Punters are throwing their full support behind the prodigious Tentyris as he prepares to chase a third consecutive Group 1 triumph on the hallowed Flemington straight in this Saturday’s 2026 Newmarket Handicap.
Black Caviar Lightning winner Tentyris is hot favourite to win Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
A high-quality field of 15 sprinters has accepted for the $2 million Newmarket Handicap (1200m), an iconic speed test boasting a roll of honor that includes icons like Black Caviar (2011), Hay List (2012), Redkirk Warrior (2017-18), and Bivouac (2020).
This year, the spotlight belongs to the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Street Boss colt.
Tentyris currently spearheads the Newmarket Handicap betting at $2.35 through Ladbrokes.
After capturing the Coolmore Stud Stakes over this course and distance during the spring, the chestnut further enhanced his reputation by defeating seasoned sprinters in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) on February 14.
The Weight of History: While Cylinder saluted as a three-year-old in 2024, Tentyris faces a daunting historical hurdle. Not since the legendary Ajax in 1938 has a three-year-old carried 57kg to victory in this race.
Despite the weight, the sheer dominance of his first-up performance remains a major talking point.
He produced a spectacular statement in the Lightning, sitting last at the 200m mark before launching a devastating turn of foot to claim victory comfortably.
The progression to 1200m appears perfectly suited to his style.
If he replicates his fresh form, he will likely cement his status as the nation’s premier short-course specialist.
He will jump from barrier 12 under Mark Zahra, the jockey who steered him to Coolmore glory and recently returned to the saddle from injury.
The only other runner under double-figure odds is the Lightning runner-up My Gladiola ($6).
Ridden by Craig Williams from gate seven, the John McArdle-trained daughter of I Am Invincible is looking to follow in the footsteps of In Secret (2023) as a three-year-old filly winner.
She possesses a formidable Flemington straight record (4:1-3-0), including runner-up finishes in both the Coolmore and the Black Caviar.
Handicapped at 50.5kg, Williams will ride her one kilo over, yet she still enjoys a significant weight swing in her favor compared to Tentyris.
Sitting on the next line of betting at $11 are the Lindsay Park-trained War Machine and Chris Waller’s Angel Capital.
War Machine has been the subject of a significant market move, slashed from an opening $21 into 10/1.
A specialist over the six-furlong trip (7:2-2-2), he hasn’t raced since a third-place finish in the Australia Stakes in January.
However, two sharp Flemington jump-outs suggest he is ready to peak.
As the reigning Stradbroke Handicap winner, he boasts high-class form, including a two-length victory in the Gilgai Stakes with 60kg last October.
Dropping to 57kg here makes him a major threat.
Angel Capital, with Ben Melham booked to ride, also enters second-up.
The Harry Angel four-year-old was credible when resuming, finishing fourth behind Joliestar in the Expressway Stakes in Sydney.
Other potential spoilers include the rails-drawn Caballus ($14), spring Moir Stakes winner Baraqiel ($15)—who must contend with the 57.5kg top weight—and the Ciaron Maher-trained Benedetta ($15), who finished a close third in the Black Caviar Lightning.
The 2026 Newmarket Handicap is scheduled as Race 9 at 4:55pm (AEDT), serving as a marquee highlight of Flemington’s All-Star Mile Day program.
2026 Newmarket Handicap Field & Barriers
| No | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Barrier | Weight | Age | Sex | Last Starts | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baraqiel | Ben Allen | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 3 | 57.5kg | 7 | G | 112×4 | $1,533,025 |
| 2 | Tentyris | Mark Zahra | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 12 | 57kg | 3 | C | 311×1 | $2,561,745 |
| 3 | War Machine | Jamie Mott | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 11 | 57kg | 5 | G | 100×3 | $3,396,455 |
| 4 | Angel Capital | Ben Melham | Chris Waller | 2 | 56kg | 4 | H | 462×4 | $1,865,600 |
| 5 | Sepals | Daniel Stackhouse | Cliff Brown | 4 | 56kg | 4 | G | 1102x | $2,705,990 |
| 6 | Caballus | Craig Newitt | Bjorn Baker | 1 | 55kg | 5 | G | 181×2 | $970,145 |
| 7 | Benedetta | Jamie Melham | Ciaron Maher | 13 | 54kg | 6 | M | 758×3 | $2,294,415 |
| 8 | De Bergerac | Logan Bates | Grahame Begg | 14 | 52kg | 5 | G | 512×0 | $239,500 |
| 9 | Disneck | Winona Costin | Bjorn Baker | 8 | 52kg | 5 | G | 58×16 | $800,250 |
| 10 | Gallant Son | Luke Cartwright | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 10 | 52kg | 4 | H | 4×113 | $375,750 |
| 11 | Geegees Mistruth | Lachlan Neindorf | Mark Walker | 5 | 52kg | 4 | M | 22×30 | $608,075 |
| 12 | Sghirripa | Harry Coffey | Shane & Cassie Oxlade | 9 | 52kg | 6 | G | 50×18 | $687,565 |
| 13 | My Gladiola | Craig Williams | John Mcardle | 7 | 50.5kg | 3 | F | 223×2 | $1,080,745 |
| 14 | Wodeton | W M Lordan | Chris Waller | 15 | 50kg | 3 | C | 420×3 | $1,329,650 |
| 15 | Pallaton | Teo Nugent | Michael Freedman | 6 | 50kg | 3 | C | 21×41 | $373,270 |
THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.
