The Anthony and Sam Freedman team has Tentyris firmly back on track for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) after the talented colt produced a stunning victory in Saturday’s Listed Gothic Stakes at Caulfield.
Tentyris was among the leading fancies for this year’s Golden Slipper before a stress fracture to a hind leg ruled him out of the Sydney autumn feature. Since then, the Freedman stable and Godolphin have carefully mapped a spring preparation designed around the Coolmore Stud Stakes — widely regarded as the stallion-making race for Australia’s best three-year-old sprinters.
After returning overweight and underdone when third first-up in the Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on September 13, Tentyris took a big step forward at Caulfield. Settled back in the field by jockey Mark Zahra, the $2.25 favourite unleashed a powerful burst late to overhaul Raging Force ($4.40) and score by a long neck, with Sheeza Alibi ($16) another 1½ lengths away in third.
“It was pretty gutting to miss the Slipper as a two-year-old, as we felt like he was the best chance we had in that race,” Sam Freedman said.
“So hopefully, it’s a blessing in disguise. Sometimes those horses can do with a bit more time. We’re keen to be the fresh horse on the scene for the Coolmore and it looks like he’ll be that.”
Freedman revealed the colt returned to their Mornington stables 30 kilograms heavier than when he was last in work, describing his conditioning as a team-wide effort.
“It’s been a project for everyone to get the weight off him and get him here today,” he said. “He still has improvement in him. He looks like he might have blown up a little bit over the back, so we’re excited for two weeks.”
The Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on the opening day of Melbourne Cup week will now serve as Tentyris’ Grand Final, with Freedman confident the straight track will suit his explosive style.
“We’ve had numerous chats with Mark about how to ride him, and he’s best when he’s coiled up and allowed to let go late,” Freedman said. “When he’s in amongst them, he really pins his ears back and has a crack — that’s just him.”
“We’ll keep him at home, probably take him to Mornington for a piece of work. The MRC’s been really accommodating with this horse to get him here in great shape.”
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