Travis Harrison Cup a stepping stone to fitness for Berkeley Square

Dan O’Sullivan has wasted no time getting Berkeley Square back into action this spring, following a light autumn campaign.

The six-year-old gelding built a strong record last season, winning at Flemington and Sandown before capping off the preparation with a victory in the Ballarat Cup.

He was also a consistent performer in stakes company, placing in the Coongy Cup, Bendigo Cup, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Zipping Classic.

After a single autumn start, he resumed last month in the Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington, followed by another run over the same trip at Caulfield.

While finishing off the pace in both events, he was only a few lengths off the winner, which O’Sullivan views as a valuable fitness foundation.

“He’s ticking over nice, he’s doing what he’s doing, he’s a bit of an older horse now and looking for the 2000 metres,” O’Sullivan said.

His next target is the Travis Harrison Cup (2040m) at The Valley this Saturday, where he’ll carry 62kg but benefit from Jaylah Kennedy’s 2kg claim.

Kennedy, who rode him to Ballarat Cup success last December, has remained aboard for both runs this campaign.

“He’s won there before and he’s going well, so what do I do, not run him and wait for another month,” O’Sullivan said.

“His last run was satisfactory. His past two runs he has drawn barriers one and three and those gates haven’t suited him.”

Berkeley Square won’t feature in the Caulfield Cup this spring, with O’Sullivan instead setting his sights on similar targets to last year’s campaign.

“I’d like to get him out to 2400 metres again so the Bendigo Cup, which he was competitive in last year, would be a nice race to aim for again,” he said.

For punters following his spring journey, you can find top markets and odds at trusted Australian betting sites.