He’s Tunza Grunt caps off stellar winter campaign

[Wandering Eyes]

Timaru galloper He’s Tunza Grunt (NZ) (Pure Champion) capped off a coming-of-age winter campaign with a commanding performance to win the Heatstore Open Handicap (1800m) at Riccarton Park on Saturday.

Starting his preparation in May, He’s Tunza Grunt was a 68-rated horse, but took a big leap in the ratings when causing a minor upset in the Waimate Cup (1600m) second-up. He took the step up in his stride from there, placing in open company in the Amberley Cup (1600m) and Oamaru Cup (1600m), but struck unsuitable track conditions when finishing back in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m).

That performance saw him fly well under the radar on the third day of the Grand National Festival of Racing, closing a $25 hope in a field headed by Winter Cup runner-up Who Knows ($2.20) and fellow Central Districts visitor Bozo ($5.60).

In his customary fashion, He’s Tunza Grunt settled back near the tail of the field in the hands of Brandon May, while Taimate Diva drove through to take up the pacemaking role. In the torrid track conditions, the field spread wide across the home straight and May opted to stick right to the outside, where his gelding kept up a strong gallop to get the upper hand on Cork, who was game in second ahead of Bozo. 

May was delighted with the son of Pure Champion, who he rode for trainer Stephanie Faulkner. 

“I did come into the race fairly confident, he loves a loose track and not too sticky, whereas last week in the Winter Cup, it was just on the sticky side for him,” he said.

“The outside is obviously just the better place, and not being too handy on this track today. He did get a bit keen through the middle stages, so I tried to save every inch.

“A big thanks to Steph Faulkner and the owners, they’ve really been supportive of me and I’m really happy for the team – and this horse.

“He’s come on and come on, it’s quite amazing to see his career go this way and to be partnered with him.”

Faulkner echoed those sentiments, and indicated He’s Tunza Grunt will now head for a deserved break.

“It was a beautiful ride by Brandon, I said to do what you did on the last one and he did that, so we got the result,” she said. “I don’t get too confident because I hate things to go wrong, but it was great.

“I was going to chuck him out now and get him ready for Christmas, I haven’t had a look what’s on, but he needs a break now.”

Raced by Diana Goodeve and the estate of the late Bob Goodeve, He’s Tunza Grunt has won six races from 45 starts and just shy of $140,000 in stakes earnings, much of that coming in the last 12 months.

The eight-year-old is out of an unraced Encosta De Lago mare Sacred Jewel, who is a half-sister to multiple Australian Group One winner Sacred Habit.

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