Entrivere Excellent in Sydney Group 2

From relative obscurity, Entriviere (5 m Tavistock - Marcey's Belt, by Golan) emerged as a force to be reckoned with when winning the A$200,000 Coolmore Sheraco Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on Saturday at Kembla Grange (N.S.W.).

Off an outstanding season, winning five of her seven starts and twice second, from Maiden to Open class in a flash, including the Concorde Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m), King's Plate (Gr. 3, 1200m), and ending her campaign in April finishing second in the Sapphire Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) at Randwick, Entriviere has advanced in ways that few can.

Of many that underwent preseason trials, few have looked more impressive than Entriviere as she cantered home for second and first, respectively, showing just how well she had done in the off-season.

A hoof issue delayed beginning her campaign, missing the Toy Show (Gr. 3, 1100m) on 21 August at Randwick, a race in which she was strongly favoured. Instead, trainer Jamie Richards did the right thing, gave her time - she then won a trial on 2 September at Randwick, and she appeared cherry-ripe for her commencement.

Ridden by the young master, Hall of Famer James McDonald, who was aboard in the Sapphire Stakes and recent trial, Entriviere appeared content chasing a genuine pace from midfield. Unimpeded, she loomed ominously on straightening, went on by, and justified every cent of her $2.20 starting price with a dominant victory.

Run on Good4 footing, Entriviere ran the 1200 metres 1:09.9, last 600m in 34, and stable foreman Paul Richards was pleased with the triumph on a lovely day.

“It's beautiful sunshine here at Kembla Grange, about 26 degrees,” he said. “The meeting was transferred from Rosehill, and it's a good strong card with three Group 2 races: the Sheraco Stakes, Theo Marks, and Run to The Rose.

“Entriviere beat some nice horses. The top weight (Forbidden Love) is a Group 1 winner, but she got in so well at the weights (55.5kg) in a set weights and penalties race. Because she hadn't won a big race, as yet, she got in well.

“James (McDonald) got off and said she wouldn't want to run too often on a hard track, but also that she'd eat up the 1400 metres of The Invitation.”

Paul also reported that stable-mates Amarelinha (Savabeel) and Sword of State (Snitzel) were in good order and ready for their respective fresh-up assignments on 18 September, and 25 September.

“We're in full lockdown in Sydney, with hotels and restaurants and everything closed, but you can still get takeaways,” Richards said. “As an essential worker, I'm able to work the horses and we've got a great spot in John Thompson's barn at Randwick. They're a good bunch of people and they've just won the Theo Marks with Chat (Deep Field), and ran second to Entriviere with Fituese (Deep Field).

Prior to the race, trainer Jamie Richards had suggested that if all went to plan, Entriviere would contest the $400,000 Golden Pendant (Gr.2, 1400m) on 25 September at Rosehill, followed by $2m The Invitation (1400m), with entrants selected by a panel, on 23 October at Randwick.

“It was a very exciting win and I loved the way that she pins her ears back and has a go,” he said. “You can't train that, and it's rare to find a horse that has that ability and wants to be there every time.

“So, I'm very happy and she was given a lovely ride by James (McDonald) in a race that set up perfectly for her. She tucked in, found cover, and they went a good solid tempo. She really savaged the line and it looks like 1400m will be no problem for her.”

“Onwards and upwards, and she's open to more improvement. Dad (Paul Richards) is making a few sacrifices to be over there, so it's really rewarding to get a good victory for everyone concerned.”

A fortnight earlier, Richards sent Probabeel (Savabeel), a triple Group One winner on Australian soil, out in the W.W. Cockram Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Caulfield, where she obliged stylishly in a fresh state. Like Entriviere, she too has loftier goals in the $1m Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) on 18 September at Caulfield, en route to the $5m W. S. Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m) scheduled for 23 October at Moonee Valley.

Although the Te Akau team was scratched from racing on heavy ground at Te Rapa, David Ellis was still in jovial mood as they celebrated the win by Entriviere.

“Wasn't that a very good win and what a great ride by James (McDonald),” he said. “He rode her confidently and he's just outstanding as a rider and person. He was a stable jockey for Te Akau, and Dr. Charles Yau and I bred his first Group 1 winner, when he was just 16 years old he won the Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Special Mission (Towkay).

“We've been good friends for a long-time and for James to ride a Group 2 winner for us in Sydney is a very proud moment.

“He knew how good she was. He's made the effort to go in and ride her work, and he's a champion.

“I'm thrilled for Paul Richards, who's over there with our horses. He's made a massive sacrifice, being away from his wife (Leanne) and family. It's a big commitment and the win is a great confidence boost for the whole team.

“Karyn and I are hosting a small gathering at Raglan, including Leanne Richards, and her parentsGary & Lorraine McDonnell, in Alexandra, have got a share in Entriviere, so they'll be celebrating. It's a massive thrill and great for everyone in New Zealand because she's bred here and is measuring up to some of the best sprinters in Australia.”

Bred by Kevin & Kathleen Gray, Entriviere is from the family of triple Group 1 winner of the Cox Plate, Orr Stakes, and Yalumba Stakes, Maldivian (Zabeel). She is owned by the Te Akau Buckle Up Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Entriviere was strapped by Jess Drury.