Mark Zahra will resume riding at Flemington this Saturday, and a midweek jumpout aboard Tentyris provided a timely tune-up for the returning star jockey.
The multiple Group 1-winning rider partnered the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt in an 800-metre jumpout at Mornington.
Tentyris finished fourth, about 2½ lengths behind Tropicus, but the exercise was all about manners rather than finishing position.
“It was more important this morning about his barrier (manners) – obviously his last run he got scratched out of Champions Sprint when he reared up and went into the stall next door – but his barrier manners were perfect,” Zahra told SENTrack.
“(With) no blinkers on, he was there just having a nice time and trialled really good, actually.
“To the line he was smoking up right behind him, so I couldn’t have been happier with him.”
The colt was last seen on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, where he was a late scratching at the barriers.
A week earlier, Tentyris produced a blistering performance to win the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) down the Flemington straight.
He is expected to kick off his 2026 Group 1 campaign in the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) on February 14.
The Mornington jumpout marked Zahra’s return to the saddle after not riding since the Zipping Classic meeting at Sandown on November 29.
Despite that break, Zahra still tops the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership with 36 winners, comfortably clear of Craig Williamson.
He will take four rides at Flemington, highlighted by Aviatress in the $200,000 Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m).
Zahra will also ride Jenni Gone Bonkers, Military Tycoon and Suntora across the program.
Markets are open with leading online bookmakers for the Standish Handicap, giving punters plenty of choice ahead of the Group 3 sprint.
The 43-year-old confirmed he will remain in Melbourne rather than head north for Magic Millions Raceday.
“I haven’t got much Gold Coast…I spoke to my management crew and there’s nothing really I could pick up,” he said.
“I used to go to the Gold Coast and just pick up a few rides just so I can go up there and enjoy myself around the Gold Coast for a weekend, but after five weeks up that area I’ve probably seen enough.
“So, I reckon I’ll stay in Melbourne and focus on getting the eye in and weight down and having a crack down here for the next couple of weeks.”
The post Tentyris trial gets Mark Zahra back in the groove first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
