Jockey Tommy Berry is the first to admit that Apocalyptic has not quite lived up to her early billing, but he is not ready to give up on the Group 1 winner.
As a spring three-year-old, she was almost invincible, winning the Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes, and Flight Stakes. She then suffered a narrow defeat to Ole Dancer in the Thousand Guineas, leading to heightened expectations that she would be the benchmark in the autumn fillies’ features.
However, that preparation was cut short after only two starts, following a disappointing performance in the Surround Stakes (1400m). While she has not been far off the mark in her two return runs, she hasn’t shown the same acceleration as 12 months ago.
This has been the case on race day, at least.
“Apocalyptic has been frustrating,” Berry said.
“She’s been out of the winners’ circle a long time now, probably a bit over a year.
“If she finds her best, which she’s doing at home, she’s just got to bring it to race day again and she’ll figure in the finish.”
Berry is anticipating that Saturday will be the day when Apocalyptic returns to form in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m), where she will face strong contenders like the multiple Group 1 winner Beiwacht and the in-form Skyhook.
She has also been fitted with visors for the first time and has drawn well in barrier seven.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare is one of nine rides for Berry on Everest day, including Ninja in the $20 million showpiece. His mount in the Sydney Stakes (1200m), Golden Straand, has gained a start as first emergency after the scratching of Napoleonic.
However, Berry believes his best prospect on the card will be an earlier race when he teams up with the Bjorn Baker-trained So You Are in the St Leger Stakes (2600m).
With the gelding’s regular jockey, Rachel King, heading to Melbourne to partner Green Spaces in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Berry has secured the ride as the gelding aims to add Saturday’s race to his wins in the City Tattersall’s Club Cup (2400m) and Colin Stephen Quality (2400m).
“So You Are is probably my best ride. He’s put a few wins on the board, and the team is very confident with him,” Berry remarked.
Compare racing odds from top online bookmakers today.
