Von Tunzelman suited by trip
Confidence is high ahead of Zabeel gelding Von Tunzelman’s return to middle-distance racing in Saturday’s Gr.3 Mills Reef Trentham Stakes (2100m)....
News
Von Tunzelman
Confidence is high ahead of Zabeel gelding Von Tunzelman’s return to middle-distance racing in Saturday’s Gr.3 Mills Reef Trentham Stakes (2100m).
The Roger James-trained five-year-old has had four previous starts at 2000 metrm or further for two wins – one in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata last February – a second placing in the Hamilton Cup (2000m) at Te Rapa and a sixth placing in last March’s Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.
The NZ Stakes was the last time the Brendan and Jo Lindsay-bred and raced Von Tunzelman raced past 1800 metres.
“We would have liked him to draw a bit closer [than barrier 11] to get a softer run, but the whole stable is pretty excited to see him up over a middle-distance again,” said James’ racing manager Robert Wellwood.
A winner of five of his 17 starts, Von Tunzelman campaigned in Melbourne last spring, finishing fifth in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Sandown, before returning to Cambridge to prepare for summer racing.
He resumed with an eye-catching seventh in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
“It was a super run,” said Wellwood. “He probably looked a bit flat-footed at the 600 [metres], but he’s let down enormously. His last 600 was one of the quickest in the race.
“He galloped on Tuesday and it was super work. He’s come through the race well and he’s progressing well.
“We freshened him up since coming back from Aussie and the step up in distance will suit him better. We’re pretty confident.”
Wellwood said James would assess Von Tunzelman’s Trentham Stakes performance before considering options that include the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud City of Auckland Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie on January 27, the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 10 and a title defence of the Listed Marks Ewen & Associates Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata on February 24.
Von Tunzelman also holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on March 10.
“If he’s racing like a stayer, we could look at the City of Auckland Cup, but we’ll get this race over first and know further where he’ll head afterwards,” said Wellwood.
TAB bookmakers opened Von Tunzelam as a $4.80 second favourite for the Trentham Stakes behind Devise. – NZ Racing Desk
Von Tunzelman confirms Melbourne trip
A convincing win in the $35,000 Seafood Bazaar 1600 at Te Rapa this afternoon has booked Von Tunzelman a ticket to Australia’s most famous raceday....
Aussie on cards for Von Tunzelman
An Australian campaign beckons Von Tunzelman if he shapes up well at Te Rapa on Friday. A wet track saw Von Tunzelman withdrawn from the Taranaki meeting last weekend...
Overseas options for Von Tunzelman
Roger James is looking at Australian options for his stakes-winning stayer Von Tunzelman. The Cambridge trainer has yet to lock in the lightly-raced grey’s spring programme, which will be firmed...
Trainer praises Harris
Roger James didn’t hesitate to split the credit for Hoof Hustler’s breakthrough maiden win in the Ssangyong 2100 at Pukekohe today...
James lean of runners but striking
Roger James picked up a couple of bonus wins over the weekend with the promise of more to come. They are considered “bonus” wins because James rarely has many horses...
Stablemates please in Pukekohe finish
Cambridge trainer Roger James had plenty to smile about after almost making a clean sweep of the finish of the NRM 1600 at Pukekohe yesterday....
Trainer tips bright future for Killarney
Roger James is confident that Killarney can make his mark in top company over the next couple of seasons. The Matamata trainer has long held the four-year-old in high...
Terrifique living up to promise
The faith of Cambridge trainer Roger James in Terrifique was rewarded at Ellerslie last Saturday. James has had a favourable opinion of the son of Teofilio since...