The connections of Von Tunzelman will let the dust settle on their Trentham celebrations before confirming the handsome grey's immediate future.
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 III Miss Reef Trentham Stakes (2100m). (photo Trish Dunell).
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 Gr.1 Barfoot & Thomson 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 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 II 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. – NZ Racing Desk.
