Tommy Berry has openly stated that Apocalyptic has fallen short of her initial expectations, but he maintains his faith in the Group 1 winner.
During her three-year-old spring season, she was nearly unstoppable, winning the Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes, and Flight Stakes. She then narrowly lost to Ole Dancer in the Thousand Guineas, leading to widespread belief that she would dominate the autumn fillies’ races.
However, her autumn campaign was halted after just two starts, following a disappointing run in the Surround Stakes (1400m). While she has performed respectably in her two recent outings, she has not displayed the same sharpness as last year.
This lack of peak form has been evident on raceday.
“Apocalyptic has been frustrating,” Berry commented.
“She’s been out of the winners’ circle a long time now, probably a bit over a year.
“If she finds her best, which she’s doing at home, she’s just got to bring it to race day again and she’ll figure in the finish.”
Berry is hopeful that Saturday will mark a turning point when Apocalyptic competes in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m). She is set to face strong competition from multiple Group 1 performer Beiwacht and the in-form Skyhook.
The mare has also been fitted with visors for the first time and has drawn well in barrier seven.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare is one of nine rides for Berry on Everest day, partnering Ninja in the $20 million main event. His mount in the Sydney Stakes (1200m), Golden Straand, has gained a start as first emergency after Napoleonic was scratched.
However, Berry believes his best chance on the card will come earlier in the program when he partners the Bjorn Baker-trained So You Are in the St Leger Stakes (2600m).
With the gelding’s regular rider, Rachel King, in Melbourne to ride Green Spaces in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Berry has picked up the ride as the gelding aims to add Saturday’s race to his victories in the City Tattersall’s Club Cup (2400m) and Colin Stephen Quality (2400m).
“So You Are is probably my best ride. He’s put a few wins on the board, and the team is very confident with him,” Berry stated.
Betting markets for the Silver Eagle are now open at leading Australian betting sites.