Promising galloper Detentore extended his unbeaten start to his career when he out-toughed his older rivals in the Water Force Handicap (1550m) at Awapuni on the weekend.
Marton/Whanganui trainer Fraser Auret's three-year-old had created a favourable impression on debut when winning comfortably at Waipukurau back in March and backed thatup with another strong performance on the same track just over a fortnight ago.
Despite being confidently backed when markets opened for Saturday's contest, punters belief in his chances started to wane closer to race time as questions were raised about his ability to step up to Saturday company in a higher grade.
Aggressively handled by rider Johnathan Parkes, Detentore assumed the pacemaking role after jumping swiftly from an inside barrier.
Attacked by a wall of horses around the home turn, Detentore found plenty in the run to the line as he held out northern visitors Viktor Vegas and Neeson to record a gritty victory.
"At home he only really does what he's asked to," he said.
"He's an exciting horse.
"I'll have a chat to his connections but my gut tells me if we back off him and wait during the winter there is plenty more to look forward to in the spring."
Detentore continued a red-hot run for Auret this season who sits just outside the top ten on the National Trainer's Premiership with 32 wins.
Included in his season's tally is the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1400m) with Sensible Princess, the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) with Matchbreaker and the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1600m) with Darscape Princess. – NZ Racing Desk
