Berkeley Square goes bakc to back in the Ballarat Cup

Dan O’Sullivan and Berkeley Square once again claimed the limelight at Ballarat, securing back-to-back victories in the Ballarat Cup with a dominant performance on Saturday.

O’Sullivan has long viewed provincial staying features as ideal targets for the classy gelding, and the $500,000 Listed event over 2000 metres delivered another memorable result. Berkeley Square surged clear to win by 2¾ lengths from longshot Cadmus ($71), with Statuario ($14) finishing third 1¾ lengths away.

“We weren’t under pressure but it’s good to see him do it,” O’Sullivan said.

“With the blinkers on and how he was travelling at the half-mile, I thought this is going to be beautiful and to see him win so comfortably, it’s really, really good.

“I’ve been reluctant to put the blinkers on for a while as I thought he might over-race, but Luke (Nolen) got it perfect today.

“He’s just a bloody good horse and he has won over $2 million in prizemoney now too.”

Nolen was ruled out of last year’s win due to a fall, allowing apprentice Jaylah Kennedy to guide Berkeley Square to victory. This time, with Kennedy injured, Nolen reclaimed the ride.

“It is a swings and roundabouts sort of thing,” Nolen said.

“Jaylah did a marvellous job and I was happy to take the reins again. It is one of those things. You take the rough and the smooth. These things turn around quickly.

“He’s two-for-two at the 2000-metres here so might as well go for a three-peat and it’ll be between Jaylah and me as to who rides it.”

Nolen also applauded O’Sullivan’s persistence through a 12-month period in which the gelding raced honestly without breaking through.

“He’s done a great job with him,” Nolen said.

“He’s toiled as he hasn’t won since this day last year, but he’s continued to run well and tested his patience.

“A lot of the credit goes to Dan and his team, they deserve this success.”

Punters can explore Ballarat Cup betting options at Australia’s leading wagering sites.