Tutukaka has VRC Derby in His Sights

After promising Tutukaka (Tavistock-Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj) had ticked the first box as part of a long-range plan to tackle the Gr1 VRC Derby (2500m) in the spring by winning Saturday’s Listed Tattersall’s Life Member Stakes (1830m), assistant trainer Chris McNab was elated. "This is the race he came here for, so we couldn't be happier, he told NZ Racing Desk. “He’s probably still six months away and the idea was to bring him here to Queensland and get his rating up to get him to the Derby in Melbourne.” With Tutukaka expected to head back to New Zealand on Tuesday-week, McNab noted, "Tony doesn't miss anything. He had this race in mind, then head to Melbourne, so we are on track." Like his 14-time Group 1-winning half-sister Melody Belle, Tutukaka was bred by Marie Leicester and sold through Haunui Farm’s draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, fetching $250,000 to the bid of Pike on behalf of a group of investors. He became the thirty-first stakes-winner for the late Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock.

Tutukaka won with ease (pic: Grant Peters)