Berry balances Randwick rides with Raiders finals fever

Tommy Berry has never been as glad to not have a full book of rides as at Randwick on Saturday.

The avid Canberra Raiders fan will be home in time to get relaxed before the minor premiers take on Cronulla on Saturday. Berry’s day will be done by 5pm, which opened the option of being in Canberra.

“I considered going to the airport and getting on a plane down to the game, but it would be tight to get there,” Berry said.

“I still can’t believe last week’s semi [which Canberra controversially lost in golden point extra time 29-28]. I felt like I had played the game when it finished and was so disappointed.

“I think they are good enough to win on Saturday and hopefully I will have had a couple of wins myself.”

Berry rides Gringotts in the 7 Stakes and Apocalyptic in the Tea Rose Stakes and both are well regarded by punters.

Gringotts, a $6 chance, will improve from his first-up fifth in the Winx Stakes, where he blew out late after being forced into a long run when winner Via Sistina came into the race.

“He had plenty of improvement because he was carrying a bit more weight than he has in the past,” Berry said. “At the 300m he sidled up at the 300m with Via Sistina like he was going to be in the finish, but we had got going a little earlier than I wanted to, and it told in the end.”

“He has had a trial since and it has him in great shape getting to a trip where he is very effective.”

Gringotts has won the Big Dance, The Gong and the George Ryder Stakes, proving himself at weight-for-age and as one of the best milers in the country.

He draws the inside gate on Saturday, which will allow him to take up his customary stalking role behind the speed, which he used to beat Fangirl and Ceolwulf in the Ryder.

“He has good tactical speed, and we can use that to our advantage again on Saturday,” Berry said. “We can get a couple of lengths advantage on Fangirl and then she will have to run us down.”

Apocalyptic had to miss most of her two-year-old season but delivered on her promise with an explosive victory in the Furious Stakes at just her second race start and Berry believes she will lap up the 1400m, despite an awkward draw, in the Group 2 for fillies.

“It was great to see her do that because we had high hopes for her as a two-year-old, but she had to miss the Slipper preparation,” Berry said.

“The way she feels is that she is going to be better the further they go, so I’m expecting another good performance on Saturday.”