A thrilling day unfolded at Flemington's Derby Day, with Godolphin claiming a remarkable double victory on November 1st. Homebred colts, Tentyris and Observer, showcased their exceptional talent by securing wins in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (G1) and Victoria Derby (G1), respectively. Jockey Mark Zahra was instrumental in both triumphs.
The Perfect Start: Tentyris' Triumph
Tentyrys, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, began the day with a bang. In the time-honored 1,200-meter contest, he displayed an incredible turn of speed, solidifying his place among the top stallion prospects. His campaign started last month with a strong showing in the Danehill Stakes (G2), followed by a pulsating win in the Gothic Stakes on October 18th.
Despite a slight bump at the break, Tentyris settled into the race, with Zahra biding his time. As they approached the 300-meter mark, Zahra made his move, and Tentyris responded instantly. The 3-year-old colt burst through the field, leaving his rivals in his wake. He crossed the finish line with a comfortable 2 1/2-length lead over My Gladiola, while Legacy Bound finished third.
Sam Freedman hinted at a potential trip to Royal Ascot for Tentyris, with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) as a possible target. "We've got our eyes on Ascot," he said. "There's some unfinished business there, and this horse is just as good, if not better than Artorius. He's the best of the 3-year-olds, and we're excited to see his potential."
Observer's Dominant Display
The Godolphin double was complete when Observer, a colt by Ghaiyyath, put on a commanding front-running performance in the AU$2 million Victoria Derby. Leading trainer Ciaron Maher secured his second victory in this classic race, and Zahra achieved an unforgettable four-timer.
Zahra, who also won the Wakeful Stakes (G2) and The Damien Oliver (G2), made the most of his advantageous barrier position, sending the favorite straight to the front. Observer, mirroring his sire's tactics, controlled the race from start to finish, finding an extra gear when needed to secure his first group 1 victory by three-quarters of a length. Arcora, a colt by Justify, finished second, while Deal Done Fast, trained by Matt Cumani, was third.
"I was hesitant about leading, but Ciaron gave me the confidence to do so," Zahra said. "He said, 'he'll run it, so just go for it.' Observer never relaxes, but he's tough and just like his sire. When they challenged him late, he found another gear."
Maher praised Observer's adaptability, saying, "The sky's the limit for this colt. He's similar to his sire, and after an unlucky run in the Guineas, he's proven himself in the Vase and now the Derby."
Pride Of Jenni's Empire Rose Reign
Ciaron Maher's day got even better as Pride Of Jenni, Australia's beloved mare, added another chapter to her remarkable career. Two years after her first group 1 triumph, the 8-year-old mare produced another breathtaking front-running performance under Declan Bates. She stretched her lead from the outset, holding off Leica Lucy and On Display at the finish to win by an impressive 4 1/2 lengths.
Bates, who had a tumultuous relationship with Pride Of Jenni, was emotional after the win. "It's been a rollercoaster," he said. "She's an absolute warrior, and her ability to sustain her gallop is freakish. It's a credit to everyone involved, especially Ciaron, who's done an amazing job keeping her competitive."
Pride Of Jenni, bred by Trelawney Stud, is the best winner out of four-time winner Sancerre. She's one of five group 1 winners and 23 stakes winners for Pride Of Dubai, who stands at Coolmore for a fee of AU$27,500.
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