Flemington quick-fire for Berkeley Square ahead of Cup target
Dan O'Sullivan, the Ballarat-based handler, keeps a close eye on future targets while chasing Adelaide Cup glory via Berkeley Square.
The gelding notched a solid placing at 2000m on Caulfield last Saturday and now faces a swift turnaround at Flemington this coming Saturday for the Be Captivated Trophy over 2500m.
According to O'Sullivan, everything is geared toward having Berkeley Square in top condition for the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) on March 9 at Morphettville.
The Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) on February 21 at Morphettville is typically the key trial for the Adelaide Cup, yet O'Sullivan is reluctant to transport Berkeley Square to Adelaide twice and jeopardize the gelding's schedule.
"It's about getting the miles into the legs before the Adelaide Cup, so that's why I'm running him on Saturday," O'Sullivan said.
"The Lord Reims would quite possibly be a suitable race for him, but I don't want to do two trips, I don't want to go over, come home and then go back again.
"Plus, he's in a good routine at home."
Berkeley Square is primed for Saturday's 2500m test, O'Sullivan believes, and the trainer pointed out the gelding's struggles to shine at Caulfield for unknown reasons.
Berkeley Square gets agitated in the starting gates at Caulfield come raceday, but he appears more composed at Flemington, according to O'Sullivan.
"The way he raced last week he's looking for the extra trip now and after this we've got three weeks leading up to the Adelaide Cup, so that's up to me to get it right," O'Sullivan said.
"I think he's in good spot.
"It would be good if we could win the Adelaide Cup. He's owned there and the breeder (David Peacock) is very keen for him to go there."
A two-time victor of the Ballarat Cup, Berkeley Square has had a pair of outings since his most recent triumph back in December.
Luke Nolen resumes the ride on Saturday after partnering the gelding to win at Ballarat. Check the top online bookmakers for your bets on this feature.
The post Quick back-up for Berkeley Square first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
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