A solid pace in Saturday’s Group III Drinkwise Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens proved the formula for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Entente to break through for the first time since his Albury Cup win in March.
In an interesting tactical race, Josh Parr made certain of a solid pace with a mid-race move on the well-supported Fun Fact.
Tim Clark was hard at work on Entente a fair way out, but he had the measure of the leaders at the 300m.
Kept up to his work, the 5yo son of Dundeel hit the line strongly to defeat Young Rascal (Intello) by one and three-quarter lengths with Fun Fact (The Factor) one and a quarter lengths back in third.
Carrying the colours of Peter Dunn’s Dodmark Thoroughbreds, Entente advances his record to six wins, two seconds, and four thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $676,965.
“The early part of the race changed complexion very quickly. We thought he might have been up there able to be prominent in the run,” Bott said
“There was plenty of pressure there, but he was able to settle and switch off. He did it very well and showed a good turn of foot, so it opens up a few more options for him going forward.
“We’ll have a chat with Gai during the week with Peter and June Dunn and see what they’d like to achieve with the horse. Love to get a nice result for them but there are a couple of other options further down the track for them we could look at.
“We’re in no rush just yet. See how he comes through it.”
Tim Clark said he does not think that backing up three weeks in a row will prove a problem if the stable opts to back up in next weeks Group 1 The Metropolitan at Randwick.
“He’s pretty push button now and it’s good to see him get another win,” Clark said.
“He’s been a really good horse and hopefully now he’s fully mature he might have to go again next week, three weeks in a row.”
Purchased by Shaun Dwyer Thoroughbred Racing for $105,000 at the 2018 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Entente is the second foal and second winner out of the winning Stratum mare Nextess.
Her first foal High 'n' Dry (High Chaparral) broke his maiden at Sandown before placing in the Group III SAJC Chairman's Stakes and Listed Port Adelaide Guineas.
Sadly, Entente is the final foal of Nextress who died in October 2017.
