Godolphin's three-year-old sprinter Tentyris has impressed with a win in the G1 Lightning Stakes, drawing attention from jockey Zac Purton as a potential rival to his mount Ka Ying Rising. Australian bookmakers have installed Tentyris as the second favorite for the A$20 million The Everest later this year. The colt's composure and finishing speed position him as a leading contender among his generation.
Zac Purton, jockey of the unbeaten Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising, recently analyzed footage of Tentyris's victory in the G1 Lightning Stakes over 1000m at Flemington last month. Purton noted the colt's calm demeanor, describing how Tentyris "walked into the gates on his own" and stood "like a dairy cow" before exploding to win from last at the 200m mark. "Horses just don’t do what he did at Flemington," Purton said.
Ka Ying Rising, who has extended his winning streak beyond Silent Witness's record of 17 and set multiple track records, is set to defend his title in The Everest at Royal Randwick. Bookmakers have made Tentyris the second choice behind him for the world's richest turf race. Tentyris, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman for Godolphin, missed the A$5 million Golden Slipper as a two-year-old due to injury but has since become his generation's top sprinter.
This Saturday, Tentyris will attempt the Lightning Stakes-Newmarket Handicap double at Flemington, which would mark his third Group 1 win in Australia. Jockey Damian Lane, who rode him to victory last month, praised Tentyris's ability to sustain quick sectionals and finish strongly. "His trademark is how strong he is between the 400 and the winning post," Lane said. Mark Zahra is expected to resume riding duties after recovering from a broken leg.
Godolphin Australia boss Andy Makiv highlighted Tentyris's experience on Flemington's straight course, where he has three wins from four starts. Unlike bent tracks, the straight offers less advantage to early speed, favoring horses with a "dynamic turn of foot" like Tentyris. Bred from Divine Madonna and Street Boss, the colt is part of a strong Godolphin three-year-old crop that includes other Group 1 winners such as Tempted and Attica.
Plans for Tentyris include staying in Australia for 2026, with possible campaigns in the Middle East and UK in 2027. Purton acknowledged the hype around Australian sprinters but welcomed a potential clash. "If we can both meet in October at Randwick, that would suit both of us," he said.
