Connections yet to decide on G1 race targets for Von Tunzelman

On Saturday, the Roger James-trained son of Zabeel claimed his most important victory to date when he was downed Devise and Benzini in the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m).

Raced by incoming Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Von Tunzelman holds a nomination for the upcoming Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and the Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m).

“We’re over the moon, he’s probably been a bit unlucky in his last couple of runs,” James’ racing manager Robert Wellwood said. “He needs an uninterrupted run and it panned out beautifully today.

“Roger has taken his time with the horse and he showed us he was a stayer in the making when he won last season’s Kaimai Stakes.

“We’ll will see how he pulls up and then Roger will make a decision where he goes.”

Von Tunzelman enjoyed a good run in midfield before rider Leith Innes angled him into the clear across the top and they came with a well-timed finish in the straight.

“They went pretty hard up front and I was able to get out 500m from home,” he said. “He’s got a bright future, maybe a cup race next.”

Von Tunzelman finished in behind the major players in two Melbourne starts in the spring and showed he was on the verge of winning form on his return with an encouraging run for seventh in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

“We got to the 700m and the track was a bit greasy and lost a few lengths, but he hit the line strongly in the last 200m,” Innes said.

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