Gauging the future of a two-year-old with few outings lacks certainty, particularly post a preparation mishap.
Jockey Tommy Berry prefers optimism nonetheless, as Incognito seeks to rekindle his Golden Slipper challenge at Rosehill in Saturday’s Silver Slipper (1100m).
Once tipped as favourite for the $5 million young horse classic, he disappointed resuming in the Canonbury Stakes (1100m), gurgling on return which suggested palate trouble.
Trainer Michael Freedman introduced a tongue tie and control bit to address it, with Berry confident based on recent form that Incognito will respond.
“On his work on Tuesday morning, there will be no excuses and nowhere to hide for him Saturday because he couldn’t be going any better,” Berry said.
“It will be one or the other with him.
He’ll either come out and show us what he’s made of, and he’ll be right back in contention, or I don’t really want to think about the other option.
But they’re two-year-olds, and it’s week to week with them and how they perform.
I have been let down by plenty in the past, but I’d be very surprised if that’s the case with this guy.”
The Breeders’ Plate conqueror from spring was sent out odds-on in the Canonbury, won by returning rival Hidrix.
Berry conceded beyond the throat issue, riding prominently may have caused tension, opting instead for a covered run this Saturday.
“Considering his price, we tried to ride him like a good thing, but by putting him into the race the way I did, he really got onto the chewy and took a good hold,” Berry explained.
“I think he’s panicked because I’ve asked him to really be there, which I had never done before. When he won, he was three pairs back and in all his trials he was in the second half and got into a lovely rhythm, breathed really well and finished off the way we know he can.
On Saturday, drawing well was very important, and he has, and that will give us the opportunity to ride him with cover and let him do things right.”
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