Declichy Boulevard on track for Five Diamonds success

Jockey Tommy Berry admitted to a moment of doubt regarding Declichy Boulevard's potential after her victory in the Five Diamonds Prelude, questioning if she had truly reached her peak performance.

This uncertainty, however, was quickly dispelled when he partnered the mare in a trackwork gallop earlier this week.

"Winning on her last start, I didn't know if there was a lot of improvement there," Berry admitted. "But after galloping her this week, it showed she has definitely come on."

This news spells trouble for the 12 other contenders in the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Declichy Boulevard benefits from an ideal barrier draw in gate five and is expected to encounter the soft track conditions she favours.

While she hasn't secured a win beyond 1600 metres, she did manage a placing in last year's Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Her current campaign has been particularly fruitful, marking a significant turnaround after persistent minor issues sidelined her for much of her four-year-old season.

"Knock on wood, this preparation has been really smooth for her and we're finally seeing what she can do now she's feeling well," Berry said. "And she has been doing it on a dry deck, where we know she's even better when she can get her toe into the ground, which we might get on Saturday. She's drawn well, the 1800 doesn't look to be an issue, especially at Rosehill. It's a lot kinder distance there than it would be at Randwick. I couldn't be any more pleased with how she's going."

Declichy Boulevard is currently the $4 favourite for the Five Diamonds. Berry is also set to ride Lazzura, the market choice in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m).

Turning attention to the day's final feature race, Proverb is holding steady at $6 for the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m). Berry is confident the Michael Freedman-trained colt will perform better after finding the heavy 10 going difficult in the Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington.

"No surprise after riding him in his (latest) trial and his gallop that he's not a wet tracker. He doesn't really have that stride for it," Berry stated. "I'm confident with him going into the weekend. I know the team is, and there are some nice races for him around the corner for him if he can get through Saturday."

Proverb, a $700,000 Magic Millions purchase by syndicator James Harron, is by Written Tycoon, the same sire as Golden Eagle winner Skyhook.

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