Trainer Dan O’Sullivan from Ballarat is aware of the upcoming challenges as he aims to secure the Adelaide Cup victory with Berkeley Square.
Following a strong placing in the 2000m event at Caulfield last Saturday, the gelding Berkeley Square heads into a prompt rematch at Flemington this Saturday in the Be Captivated Trophy (2500m).
O’Sullivan explained that the focus remains on peaking Berkeley Square for the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) scheduled at Morphettville on March 9.
Although the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphettville on February 21 serves as the usual precursor to the Adelaide Cup, O’Sullivan prefers to avoid dual journeys to Adelaide with Berkeley Square to safeguard the gelding’s preparation.
“It’s about getting the miles into the legs before the Adelaide Cup, so that’s why I’m running him on Saturday,” O’Sullivan said.
“The Lord Reims would quite possibly be a suitable race for him, but I don’t want to do two trips, I don’t want to go over, come home and then go back again.
“Plus, he’s in a good routine at home.”
O’Sullivan noted that Berkeley Square suits the 2500m distance this Saturday and mentioned that the gelding somehow underperforms at Caulfield.
He added that Berkeley Square tends to be tense in the barriers at Caulfield on race day yet settles more calmly at Flemington.
“The way he raced last week he’s looking for the extra trip now and after this we’ve got three weeks leading up to the Adelaide Cup, so that’s up to me to get it right,” O’Sullivan said.
“I think he’s in good spot.
“It would be good if we could win the Adelaide Cup. He’s owned there and the breeder (David Peacock) is very keen for him to go there.”
Having won the Ballarat Cup on two occasions, Berkeley Square has raced twice more since his latest success in December.
The rider Luke Nolen, successful aboard the horse at Ballarat, is back in the irons this Saturday. Punters can check out the best Australian betting sites for the upcoming action.
The post Quick back-up for Berkeley Square first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
