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.
More Racing News
Blake Shinn's comeback continues with Flemington jump-outs appearance
Jockey Blake Shinn is set to reach a significant milestone in his recovery journey as he prepares to ride at the Flemington jump-outs on Friday.The Lindsay Park team, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, has booked Shinn to ride War Machine on Friday, and he also has four other...
Cold Brew defying his quirks to rack up wins
Trainer Will Freedman conceded that Cold Brew frequently errs during his races but manages to secure victories despite his tendencies."I don't know if the penny will ever drop with him, it certainly hasn't dropped yet,'' Freedman said. "But he obviously has good ability and he should be hard to beat...
Miraval Rose's early spring campaign begins at Caulfield
The Grahame Begg stable is set to commence an early spring campaign by utilising a late-season weight-for-age contest.Miraval Rose is scheduled to compete in the 1100-metre Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, marking her return to the track since her fourth-place finish in the Group 2...
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...