Soul Of Spain and Berry set sights on Sydney Cup via Tancred
Tommy Berry hasn't hidden his keenness to steer the developing stayer Soul Of Spain through to the Sydney Cup, securing the mount initially and vowing to stay aboard for his entire autumn preparation.
It's proving a astute move so far, as the gelding under Chris Waller's guidance is co-favourite for the upcoming two-mile spectacle next month, while holding genuine prospects in this weekend's weight-for-age Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
The one-time Irish import stamped his authority last spring with a pair of encouraging triumphs up north in Queensland, capped by success in the Newcastle Cup (2300m) and a fine second placing in the Metropolitan (2400m).
In his two most recent appearances, he has flashed potential by storming home strongly, crossing the line sixth to elite performer Autumn Glow in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) second-up during February, before going down only to Vauban in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) on March 14.
The jockey has been impressed by these runs and believes despite suboptimal weights in the Tancred Stakes, the extra journey will play to Soul Of Spain's strengths.
"Obviously, the step up to 2400 metres is going to suit on the way to a Sydney Cup . . . although, he's got to meet some pretty handy horses at around the same weight," Berry said.
"Last 'prep' he was doing things on raw ability when he was coming through the grades, but he is a lot more seasoned.
"Chris Waller got to travel him a little bit last preparation, up in Queensland and back to Sydney, and usually that's very good for stayers. He has come back a more professional racehorse, and he's got a really good turn of speed."
Berry regards victory in the Tancred Stakes as a welcome addition, but regards the Rosehill weight-for-age event as prime lead-up for the gelding's Sydney Cup aspirations, with the five-year-old easing to 53.5kg from Saturday's 59kg impost in the handicap.
"He's ready to take the next step and Chris always uses a method getting to his grand finals, and the race on Saturday is one he's used previously to get his better horses to a Sydney Cup," he said.
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