Following Ninja’s impressive showing in the Missile Stakes just two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic is set to emulate that performance when she kicks off her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.

Apocalyptic, who enjoyed a dominant spring as a three-year-old filly in the Princess Series, faltered in two autumn starts, prompting trainer Michael Freedman to conclude her preparation prematurely.

Making her seasonal debut on Saturday, Apocalyptic’s regular jockey, Tommy Berry, indicates that all signs point towards her recapturing the form she displayed a year ago.

“She’s had a really good break, very similar to Ninja,” Berry stated. “Michael has decided to treat her more like a sprinter this preparation and you can tell. She’s been trialling sharply, and her work has been very sharp.”

“The only thing I didn’t really want was to draw in with her because she does like a bit of room, and she has drawn perfect in six. There won’t be any excuses Saturday. She’s in great order.”

With two early scratchings, the Toy Show Quality (1100m) is now contested by seven runners. Nevertheless, it presents a formidable challenge, with Surround Stakes runner-up Savvy Hallie also making her return, and Prima Bella and Gatwick entering the race with the advantage of having had recent starts.

Berry acknowledges that the transition to racing as a mare can be a difficult phase for both Apocalyptic and Savvy Hallie.

“They’re up against the older horses now so there’s nowhere to hide,” he said. “She’s got to step up and show she is up to some of the better races. The world is her oyster. We know what we’ve got at home with her, but you like to see them come back and tick that first box, a bit like Ninja did against the older horses.”

Berry is reunited with Chris Waller’s charge, Fangirl, in the Winx Stakes (1400m), marking the first time he’s ridden the popular mare since the 2022 Epsom Handicap. Hugh Bowman, based in Hong Kong, was originally booked for the ride but couldn’t make her weight, opting instead to ride stablemate Lindermann.

Fangirl has been a consistent performer in major carnivals across several seasons and carries residual fitness from a two-start winter campaign in Brisbane. Berry finds it unsurprising that she continues to compete at the elite level as an eight-year-old.

“That’s Chris Waller. He can get long preparations out of them, and he can get longevity out of them, especially his fillies and mares,” Berry explained. “Via Sistina, he did a great job with her. He won a Melbourne Cup with Verry Elleegant. It’s one of his biggest strengths, so it’s no surprise to see her doing the same.”

Berry is slated to ride in eight of the ten races at Randwick, including four for Waller, with the favoured Campione D’italia in the Show County Quality (1200m). Check out the available betting markets for the Toy Show Quality.