my mind up whether it's worth taking him over and whether it will be the best thing for his campaign.

"We want to get him ready for the TJ Smith then Singapore and England again, so there is a bit to look at.

"The horse boarded a plane in Perth today (Tuesday) and will be in Melbourne this afternoon and he's in great order."

A strong contingent of Australian horses are in the mix for the Telegraph Handicap including Group One winner Typhoon Zed, Captain Bax, Fritz's Princess, Jealous Guy, Turffontein and Quizzical Lady.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's international agent Jack Petley said he was confident most of the Australian horses would take their place in the race.

"I've spoken to Kris Lees (Captain Bax and Fritz's Princess) and Anthony Cummings (Turffontein) and they are keen at this stage and things are looking promising with the others too," Petley said.

"This date change has come earlier than expected and now gives the trainers a chance to set a plan in place to come to New Zealand, so it's great news.

"If any of these Australian horses go over it's going to be huge for New Zealand racing," Petley said.

Petley expects the handicapper to give Takeover Target around 61kg for the Telegraph Handicap and says the horse's appearance in the race will be a huge coup for New Zealand racing.

"This horse commands enormous media coverage and so does Joe and having Takeover Target racing in New Zealand will create enormous interest all over the world," Petley said.

Takeover Target racked up win 19 last start in the Group Three Scahill Stakes in Perth, taking his overall earnings past $5.5 million from 37 starts.

He has won in Japan, Singapore and England as well as Australia.

Equine Influenza arrived in Australia on a flight from Japan in August last year, triggering a chain of events that brought the multi-million dollar racing industry to its knees.

Bungled quarantine procedures allowed rapid spread of the virus through the horse population in NSW and Queensland, and much of Australia's commercial horse sector went into lockdown, along with the trans-Tasman movements.

In a normal year about 3200 horses travel between New Zealand and Australia.

Imports resumed in mid-May this year but horses had to spend three weeks in quarantine in Australia and two weeks in New Zealand.