Berry confident Storm Leopard blends speed and stamina for Derby
There's debate on whether class alone suffices for a three-year-old in a Derby without full stamina, or if staying power reigns supreme in classics.
Jockey Tommy Berry sees a balance, believing his ATC Australian Derby (2400m) partner Storm Leopard offers precisely that mix.
"They need to stay, but you talk about any stayer, whether in a Derby or a Melbourne Cup, they've got that bit of brilliance as well," Berry said.
"The two other favourites in the race - Green Spaces looks to have the stamina, and Observer looks to have the brilliance - but have they got both?
"Hopefully, my bloke does, which we feel he does. If he can show his turn of foot at the end of 2400 metres, it's going to take him a long way."
Storm Leopard, under the care of Victorian trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes, delivered a powerful success on his first Sydney appearance in the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill last Saturday.
Berry's debut ride on the youngster saw him cover extra ground effectively after a foe broke down approaching the 1000m, enabling the pacemaker to forge ahead, yet Storm Leopard closed gamely.
Such late strength convinces Berry that a repeat could earn him a second Derby at Sydney, mirroring his 2016 win on Tavago.
"I thought I'd be vulnerable late, but he was so strong through the line, and I eased him down," Berry said.
"That gave me a lot of confidence to say to the boys, if you want to back him up I thought he'd have no problem with the distance.
"The team was never going to run him here if he didn't pull up well. They're a great team of trainers, the Hayes boys, and if they're backing him up he's obviously in good order."
Storm Leopard at $5 leads Berry's seven other Randwick engagements, six under double figures, including Profoundly ($5) in the Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).
From a wide barrier, Profoundly ran a bold third in the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m), positioning her for a potential Saturday triumph and Oaks entry in the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m).
"She was four-wide, no cover at Kembla and was really strong through the line," Berry said.
"This is her chance, a bit like Storm Leopard (last week), to win her way into an Oaks.
"She has drawn well where last time she didn't . . . and she is a great chance in what looks to be a strong edition of the race."
Visit online bookmakers to find the latest betting markets for the race featuring Storm Leopard in the ATC Australian Derby.
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