Despite a string of notable victories throughout the spring carnival and a remarkable four-timer at Rosehill last Saturday, jockey Tommy Berry feels his personal benchmarks have yet to be fully met.
His notable successes include the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) aboard Apocalyptic, the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) on Declichy Boulevard, and The Invitation (1400m) worth $2 million with Lazzura. He also secured the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) on the same mare last Saturday.
However, Berry identifies a significant gap in his spring achievements, which fuels his determination to continue performing strongly into the summer months.
“I’m happy enough, but it would have been nice to have a Group One there as well, so that has been a bit frustrating,” Berry stated.
“It has still been a very good carnival, but we can always be a bit better and improve.
“Consistency is a key thing, so we’ve got to keep our finger on the pulse.
“I’m never content.”
This season, Berry has amassed 24 metropolitan wins, four of which occurred last Saturday with mounts Probability Theory, Lazzura, Agatha, and Horseshoe Hill, placing him third in the Sydney jockey standings.
While a Group 1 win is not on the cards this weekend, he is targeting another lucrative feature race after picking up the ride on Disneck, trained by Bjorn Baker, for the $1 million The Hunter (1300m).
The gelding has shown promising form in his recent outings, finishing sixth behind Grafterburners in the Sydney Stakes (1200m) and repeating that placing from last position in a 19-horse field in Ndola’s Rising Fast Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Berry will ride Disneck for the first time at Newcastle, anticipating an unpredictable renewal of The Hunter.
“He’s going well, and I’m not sure how strong it’s going to be, The Hunter, this year,” Berry commented.
“I’ve never sat on him… but Bjorn has always thrown me a bone here and there and we usually have a bit of luck.”
Berry and Baker recently celebrated victory together in the final race at Rosehill on Saturday with Horseshoe Hill.
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