Trainer Dan O’Sullivan and Berkeley Square’s owners remain committed to their Adelaide Cup plans despite a significant weight penalty and a rail draw.
O’Sullivan began his training career in Adelaide prior to relocating to Ballarat, and he boasts an Adelaide Cup success from 2008 courtesy of Lacey Underall.
However, Monday’s Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville holds extra significance given that the gelding’s ownership syndicate is mostly Adelaide locals.
Chaos erupted in the mounting yard following Berkeley Square’s second Ballarat Cup (2000m) triumph in December, yet Monday could bring even greater frenzy should the six-year-old prevail.
“It would be good to go back and do it again, especially for his owners who are Adelaide based,” O’Sullivan said.
“Some haven’t seen race for a little while.”
Nevertheless, the challenge ahead for Berkeley Square is formidable.
The gelding must shoulder 59.5kg, surpassing the 1.5kg burdens carried by Hyperno in 1978 and Gallic in 2007 during their wins since metrics were adopted in 1973.
Working in Berkeley Square’s advantage is the 53kg minimum weight, up 3kg from when Bohemiath succeeded around the millennium, though Gallic triumphed from the same minimum.
Berkeley Square secured his Adelaide passage by hauling 61.5kg to win over 2500m at Flemington on February 14 with Luke Nolen aboard once more for Monday.
“It was a good ride,” O’Sullivan said.
“He looked after the horse and made sure he ran the trip out with the view of going up to two miles.
“I’ve got no problems with the trip. I think he can do whatever we want him to do.
“He’s never done that and you want to see it, but it won’t be easy with the weight, but he is a big bugger, and he has the form on the board.
“He is a Group 2 winner and has done a lot more than some of the others in the race.”
O’Sullivan noted that preparations have proceeded without issue since the Flemington success, including light gallops to maintain Berkeley Square’s sharpness.
“I’m happy with where he’s at and we’ve just got to get him over there safely and he’ll be right to go,” O’Sullivan said.
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