Apocalyptic's form under scrutiny as Berry aims for Silver Eagle success
Jockey Tommy Berry concedes that Apocalyptic has not yet fulfilled her early potential, but he remains steadfast in his belief in the Group 1 victor.
During her spring three-year-old campaign, she was almost invincible, clinching the Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes, and Flight Stakes before a narrow defeat to Ole Dancer in the Thousand Guineas. This success fuelled expectations that she would set the standard in the autumn fillies' classics.
However, her autumn preparation was cut short after just two starts due to a disappointing performance in the Surround Stakes (1400m). Despite not being far off the pace in her two recent runs, she has not recaptured the speed she displayed a year ago.
This lack of peak performance has been observable on the racetrack.
"Apocalyptic has been frustrating," Berry admitted.
"She's been out of the winners' circle a long time now, probably a bit over a year.
"If she finds her best, which she's doing at home, she's just got to bring it to race day again and she'll figure in the finish."
Berry is hopeful that this resurgence will occur on Saturday when Apocalyptic contests the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m). She faces a competitive field that includes the highly rated Beiwacht and the in-form Skyhook.
The mare has also been fitted with visors for the first time and has drawn favourably in barrier seven.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare is part of a substantial Everest day book for Berry, who will also ride Ninja in the $20 million feature race. His mount in the Sydney Stakes (1200m), Golden Straand, has secured a start as the first emergency following the withdrawal of Napoleonic.
Despite these rides, Berry highlights So You Are, trained by Bjorn Baker, as his most promising prospect in the St Leger Stakes (2600m) earlier in the program.
As the gelding's regular jockey, Rachel King, is in Melbourne to ride Green Spaces in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Berry has been given the opportunity to ride So You Are, who is aiming to add Saturday's race to his previous victories in the City Tattersall's Club Cup (2400m) and Colin Stephen Quality (2400m).
"So You Are is probably my best ride. He's put a few wins on the board, and the team is very confident with him," Berry said.
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