Transatlantic was agonisingly close to overcoming a wide draw in a spring feature race, and Tommy Berry is relying on the horse’s resilience and staying power to go one better from another tough gate in the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap.
The gelding jumped from the outside barrier in the Five Diamonds (1800m) when he went down by a long head to Vivy Air with Berry aboard.
Although the leading rider acknowledges that taking on Saturday’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) from barrier 18 presents an even greater test, he believes the five-year-old has shown he can cope with intense competition.
“It’s a bit tougher this time around, there is always a lot of pressure in a Stradbroke,” Berry said.
“He’s a horse who can handle pressure though. He’s done that in the past, and he’s placed at 1800. His stamina isn’t going to be an issue.
“He’s just going to need a little bit of luck in that first half and if he gets it, he’ll be right in the finish.”
Transatlantic is set to attempt to deliver both Berry and leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan their first victory in the state’s premier race, and he comes into the contest at his peak following two strong performances since resuming.
“The good thing is he’s from Queensland, so he hasn’t had to travel this preparation, he has been home the whole time. He enjoys a bit of give in the ground and he is trained by Tony Gollan. There’s a lot of ticks there,” Berry said.
Berry will aim for his second J J Atkins (1600m) success aboard Berzelius for Michael Freedman, after first winning the event on the Gai Waterhouse-prepared Almalad back in 2014.
Following an impressive debut win at Doomben in April, the colt found the tight bends at the Gold Coast difficult in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m), but improved markedly with the addition of visors and a crossover noseband to take out the Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at his most recent outing.
Berry, who rides regularly for the Freedman team, noted that Berzelius had long been viewed as a talented prospect and showed his ability last start.
Provided he can stretch his talent over the mile in the Atkins, Berry expects the colt to feature prominently.
“He just started to feel the pinch that last little bit last start, so a bit more work has gone into him,” Berry said.
“To run the trip he needed a good barrier, which he’s got, and the Sires’ is always a very good form race leading into it.”
Berry selected Gunsynd Classic (1600m) hopeful Within The Law as his top ride on the card after her powerful first-up third in the Fred Best Classic (1400m) where she came from near the back of the field on the turn.
“It’s the tale to her career because she’s a backmarker and she has got to make her own luck,” he said.
“She’s drawn well and up in distance, hopefully she can hold a closer position in the run and she’ll be right in the finish.”
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