Weekend racing with Iain Hyndman: Battle of the greys

Battle of the greys at New Plymouth first-up for Von Tunzelman. Photo / Trish Dunell

Dual stakes winner Von Tunzelman will step out for the first time for South Auckland trainers Moira and Kieran Murdoch when he contests the Harold Tuson Memorial Greys (1400m) at New Plymouth on Saturday.

Formerly trained in Cambridge by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, his connections are hoping a change of scenery will rejuvenate the seven-year-old son of Zabeel.

"He came to us from Roger because he was struggling a bit at Cambridge with his age," Moira Murdoch said.

"He goes to the beach every day. The older horses love a change of scenery it gives them a new lease on life, hopefully."

Von Tunzelman has had two trials heading into tomorrow and Murdoch has been satisfied with both outings.

"I was really pleased with his trials," she said. "I thought he showed a bit of edge for an old guy and we have been very happy with him since."

With the New Plymouth track rated a Soft9 on Wednesday, Murdoch is hoping for improvement in the surface ahead of Saturday, however she is not holding her breath with rain forecast for the rest of the week.

"I would like the track to improve, but the weather doesn't look too good down there," she said.

Rosie Myers will take the ride aboard Von Tunzelman who will carry 60kg and jump from barrier six in the 1400m feature.

"It's quite a lot to lump on a soft track, but I think he will give some cheek there at some stage of the race," Murdoch said.

"1400m is short of his best distance, but he will run a nice 1400m fresh."
Murdoch said Von Tunzelman's performance tomorrow will help pave a path for the rest of his preparation.

"We will just look for a nice mile somewhere, hopefully on a better surface," she said.

"We will just see what he wants to do. At his age he has been there and done that and he will tell us what he is interested in doing."

Iain Hyndman's Taranaki Tips

1: Mal Dee, Tavi Mac, No Finer Pins
2: Akerra, Kotahi, Goodnight Irene
3: Burgundy Belle, Sweepstake, Secret Allure
4: Tellyawhat, Polzeath, Secret Squirrel
5: Polly Grey, Tellyawhat, Battle Time
6: Hurry Cane, Ave Marie, Bee Tee Junior
7: Floral Art, Beckidboo, Whatsup
8: Bubble Gum, Penelope Cruise, Mizzina
Best Bet: Burgundy Belle (R3)

– NZ Racing Desk