Views split on Derby three-year-olds: some say class overcomes stamina gaps, others prioritise pure staying ability in these tests.
Tommy Berry aligns with a hybrid view, confident his ATC Australian Derby (2400m) selection Storm Leopard fuses class and grit seamlessly.
“They need to stay, but you talk about any stayer, whether in a Derby or a Melbourne Cup, they’ve got that bit of brilliance as well,” Berry said.
“The two other favourites in the race – Green Spaces looks to have the stamina, and Observer looks to have the brilliance – but have they got both?
“Hopefully, my bloke does, which we feel he does. If he can show his turn of foot at the end of 2400 metres, it’s going to take him a long way.”
Victorian-based with trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes, Storm Leopard stormed to a strong debut Sydney win in the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill last weekend.
First up for Berry on the colt, he navigated a tough spot created by a rival’s breakdown shy of 1000m, which let the leader escape, but rallied powerfully regardless.
Berry now trusts this closing ability to net him Derby number two in Sydney, following Tavago’s victory a decade ago.
“I thought I’d be vulnerable late, but he was so strong through the line, and I eased him down,” Berry said.
“That gave me a lot of confidence to say to the boys, if you want to back him up I thought he’d have no problem with the distance.
“The team was never going to run him here if he didn’t pull up well. They’re a great team of trainers, the Hayes boys, and if they’re backing him up he’s obviously in good order.”
One of Berry’s eight at Randwick including six shorteners, $5 Storm Leopard pairs with Profoundly ($5) in the Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).
Profoundly’s gritty third exposed in the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) sets her up for a Saturday breakthrough toward the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m).
“She was four-wide, no cover at Kembla and was really strong through the line,” Berry said.
“This is her chance, a bit like Storm Leopard (last week), to win her way into an Oaks.
“She has drawn well where last time she didn’t . . . and she is a great chance in what looks to be a strong edition of the race.”
Head to betting sites for the best prices on Storm Leopard tackling the ATC Australian Derby.