Berry secures Yellow Brick mount for Rockhampton via McDonald tip

Tommy Berry could credit James McDonald if he notches his initial win in the $1 million The Archer.

The ride on Tony and Maddysen Sears' Yellow Brick in Sunday's Rockhampton showcase has gone to Berry, since McDonald, who was originally tapped for it, opted out owing to a prior family trip commitment.

Having guided Yellow Brick to success in both of his prior two rides, including the gelding's January triumph at the Gold Coast, McDonald urged Berry to travel to North Queensland for the engagement.

"They asked James McDonald, and he was away on holidays, so he asked if I'd be interested," Berry said.

"He gave him a pretty good wrap and said the horse gets in well at the weights with 56-1/2 kilos.

"I know Maddy and her father, but I haven't ridden for them before, I don't believe. So it was through James I got the ride there and decided to go up."

At Rockhampton, Berry has recorded nine rides yielding two victories and two further podium finishes, but this will be his initial involvement in The Archer (1300m).

A booking on Better Get Set fell through a couple of years ago when the horse was scratched race morning.

"I also rode there on Newmarket day four or five years ago and I think I rode a couple of winners out of five rides. That was the first time I ever went there," Berry said.

"Yellow Brick is definitely ready to go. His last trial was sharp and in good time, so the team has him primed for the race.

"They're very confident and James gave it a very good push. He really liked him."

The Rockhampton visit crowns a busy sequence for Berry, riding Thursday and Friday at the Wagga Carnival, then Saturday's isolated Hawkesbury card.

Upcoming plans include extensive Brisbane appearances during the winter racing phase, adding to his travel tally.

"This week is hard because we've got Wagga on the Thursday and Friday, but I do enjoy going to different places and supporting the clubs," Berry said.

"I'm going to be up in Brisbane for pretty much the whole carnival now, so the travel is something you've got to get used to."

Don't miss the Australian betting sites offering odds on The Archer feature race.