Tommy Berry confessed to some initial uncertainty about Declichy Boulevard’s peak condition following her victory in the Five Diamonds Prelude.
However, this feeling was quickly dispelled after he partnered the mare in a trackwork session early this week.
“Winning on her last start, I didn’t know if there was a lot of improvement there,” Berry admitted. “But after galloping her this week, it showed she has definitely come on.”
This positive assessment spells challenging news for the 12 rivals Declichy Boulevard will face in the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday. She boasts an excellent draw in barrier five and is expected to encounter the soft track conditions she prefers.
Although she has not yet won beyond a mile, she did manage to place in last year’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Her current preparation has been remarkably smooth, a stark contrast to her four-year-old year which was largely interrupted by minor fitness concerns.
“Knock on wood, this preparation has been really smooth for her and we’re finally seeing what she can do now she’s feeling well,” Berry said. “And she has been doing it on a dry deck, where we know she’s even better when she can get her toe into the ground, which we might get on Saturday. She’s drawn well, the 1800 doesn’t look to be an issue, especially at Rosehill. It’s a lot kinder distance there than it would be at Randwick. I couldn’t be any more pleased with how she’s going.”
Declichy Boulevard is currently the $4 market leader for the Five Diamonds. Berry also has the ride on Lazzura, the favourite for the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m).
In the remaining feature race, Proverb is holding firm at $6 for the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m). Berry is optimistic about the Michael Freedman-trained colt’s chances, especially after his previous start on a heavy 10 track in the Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington proved difficult.
“No surprise after riding him in his (latest) trial and his gallop that he’s not a wet tracker. He doesn’t really have that stride for it,” Berry stated. “I’m confident with him going into the weekend. I know the team is, and there are some nice races for him around the corner for him if he can get through Saturday.”
Proverb, a $700,000 Magic Millions acquisition by syndicator James Harron, hails from the same sire as Golden Eagle winner Skyhook, Written Tycoon.
Considering the main race, it’s worth looking at the available sports betting options.
