Tommy Berry expressed a momentary concern about Declichy Boulevard’s peak condition after her win in the Five Diamonds Prelude.
However, a subsequent trackwork gallop with the mare earlier this week swiftly alleviated any such doubts.
“Winning on her last start, I didn’t know if there was a lot of improvement there,” Berry admitted. “But after galloping her this week, it showed she has definitely come on.”
This reassessment of the mare’s form spells significant trouble for her 12 rivals in the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Declichy Boulevard has drawn favourably in barrier five and is anticipated to race on her preferred soft track surfaces.
While she has not won over distances exceeding 1600 metres, she did achieve a placing in the 2025 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). This current preparation marks a resurgence in form, following a period of being sidelined by minor issues throughout her four-year-old year.
“Knock on wood, this preparation has been really smooth for her and we’re finally seeing what she can do now she’s feeling well,” Berry said. “And she has been doing it on a dry deck, where we know she’s even better when she can get her toe into the ground, which we might get on Saturday. She’s drawn well, the 1800 doesn’t look to be an issue, especially at Rosehill. It’s a lot kinder distance there than it would be at Randwick. I couldn’t be any more pleased with how she’s going.”
Declichy Boulevard is currently the $4 favourite for the Five Diamonds. Berry is also slated to ride Lazzura, the leading contender in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m).
In the day’s final major race, Proverb is a solid $6 chance for the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m). Berry is anticipating a much-improved run from the Michael Freedman-trained colt, who struggled on the heavy 10 track when finishing last in the Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington.
“No surprise after riding him in his (latest) trial and his gallop that he’s not a wet tracker. He doesn’t really have that stride for it,” Berry stated. “I’m confident with him going into the weekend. I know the team is, and there are some nice races for him around the corner for him if he can get through Saturday.”
Proverb, a $700,000 Magic Millions purchase by syndicator James Harron, is from the same sire as Golden Eagle champion Skyhook, Written Tycoon.
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