Predicting the trajectory of a lightly raced two-year-old isn’t an exact science, especially when they’ve had a campaign hiccup.
But jockey Tommy Berry is erring on the side of hopeful as Incognito prepares to reignite his Golden Slipper campaign in Saturday’s Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill.
The one-time favourite for the $5 million juvenile showpiece disappointed first-up in the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) and was found to be making a gurgling sound on pulling up, often an indication of a displaced palette.
Trainer Michael Freedman has tweaked his gear, adding a tongue tie and tongue control bit, and Berry says all the signs since point to Incognito rebounding.
“On his work on Tuesday morning, there will be no excuses and nowhere to hide for him Saturday because he couldn’t be going any better,” Berry said.
“It will be one or the other with him.
“He’ll either come out and show us what he’s made of, and he’ll be right back in contention, or I don’t really want to think about the other option.
“But they’re two-year-olds, and it’s week to week with them and how they perform.
“I have been let down by plenty in the past, but I’d be very surprised if that’s the case with this guy.”
A brilliant winner of the Breeders’ Plate in the spring, Incognito started odds-on in the Canonbury, which was won by Saturday’s rival Hidrix.
Along with the former’s breathing issue, Berry said in hindsight, he may have taken the youngster out of his comfort zone trying to position him close to the speed and won’t be adopting that tactic this weekend.
“Considering his price, we tried to ride him like a good thing, but by putting him into the race the way I did, he really got onto the chewy and took a good hold,” Berry explained.
“I think he’s panicked because I’ve asked him to really be there, which I had never done before. When he won, he was three pairs back and in all his trials he was in the second half and got into a lovely rhythm, breathed really well and finished off the way we know he can.
“On Saturday, drawing well was very important, and he has, and that will give us the opportunity to ride him with cover and let him do things right.”
