Jockey Tommy Berry has celebrated numerous significant race wins throughout the spring carnival, including a four-timer at Rosehill last Saturday, but he still finds himself wanting more according to his high personal standards.
His impressive haul includes the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) on Apocalyptic, the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) with Declichy Boulevard, and the $2 million The Invitation (1400m) aboard Lazzura. He also captured the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) on the same mare last weekend.
However, Berry perceives a notable absence from his spring record, a factor driving his continued dedication into the summer racing period.
“I’m happy enough, but it would have been nice to have a Group One there as well, so that has been a bit frustrating,” Berry said.
“It has still been a very good carnival, but we can always be a bit better and improve.
“Consistency is a key thing, so we’ve got to keep our finger on the pulse.
“I’m never content.”
Berry has ridden 24 metropolitan winners this season, four of them on Saturday aboard Probability Theory, Lazzura, Agatha, and Horseshoe Hill, propelling him to third place in the Sydney jockey premiership.
While he won’t be adding to his Group 1 tally this weekend, he is hopeful of claiming another lucrative feature after securing the ride on Bjorn Baker’s Disneck in the $1 million The Hunter (1300m).
The gelding has delivered encouraging performances in his last two starts, finishing sixth behind Grafterburners in the Sydney Stakes (1200m) and coming from last in a 19-horse field to secure the same position in Ndola’s Rising Fast Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Berry will partner Disneck for the first time at Newcastle, predicting an open contest for The Hunter.
“He’s going well, and I’m not sure how strong it’s going to be, The Hunter, this year,” Berry commented.
“I’ve never sat on him… but Bjorn has always thrown me a bone here and there and we usually have a bit of luck.”
Berry and Baker celebrated success together on Saturday at Rosehill, winning the final race with Horseshoe Hill.
Check out the latest racing odds for The Hunter at top Australian bookmakers.
