The phrase “everyone would love a horse like this in their yard” is often used lightly, but in the case of Berkeley Square, it feels entirely fitting.

Once a leading chance for the Victoria Derby, the talented galloper is preparing for another spring campaign, beginning with a return in Saturday’s Listed VRC-CRV Winter Championship Final (1600m).

From his last 13 starts, the five-year-old has missed the placings only three times, highlighted by his victory in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m).

He’s also banked placings in key 2024 features like the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m), Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) and Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m).

Berkeley Square was below his best in his sole 2025 appearance at Flemington back in February, but a break has refreshed the stayer.

“He had a good break,” trainer Dan O’Sullivan said.

“We’ll look to do what we did last year but with his rating above 100 now we might be looking at races like the Heatherlie Handicap, the Coongy and the Bendigo and Ballarat Cups again.”

While Saturday’s 1600m assignment is short of his preferred trip, Berkeley Square boasts wins over shorter journeys, with eight career victories and as many placings from 27 starts.

“Barrier one isn’t ideal but the horse is going well and he loves Flemington and the mile.

It might be short of distance but he has come back very, very well.”

Berkeley Square is rated a $51 chance for the Winter Championship, though his reliability makes him a solid roughie to consider.

Flemington winner Oh Too Good heads the market at $2.80.

Betting on the Winter Championship and horses like Berkeley Square can be done through Australia’s top bookies at justhorseracing.com.au.