The Flemington racetrack witnessed a thrilling spectacle as the 3-year-old colt Tentyris, from the renowned Godolphin stable, unleashed a breathtaking performance in the $1 million G1 VRC Lightning Stakes. This victory, following his previous win in the G1 VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes, has racing enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation for the future of this exceptional young horse.
The race began with a bang as the gates opened, and jockey Ben Melham guided Beiwacht to the front, while Damian Lane strategically positioned Tentyris at the rear. Beiwacht, a fellow Godolphin colt, was closely followed by the Golden Slipper-winning filly Marhoona and the G1 Champions Sprint winner Giga Kick. Lane, with Tentyris, bided his time at the back, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
As the race reached its climax, Giga Kick took the lead with 300 meters to go, but a new threat emerged from the field—the I Am Invincible filly My Gladiola. However, in a breathtaking display of speed, Lane unleashed Tentyris's signature final sprint, and the colt surged past My Gladiola, leaving her in his dust. Tentyris' powerful stride and size advantage became evident as he flashed past the finish line, securing back-to-back G1 victories.
This win has solidified Tentyris' status as a rising star, and his connections are thrilled with his potential. With five wins and two places in just eight starts, this future Darley stallion has already earned an impressive $2,583,245 for his connections.
Trainer Sam Freedman expressed his awe, revealing that his father, Anthony, a veteran in the sport, believes Tentyris could be the best horse he has ever trained. This is high praise, considering the Freedman family's history with champions like Mahogany and Schillaci. Tentyris is building his own legacy, and his future looks incredibly bright.
Jockey Damian Lane shared his insights, explaining the strategy behind their race plan. He mentioned the risk they took with the 1000-meter distance, but Tentyris proved his ability to handle it. Lane's mid-race adjustment to ask for more speed paid off, and the colt's trademark finishing kick was on full display, leaving competitors in awe.
With this victory, Tentyris is now the favorite for the prestigious G1 VRC Newmarket Handicap on March 7. However, his participation will depend on the weight he is assigned, as Freedman wisely notes that carrying a heavy burden is no easy task for a young colt.
Tentyris' pedigree is equally impressive. As a homebred for Godolphin, he is the lone stakes winner from his dam, Deity, who is a half-sister to the stakes-winning Maternal. Deity's dam, Divine Madonna, is a four-time G1 winner and a half-sister to the dam of G3 winner and G1-placed Angel Of Mercy. This family tree is filled with success, and Tentyris is carrying on the tradition.
Interestingly, Angel Of Mercy is the dam of two G1 winners, Autumn Angel and this season's G1 AJ Moir Stakes winner Baraqiel, who finished fourth in Saturday's race. Deity's 2-year-old filly, Parcae, is also showing promise in the Freedman stable, while her most recent foal is by the champion sire Anamoe.
Tentyris' sire, Street Boss, has produced 88 stakes winners, including the exciting G2-winning filly Tempted, who recently won the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes and is eyeing the G1 Surround Stakes. Tentyris' victory in the Lightning Stakes is a testament to his talent and the potential for even greater achievements in the world of horse racing.
