Pace key to Von Tunzelman’s chances
Roger James is praying for a truly run Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on Saturday for his charge Von Tunzelman.
‘‘I just hope there’s a bit more pace in the race,’’ the Cambridge trainer said. ‘‘He got back last start in a slowly run race and he was a long time getting clear room.
‘‘He was doing his best work late, he needs to get out and have time to build up.’’
Von Tunzelman, who finished sixth over 1800m at Flemington in his Australian debut, will be ridden by Michael Dee.
The New Zealand jockey’s best win before moving to Victoria came aboard the James-trained Hera in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie.
Raced by breeders Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Von Tunzelman may make one further appearance in Victoria before heading home.
‘‘It depends on Saturday, but there is the Ballarat Cup over 2200m if he runs very well,’’ James said.
The only question the in-form filly Dijon Bleu has to answer in Saturday’s New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton is one of distance.
“It’s good to see her get a good draw, but the step up to 1600m is a bit of a concern although it is against her own age group,” the Awapuni trainer said.
Dijon Bleu boasts excellent lead-up form to the classic with consecutive wins in the O’Leary’s Fillies’ Stakes, the Gold Trail Stakes and the Soliloquy Stakes.
Shadow Fox has earned himself a crack at a black type race. The seven-year-old will step up in grade after producing a courageous front-running performance to win the F & R Insulation Panels Ltd Handicap (1200m) at Awapuni on Thursday.
“He’s just tough, he doesn’t give up,” part-owner and trainer Steve Gulliver said. “We’ve taken our time with him. He doesn’t like wet tracks. He’ll go to Otaki now for the Listed 1200m race.”