Tentyris trials ahead of 2026 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes return

Mark Zahra is set to return to action at Flemington this Saturday, and a midweek jumpout aboard Tentyris suggested the jockey is primed for the weeks ahead.

The Melbourne premiership leader reunited with the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt in an 800-metre jumpout at Mornington.

Although Tentyris finished fourth behind Tropicus, beaten around 2½ lengths, the session achieved its primary goal.

“It was more important this morning about his barrier (manners) – obviously his last run he got scratched out of Champions Sprint when he reared up and went into the stall next door – but his barrier manners were perfect,” Zahra told SENTrack.

“(With) no blinkers on, he was there just having a nice time and trialled really good, actually.

“To the line he was smoking up right behind him, so I couldn’t have been happier with him.”

Tentyris has not raced since being scratched on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Seven days earlier, the son of Street Boss announced himself with a powerful Group 1 win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

His next major target is expected to be the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) on February 14.

The jumpout marked Zahra’s first public ride since the Zipping Classic meeting at Sandown on November 29.

Despite his absence, Zahra continues to lead the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership with 36 wins, 11 clear of his nearest challenger.

He will have four engagements at Flemington, with Aviatress his headline ride in the $200,000 Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m).

Additional rides include Jenni Gone Bonkers, Military Tycoon and Suntora.

Markets are open with major betting platforms for the Standish Handicap, giving punters plenty of ways to assess the Flemington feature.

Zahra said he will remain in Melbourne rather than chase rides at the Gold Coast.

“I haven’t got much Gold Coast…I spoke to my management crew and there’s nothing really I could pick up,” he said.

“I used to go to the Gold Coast and just pick up a few rides just so I can go up there and enjoy myself around the Gold Coast for a weekend, but after five weeks up that area I’ve probably seen enough.

“So, I reckon I’ll stay in Melbourne and focus on getting the eye in and weight down and having a crack down here for the next couple of weeks.”

The post Tentyris trial gets Mark Zahra back in the groove first appeared on Just Horse Racing.