A Triumphant Day for Godolphin in Australia
Godolphin had a remarkable day at Flemington on Derby Day, November 1, with two homebred colts, Tentyris and Observer, securing wins in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (G1) and Victoria Derby (G1) respectively, all under the skilled guidance of jockey Mark Zahra.
Tentyris, the first to take the stage, showcased his exceptional talent in the 1,200-meter race, leaving a lasting impression as a potential stallion prospect. Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Tentyris began his campaign last month with a strong showing in the Danehill Stakes (G2) and a thrilling win in the listed Gothic Stakes on October 18.
Despite a slight bump at the start, Tentyris settled in a second-last position. Zahra's strategic patience paid off as he waited until the 300-meter mark to make his move. Tentyris responded swiftly, surpassing Jimmy Recard and his owner-mate Beiwacht, and creating a significant gap between himself and the rest of the field. He crossed the finish line with a commanding 2 1/2-length lead over My Gladiola, with Legacy Bound in third place, three-quarters of a length behind.
Sam Freedman hinted at a potential trip to Royal Ascot for Tentyris, with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) as a prime consideration.
"We've considered him for Ascot," Freedman said. "We have some unfinished business there after acquiring Artorius a few years ago. Tentyris is just as good, if not better."
Freedman's enthusiasm for Tentyris is well-founded, as he has proven his capabilities in straight-track racing. The colt's performance today solidifies his status as the best in the 3-year-old crop, and his continuous improvement suggests a promising future.
Godolphin's Australian managing director, Andy Makiv, expressed interest in exploring opportunities in Britain, including Royal Ascot, and potentially even Dubai, for Tentyris.
"As a stallion business, we're open to considering races in Britain, including Royal Ascot, and possibly even Dubai," Makiv said. "Promoting Tentyris would be beneficial, especially given his lineage as a son of Street Boss, who is approaching the end of his breeding career."
Tentyris' success adds to his already impressive resume, having won the Blue Diamond Stakes (G1) as a juvenile and becoming the 11th Group 1 winner for Darley's Street Boss. Street Boss, standing at a fee of AU$66,000 at Darley's Northwood Park, has produced a remarkable lineage of Group 1 winners, including Zoustar, Brazen Beau, Encosta De Lago, and the recent duo Home Affairs and Switzerland.
Observer, the second colt to shine, secured the Victoria Derby with a commanding front-running display, giving trainer Ciaron Maher his second victory in the classic and completing a remarkable four-timer for Zahra. Zahra's tactical decision to lead from the start, despite initial hesitation, proved successful, as Observer controlled the race and won by three-quarters of a length.
Maher praised Observer's adaptability, drawing parallels to his sire, Ghaiyyath, who is now a Group 1 winner.
"Observer is a versatile colt," Maher said. "He was unlucky in the Guineas, won a Vase, and now a Derby. He's similar to his sire, Ghaiyyath, in his ability to adapt and perform under pressure."
Ghaiyyath, who stood at a fee of AU$27,500 in Australia, will continue his breeding career in the northern hemisphere for a fee of €20,000, with a global individual stakes winner count of eight.
The day's triumphs were further solidified by Pride Of Jenni, who reclaimed her Empire Rose Stakes (G1) crown, becoming the first horse to win the prestigious race twice. Under the guidance of Declan Bates, Pride Of Jenni demonstrated her exceptional front-running skills, leading by nearly 10 lengths mid-race and crossing the finish line with a commanding 4 1/2-length lead over her rivals.
Bates, overcome with emotion, praised the mare's unwavering determination and the remarkable job done by Maher and the owners, Tony and Lynn Ottobre.
"Pride Of Jenni is a true warrior," Bates said. "Her ability to sustain her powerful gallop is freakish. It's a testament to the efforts of everyone involved."
Bred by Trelawney Stud, Pride Of Jenni is the daughter of Sancerre, a four-time winner and a descendant of Vouvray, the New Zealand-bred Queensland Oaks (G1) winner.
Pride Of Jenni's success adds to the impressive record of Pride Of Dubai, a Street Cry son standing at Coolmore for a fee of AU$27,500, who has produced five Group 1 winners and 23 stakes winners.
