Tommy Berry backs Storm Leopard for Derby after Rosehill staying win

Jockey Tommy Berry proposed footing the $44,000 late nomination expense himself to ensure Storm Leopard gains entry to the ATC Australian Derby post his commanding display in the Group 2 $300,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) held at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.

"I'll offer to pay the late entry if they want,'' Berry said.

"He's so clean winded, he's a real stayer. The team has done a great job with him, bringing him here in such great order.

"I only got on for the first time today so thanks to the Hayes boys for the opportunity and looking forward to hopefully riding him in the Derby."

Trainer Ben Hayes explained Storm Leopard was originally listed for the Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m) over Royal Randwick next Saturday, but they withdrew from the first acceptance payment earlier in the gelding's preparation.

"We took him out of the 'noms' and were looking at the South Australian Derby but we changed our plans (again) because he started to go so well,'' Hayes said."It will be a discussion we need about next week but if he pulls up well, it's definitely something that will be considered. It is a good problem to have.''

At $4.20 in betting, Storm Leopard benefited from the strong tempo, assumed command halfway down the straight, and pulled away for a near two-length victory.

The $81 chance Eureka Rebel ran an encouraging Derby gallop, hitting the line well for second, while front-runner Shangri La Boy at $5 boxed on for third.

Sadly, the event was tainted by the severe near-fore injury to market leader Arcora ($2.40), who broke down in the latter stages.

Stewards from Racing NSW questioned Arcora's jockey Nash Rawiller along with trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, later announcing the colt was euthanised.

Rawiller, who handled the situation expertly by steadying Arcora, described the colt's gait as "felt amazing" beforehand.

"He got into a lovely rhythm during the race – this came out of nowhere,'' Rawiller said.

To stewards, Busuttin described Arcora as the "soundest horse you could ever find" after flawless lead-up work for the Tulloch Stakes.

Post-race, Hayes showed class in his media comments following Storm Leopard's triumph.

"I feel for the connections of Arcora,'' was Hayes's first comment. "You never want to see that happen.''

Berry admitted concern for Rawiller and the stricken Arcora once the problem was evident.

"My mind was on Nash (Rawiller - on retired runner Arcora) to make sure he was alright,'' Berry said."But then you've got to make sure you focus up again.''

According to Berry, Storm Leopard asserted with a "lot of authority", even accounting for some straight-line deviation by the chestnut.

"Storm Leopard got to the leader very quickly and was left in front a long way from home,'' Berry said.

"I would've loved to have something challenge him halfway down the straight because he felt like he was floating where he was.

"I had enough looks to make it as soft as I could late just in case he had to back up. He's trained by a bunch of gentlemen that send their horses to Sydney in such great order so if they decided to go that way it wouldn't be an issue.''

The gelding Storm Leopard is poised to emulate the 10th horse in pulling off the Tulloch Stakes-ATC Australian Derby double, emulating Quick Thinker (2020), Angel Of Truth (2019), Levendi (2018), Jon Snow (2017), Starcraft (2004), Ivory's Irish (1995), Mahogany (1994), Durbridge (1991) and Prolific (1984).

TAB Fixed Odds added Storm Leopard to Derby wagering post-Tulloch at $4.50, trailing only joint leaders Observer and Green Spaces on $3.50, as he hadn't been entered previously.

Trainer Matthew Smith praised the Derby trials from his runner-up Eureka Rebel and Dezignation in fifth. "Both horses are strong, young stayers and as long as they pull up well, I would like them to back up in the Derby,'' Smith said.

Rider Kerrin McEvoy on Eureka Rebel was confident the gelding would stay the Derby journey next Saturday.

"He ran really well,'' McEvoy said. "I didn't jump like we thought but he got a nice trip around and he goes to Randwick to enjoy the 2400m,'' McEvoy said.

Shangri La Boy's jockey Adam Hyeronimus secured third and noted improvement, though not the horse's top form.

"That is not the best version of him,'' Hyeronimus said. "The best version of him is jump and relax in front then show his sharp turn of foot.''

Head to online bookmakers to find the keenest markets for the upcoming ATC Australian Derby.