Forecasting the path of a barely raced two-year-old is far from precise, particularly after a setback in their preparation.
However, rider Tommy Berry remains optimistic as Incognito gears up to revive his Golden Slipper aspirations in Saturday’s Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill.
The former favourite for the $5 million juvenile highlight underperformed on debut in the Canonbury Stakes (1100m), later found to be gurgling upon pulling up, a common sign of a displaced palate.
Handler Michael Freedman has adjusted the equipment, incorporating a tongue tie and tongue control bit, with Berry noting all recent indicators suggest Incognito will bounce back.
“On his work on Tuesday morning, there will be no excuses and nowhere to hide for him Saturday because he couldn’t be going any better,” Berry said.
“It will be one or the other with him.
He’ll either come out and show us what he’s made of, and he’ll be right back in contention, or I don’t really want to think about the other option.
But they’re two-year-olds, and it’s week to week with them and how they perform.
I have been let down by plenty in the past, but I’d be very surprised if that’s the case with this guy.”
A standout victor in the Breeders’ Plate during spring, Incognito was odds-on in the Canonbury, taken out by Saturday’s opponent Hidrix.
In addition to the breathing problem, Berry reflected that perhaps he pushed the young horse too aggressively by holding a forward position and plans a different approach this time.
“Considering his price, we tried to ride him like a good thing, but by putting him into the race the way I did, he really got onto the chewy and took a good hold,” Berry explained.
“I think he’s panicked because I’ve asked him to really be there, which I had never done before. When he won, he was three pairs back and in all his trials he was in the second half and got into a lovely rhythm, breathed really well and finished off the way we know he can.
On Saturday, drawing well was very important, and he has, and that will give us the opportunity to ride him with cover and let him do things right.”
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