Megablast to turn it up

Nigel Tiley is keen on another trip across the Tasman with his smart stayer Megablast.

The Pukekohe trainer has identified Sydney as the preferred destination for the six-year-old, who can confirm the venture when he resumes in the Bridges Insurance 1600 at Ellerslie on Saturday.

‘‘Plan A is to race him in the open handicap over a mile on Pakuranga Hunt Cup day and that will then decide whether we go to Australia,’’ Tiley said. ‘‘If he didn’t look like he was coming up well enough to go then Plan B would be to find another race for him before the Livamol Classic.

Meanwhile, 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 up after his first domestic appearance.

‘‘He’s come back well and I’ll look to step him out over 1400 metres once there is improvement in the tracks.

‘‘That will hopefully be in the next two or three weeks and then we’ll decide about Australia, be it Sydney or Melbourne.’’

Raced by breeders Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Von Tunzelman has won four of his 11 starts including the Listed Kaimai Stakes at Matamata in February.

In one subsequent appearance, the son of the Group I performer J’Adane finished a creditable sixth in the Group I New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie. ‘‘He’s nice and strong now and if anything he’s come back more relaxed, which is good,’’ James said.

Von Tunzelman enjoyed a hitout at the Avondale trials on Tuesday and, despite the heavy 10 going, he finished runner-up over 1000m. Also in action was his talented stablemate Romantic Maid, who ran in behind the placegetters in her open heat.

‘‘She’s probably more weather dependant than him,’’ James said. ‘‘She got locked up and was doing her best work on the line.’’ - NZ Racing Desk