Manzelmann after more feature success

By Glenn Davis

“It’s better than bank interest” - is an old catch cry trainer John Manzelmann hopes to declare if new stable acquisition Tarong wins the Pallarenda Stakes at Townsville on Saturday.

Manzelmann, however, is yet to declare Tarong a definite starter in the $35,000 Pallarenda Stakes, which is the early season two-year-old race for North Queensland youngsters.

If given the green light to start, Tarong will be the only runner with race experience in the 1000 metre feature.

Manzelmann paid a paltry $4,000 for the son of imported sire Power who stands at Oaklands Stud at Toowoomba in South East Queensland.

Tarong will be having his first start for Manzelmann after tailing off last in a field of six behind the Stuart Kendrick-trained Luva Flutta at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday.

He was previously trained at the Sunshine Coast by Caloundra’s Belinda Mair.

“I got a call from Mark Webb and bought him for $4,000,” Manzelmann said.

“Mark often rings me to sell a horse and this is the latest one.

“It’s 50-50 at this stage whether he runs as he only arrived in my stables in Mackay this week.

“It depends how he settles in after the travel up from Caloundra before I decide if he will go to Townsville.”

Manzelmann travels to many meetings around the state each week but has never had a starter in the Pallarenda Stakes.

“I can’t recall ever having a starter in the Pallarenda Stakes but it would be a nice race to win,” Manzelmann said.

“It’s a hard race and I have no idea about the form of the opposition who are all unraced.”

Manzelmann had hoped jockey Michael Murphy would partner Tarong in his stable debut.

“I’ve had to find another rider as Michael decided to ride Scott Cooper’s Gold Classic,” Manzelmann said.

Gold Classic showed early ability with an easy win in a 1000 metre barrier trial at Atherton earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Manzelmann is looking at making history with Tiger Legend in the Country Stampede Final at Doomben on November 30.

Tiger Legend booked his spot in the 1110 metre decider with a dominant win in a qualifier at Innisfail last Saturday.

Tiger Legend won the Battle Of The Bush Final at Eagle Farm in June and is aiming to become the first horse to complete the Battle Of The Bush and Country Stampede Final double.