Jockey Tommy Berry is looking forward to seeing Pallaton resume in the Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, confident the colt can live up to the high opinion he and trainer Michael Freedman have long held. Freedman’s top colt as a juvenile, Pallaton made a sparkling debut at Randwick late last year before two runs where Berry says genuine excuses hampered his chances. Freedman went on to claim the Golden Slipper with Marhoona, but Pallaton remained one of the stable’s most promising gallopers.

Berry explained the colt was underdone in his second start and had a minor setback before his third, which saw him over-race when crowded. “As an early two-year-old, we thought he was our best colt,” Berry said. “He was his own worst enemy towards the end of his prep.”

This time around, the addition of a crossover noseband has settled him, and he’s been sharp in two recent trial wins, including one on a heavy 9 surface. “We’ve always held him in high regard, and he’s had two really nice trials, so we’re confident going into the weekend,” Berry said. Drawn the inside barrier in a field of six, Pallaton gets a prime chance to make a statement. “Now we just want to see him do it on race day,” Berry added.

Berry also rides Our Gold Hope in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m). The Robert and Luke Price-trained mare boasts strong form, including a second in the 2024 Queensland Oaks and a Group 2 placing behind Ceolwulf. With two strong trials under her belt, Berry believes she will be highly competitive.

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