Tommy Berry is the first to admit Apocalyptic hasn’t delivered on her early promise, but he isn’t losing faith in the Group 1 winner just yet.
Almost unbeatable as a spring three-year-old, she won the Furious, Tea Rose and Flight Stakes last year before narrowly going down to Ole Dancer in the Thousand Guineas, fuelling expectations she’d be the measuring stick in the autumn fillies’ features.
However, that campaign was cut short after just two runs following a disappointing loss in the Surround Stakes (1400m), and while she hasn’t been far away in two return runs, nor has she showed the dash of 12 months ago.
At least, not on race day.
“Apocalyptic has been frustrating,” Berry said.
“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 hoping that will be on Saturday when Apocalyptic takes her place in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) where she will clash with the likes of multiple Group 1 performer Beiwacht and the in-form Skyhook.
She has also been fitted with visors for the first time and has drawn nicely in barrier seven.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare is among nine Everest day rides for Berry, who partners Ninja in the $20 million showstopper, while his Sydney Stakes (1200m) mount Golden Straand has gained a run as first emergency following the scratching of Napoleonic.
However, Berry believes his best chance on the card will come early in the program when he teams with the Bjorn Baker-trained So You Are in the St Leger Stakes (2600m).
With the gelding’s regular rider, Rachel King, in Melbourne to partner Green Spaces in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Berry has picked up the plum mount as the gelding bids to add Saturday’s race to his wins 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.
