Tommy Berry acknowledges that Apocalyptic has not quite lived up to her initial potential, but he remains optimistic about the Group 1 winner’s prospects.
Once nearly unbeatable as a three-year-old during the spring, she secured victories in the Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes, and Flight Stakes last year. She also finished a close second to Ole Dancer in the Thousand Guineas, leading to high expectations for her performance in the autumn fillies’ features.
However, that campaign was prematurely ended after only two starts, following a disappointing showing in the Surround Stakes (1400m). While she hasn’t been far off the mark in her two resuming runs, she has lacked the acceleration displayed 12 months prior.
This has been evident on race day, at least.
“Apocalyptic has been frustrating,” Berry stated.
“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 hoping for a return to form on Saturday when Apocalyptic competes in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m). She will face strong opposition from the multiple Group 1 winner Beiwacht and the in-form Skyhook.
Additionally, she will be equipped with visors for the first time and has secured a favourable draw in barrier seven.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare is one of nine rides for Berry on Everest day, including Ninja in the $20 million feature. His mount in the Sydney Stakes (1200m), Golden Straand, has gained a start as first emergency after the withdrawal of Napoleonic.
Nevertheless, Berry considers his strongest chance on the program to be an earlier race, where he will partner the Bjorn Baker-trained So You Are in the St Leger Stakes (2600m).
With the gelding’s regular jockey, Rachel King, in Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) with Green Spaces, Berry has secured the coveted ride as the gelding aims to add Saturday’s race to his previous wins 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 commented.
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