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.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...