Opinions differ: class might propel a three-year-old through a Derby sans pure stamina, yet many hold that endurance decides classics.

Tommy Berry, the jockey, positions himself centrally, asserting his mount Storm Leopard for the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) merges both attributes ideally.

“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.”

Handled by Ben, Will and J D Hayes in Victoria, Storm Leopard claimed a decisive win on Sydney debut in last Saturday’s Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.

On his premiere association with Berry, the three-year-old dug deep to hit the line robustly despite covering ground early after an adversary faltered near 1000m, gifting the leader space.

This end strength instils in Berry optimism for a repeat Derby conquest in Sydney, emulating his prior success with Tavago ten years prior.

“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.”

$5 chance Storm Leopard anchors Berry’s eight Randwick rides, six at short odds like Profoundly ($5) for the Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).

Earning a fine third wide out in the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m), Profoundly eyes Saturday success to qualify for the ensuing 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.”

Discover competitive racing betting markets ahead of Storm Leopard’s run in the ATC Australian Derby.