He isn’t a headline galloper and he doesn’t have the Group 1 formlines of many of his rivals but I Am Superman does have some key traits that could deliver an Apollo Stakes boilover.
In fact, jockey Tommy Berry is going into the race with the mindset that the $12 chance is a genuine threat.
While the likes of Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant, proven performer Think It Over, Colette and the untapped Maximal will appreciate further than the 1400m of Saturday’s race, it falls into I Am Superman’s preferred distance range.
Add to that some tactical speed and a handy fresh record and Berry can make a case for him toppling his big-name rivals.
“I think he is almost my best ride of the day,” said Berry, who will also partner odds-on favourite Metallicity in the opening race.
“He goes very well fresh and he is meeting a couple of horses like Verry Elleegant and Think It Over that are better suited over a little bit further, where 1400 is his distance.
“He needs dry ground, which it looks like we will get on the weekend.
“He has drawn favourably for him where we can take our time and come across. The only other speed in the race is Riodini, so he’s going to get a nice run on the speed. Everything maps really well for the weekend.”
Berry also has a strong each-way chance in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) where he continues his association with Jamaea.
The filly didn’t have the race run to suit in the Magic Millions Guineas when she got too far back and she has subsequently been given a barrier trial rev-up to get her out of her comfort zone.
“We did bounce her out and put her on the speed in her last trial to give her a bit of a wake up,” Berry said.
“She was getting a bit too comfortable in settling where she was.
“She has got a class factor and her turn of foot is devastating when she can use it. She needs a bit of room from the furlong and she can rattle home in quick time.”
Jamaea has been a betting firmer and was at $8.50 on Friday after $13 was offered earlier in the week.