Castillo King's impressive debut win validates Tommy Berry's return

Tommy Berry's decision to cut his holiday short to ride Castillo King at Warwick Farm has paid dividends, with the colt making a highly impressive debut.

The premier Sydney jockey had not competed since the Tattersall's Tiara meeting at Eagle Farm on June 27 and was slated to return to riding duties this weekend.

However, upon discovering that Farnan's progeny, Castillo King, was entered in the Racing And Sports Plate (1100m) on Wednesday, Berry promptly revised his schedule.

"I probably wasn't going to come back until Saturday, but when I saw him in I didn't want to forgo that ride," Berry commented.

"He's a smart colt. He's got a great attitude, and he will appreciate getting over a little bit further. He was out of his comfort zone the whole way trying to hold that box seat, but I loved what I saw late.

"Now the pressure is off, he's done it, and he ran good time. He was put under really good pressure, so the sky is the limit."

Prepared by the highly regarded two-year-old trainer Michael Freedman, Castillo King was acquired for $180,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale.

Michael Freedman's stable representative, Sophie Johnson, reported that the newcomer had exhibited talent from the start and performed exceptionally well to beat several more experienced opponents, including the second-placed Eviction Notice, who had previously been placed in the Silver Slipper.

"We knew Eviction Notice was going to be a bit tricky. Being one of Gai's (trainer Gai Waterhouse's) and with Rachel (King) on board, it's speed all the way, and a few others had some runs under their belts as well," Johnson said.

"It was really good to see. He's been a professional horse from day one. He's not a problem being a colt, and he handles himself really well."

Johnson confirmed that the Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill on August 15 would be a potential target for Castillo King, contingent on his recovery from the race.

"All being well. It's definitely a race that's on the cards for him but it can go anyway with horses," she added.

Castillo King, the $2 favourite, demonstrated significant strength to the finish line, winning by a margin of 3-1/4 lengths from Eviction Notice ($2.60), with Maritime Magnate ($21) finishing a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

Explore the best Australian betting sites to get involved with the racing odds.