A year after their memorable victory, Dan O’Sullivan and Berkeley Square were back in the spotlight, repeating their success in the Ballarat Cup with another commanding display.
The Ballarat-based horseman has long set provincial cups as the target for the gelding, and this year’s edition of the $500,000 Listed race over 2000 metres was won even more decisively than last year. Berkeley Square powered away to score by 2¾ lengths over Cadmus ($71), with Statuario ($14) finishing third a further 1¾ lengths adrift.
“We weren’t under pressure but it’s good to see him do it,” O’Sullivan said.
“With the blinkers on and how he was travelling at the half-mile, I thought this is going to be beautiful and to see him win so comfortably, it’s really, really good.
“I’ve been reluctant to put the blinkers on for a while as I thought he might over-race, but Luke (Nolen) got it perfect today.
“He’s just a bloody good horse and he has won over $2 million in prizemoney now too.”
Nolen, who could not ride Berkeley Square in last year’s victory due to injury, was replaced then by apprentice Jaylah Kennedy. This year the roles were reversed, with Kennedy sidelined and Nolen returning to the saddle.
“It is a swings and roundabouts sort of thing,” Nolen said.
“Jaylah did a marvellous job and I was happy to take the reins again. It is one of those things. You take the rough and the smooth. These things turn around quickly.
“He’s two-for-two at the 2000-metres here so might as well go for a three-peat and it’ll be between Jaylah and me as to who rides it.”
Nolen praised O’Sullivan’s dedication in guiding the gelding back to winning form.
“He’s done a great job with him,” Nolen said.
“He’s toiled as he hasn’t won since this day last year, but he’s continued to run well and tested his patience.
“A lot of the credit goes to Dan and his team, they deserve this success.”
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