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.

The Fraser Auret trained three-year-old had created a favourable impression on debut when winning comfortably at Waipukurau back in March and backed that up 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.

“He’s really a bit of a gawky sort of horse,” said Auret.

“Once he gets up in grade and there is more tactical speed I’m sure he will take a sit in his races which will be the making of him.”

Auret is taken by his charge’s easy-going nature around his stable that belies his raceday ability.

“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 Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1400m) with Sensible Princess, the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) with Matchbreaker and the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1600m) with Darscape Princess.