After promising so much early on, Tannhauser was not spared the surgeon’s knife, which may set him on a track to the Queensland Derby following his dominant performance in Saturday’s Group III Seven Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben.
Placed in the Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes and Group III Carbine Club Stakes, Tannhauser was ringing up his second win and first stakes success. Ridden by James McDonald for Chris Waller, the son of Dundeel defeated The Autumn Sun filly Autumn Angel by a length with the Hallowed Crown gelding Kintyre the same distance back in third.
“He’s been thereabouts (lately) and run some nice races,” Chris Waller said.
“He’s just raced so much better. They turn into ugly horses instead, but they can get tricky sometimes as colts.
“Onto the Derby. I assume he’ll get into the field. We’ll see what James says.”
James McDonald said the son of Dundeel deserved a good win.
“He has a perfect run. He’s a nice horse with ability. This time last year, he might have started as a favourite for a JJ Atkins,” McDonald said.
“He’s a proper horse, and Chris gave him the gelding operation to make him a horse this time.”
“There is no drama about getting 2400m. He relaxes, gives himself every chance, and it doesn’t matter if it is wet or dry.”
A $425,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Milburn Creek draft for China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing, Tannhauser was bred by Highclere Stud and foaled and raised at Milburn Creek.
He is the second winner from Luqyaa, a stakes-placed Exceed and Excel daughter of Group III winner Charmview from the family of Group I winner Shiva’s Revenge and Just Now.
Tannhauser has a 2-year-old half-sister by Zoustar named Analicia who was a $525,000 Magic Millions purchase for Mulcaster Bloodstock/Chris Waller Racing.
After missing in 2021 and 2022 Luqyaa visited Anamoe last spring.
Tannhauser is the 29th stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud’s Dundeel.
