An inside barrier is a positive for most horses, but Tommy Berry isn’t sure it’s an ideal scenario for Apocalyptic.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare has drawn the rails for Saturday’s Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill and it’s Berry’s one reservation over her winning chances given she appreciates galloping room.
“Barrier one around Rosehill is probably going to be a little bit tricky,” Berry said.
“She’s going to be in a tricky spot at some stage, but she is going well enough to perform to a good level.”
Gate aside, Berry is adamant Apocalyptic is going as well as ever.
The winner of the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) last spring, she didn’t quite perform to expectations in two autumn starts but he was rapt with her return effort in the Toy Show Quality (1100m) when she came from second last to finish third, beaten less than a length.
“They were probably a little bit sharp for her over the 1100,” he said.
“We were hoping to be closer, but they were running ‘ten-and-a-halfs’ (seconds to the furlong) and that’s too quick for her as a travelling speed. Then she’s run home in about 33 (seconds) for the last 600, so she’s done a good job. That was her tiring a bit late too and she has taken good improvement from the run.
“Her work on Tuesday was as good as it’s ever been.
“We’re pretty keen on her chances. I would have loved a barrier a bit more in the middle, but you can’t have everything go your way.”
The Sheraco Stakes has been won by some outstanding mares including More Joyous (2010 and 2012), Catkins (2014-15) and Entriviere (2022), while Sunshine In Paris claimed it two years ago before going on to finish fifth to Bella Nipotina in the 2024 The Everest (1200m).
With Midnight In Tokyo and Ahha Ahha both early scratchings, Apocalyptic will have nine rivals, headed by the Chris Waller-trained of pair Lady Shenandoah and Lazzura, along with the promising Plaintiff and Weeping Woman.
