Tommy Berry’s eagerness to claim the ride on emerging stayer Soul Of Spain for the Sydney Cup has been evident, from chasing the opportunity to locking in for the full autumn journey.
Events are unfolding favourably, the Chris Waller-handled gelding now level in betting for next month’s endurance test over two miles, with a puncher’s chance looming in Saturday’s premium weight-for-age Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
Last spring, the former Irish competitor built momentum with back-to-back wins in Queensland that led into conquering the Newcastle Cup (2300m) and a solid second in the Metropolitan (2400m).
At his past couple of runs, he has caught attention closing powerfully, sixth to superstar Autumn Glow in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) second-up in February, and only beaten by Vauban in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) March 14.
The rider is pleased with these showings, stating the Tancred Stakes set-weights aren’t optimal but the gelding will appreciate the stiffer test ahead.
“Obviously, the step up to 2400 metres is going to suit on the way to a Sydney Cup . . . although, he’s got to meet some pretty handy horses at around the same weight,” Berry said.
“Last ‘prep’ he was doing things on raw ability when he was coming through the grades, but he is a lot more seasoned.
“Chris Waller got to travel him a little bit last preparation, up in Queensland and back to Sydney, and usually that’s very good for stayers. He has come back a more professional racehorse, and he’s got a really good turn of speed.”
Per Berry, securing the Tancred Stakes would be a luxury, yet the Rosehill contest suits as a stepping stone to the Sydney Cup for the five-year-old, who lightens up to 53.5kg from Saturday’s 59kg weight-for-age carry in the handicap division.
“He’s ready to take the next step and Chris always uses a method getting to his grand finals, and the race on Saturday is one he’s used previously to get his better horses to a Sydney Cup,” he said.
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