Much like Ninja’s impactful victory in the Missile Stakes a fortnight ago, Apocalyptic is poised to make a similar statement as she commences her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.
Having previously dominated the Princess Series as a three-year-old filly in the spring, Apocalyptic’s performance dipped in two autumn starts, prompting trainer Michael Freedman to curtail her preparation.
Her seasonal reappearance is scheduled for Saturday, and veteran jockey Tommy Berry is confident that all signs indicate Apocalyptic is set to recapture the form she demonstrated 12 months prior.
“She’s had a really good break, very similar to Ninja,” Berry commented. “Michael has decided to treat her more like a sprinter this preparation and you can tell. She’s been trialling sharply, and her work has been very sharp.”
“The only thing I didn’t really want was to draw in with her because she does like a bit of room, and she has drawn perfect in six. There won’t be any excuses Saturday. She’s in great order.”
With two scratchings reducing the field, the Toy Show Quality (1100m) now consists of seven runners. Nonetheless, it shapes up to be a demanding contest, featuring the reappearance of Surround Stakes placegetter Savvy Hallie, alongside Prima Bella and Gatwick who possess the advantage of recent race fitness.
The transition to racing as a mare presents a challenge for both Apocalyptic and Savvy Hallie, a point Berry acknowledges.
“They’re up against the older horses now so there’s nowhere to hide,” he stated. “She’s got to step up and show she is up to some of the better races. The world is her oyster. We know what we’ve got at home with her, but you like to see them come back and tick that first box, a bit like Ninja did against the older horses.”
Berry will also partner the Chris Waller-trained Fangirl in the Winx Stakes (1400m), reuniting with the esteemed mare for the first time since the 2022 Epsom Handicap. Hong Kong-based rider Hugh Bowman had been earmarked for the ride but was unable to meet her weight requirements and will instead guide stablemate Lindermann.
Fangirl has been a consistent performer in major carnivals over several seasons and retains fitness from a two-start winter campaign in Brisbane. Berry expressed no surprise at her continued presence at the elite level as an eight-year-old.
“That’s Chris Waller. He can get long preparations out of them, and he can get longevity out of them, especially his fillies and mares,” Berry remarked. “Via Sistina, he did a great job with her. He won a Melbourne Cup with Verry Elleegant. It’s one of his biggest strengths, so it’s no surprise to see her doing the same.”
Berry’s extensive book of rides at Randwick includes eight of the ten races, four for Waller, featuring the favourite Campione D’italia in the Show County Quality (1200m). Explore Australian betting sites for the day’s racing.
