Tommy Berry dismounted Declichy Boulevard following her victory in the Five Diamonds Prelude, harbouring a lingering doubt that the mare might have reached her absolute limit.
However, this notion was swiftly put to rest when he partnered her during an early-week trackwork gallop.
“Winning on her last start, I didn’t know if there was a lot of improvement there,” Berry admitted. “But after galloping her this week, it showed she has definitely come on.”
This development presents a significant challenge for the mare’s 12 competitors in the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill this Saturday. Declichy Boulevard has secured an advantageous barrier in five and is poised to encounter her preferred soft track conditions.
Although she has not clinched a victory beyond a mile, she did secure a placing in last year’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). This season has seen her rediscover a potent vein of form after a significant portion of her four-year-old year was hampered by minor ailments.
“Knock on wood, this preparation has been really smooth for her and we’re finally seeing what she can do now she’s feeling well,” Berry said. “And she has been doing it on a dry deck, where we know she’s even better when she can get her toe into the ground, which we might get on Saturday. She’s drawn well, the 1800 doesn’t look to be an issue, especially at Rosehill. It’s a lot kinder distance there than it would be at Randwick. I couldn’t be any more pleased with how she’s going.”
Declichy Boulevard stands as the $4 favourite for the Five Diamonds. Concurrently, Berry is scheduled to ride the market pick, Lazzura, in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m).
In the day’s other major race, Proverb is firmly positioned at $6 for the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m). Berry anticipates a strong rebound from the Michael Freedman-trained colt, who finished last in the Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington, struggling on the heavy 10 track.
“No surprise after riding him in his (latest) trial and his gallop that he’s not a wet tracker. He doesn’t really have that stride for it,” Berry stated. “I’m confident with him going into the weekend. I know the team is, and there are some nice races for him around the corner for him if he can get through Saturday.”
Proverb shares the same sire as Golden Eagle victor Skyhook, being Written Tycoon, and was acquired for $700,000 at the Magic Millions by syndicator James Harron.
For the main race, consider exploring the racing odds at Australian betting sites.