When acceptances came out on Wednesday morning for the rich $1million Inglis Sprint over 1200m, leading rider Tommy Berry looked at them.
In that moment he must have been struck with awe and wonder and a good helping of bemusement too.
Because, he is the regular rider for the dual Gr 1 winner OLE KIRK (Written Tycoon-Naturale). He has ridden him four times including a stunning win in the $1million Gr 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill last September.
As recently as two weeks back, he rode him in a barrier trial.
The horse has been exceptionally good to him, and he to it.
But, here lies the dilemma for the emerging star of Sydney racing.
Tommy has also ridden the superstar filly DAME GISELLE (I Am Invincible-Ballet Society) on five occasions.
Berry and the Dame have combined to win three times at Gr 2 level including twice over this journey in the Silver Slipper and the Furious Stakes.
As recently as last week Tommy rode her in a barrier trial.
Today she steps from gate 9 while Ole Kirk comes out of gate 7.
Berry has chosen, probably after a painstaking hour or so of studying the form and the race maps, to partner Dame Giselle.
If the expected rain falls this afternoon at Randwick, he may well be wooing that decision.
This is because the colt handles the wet better than the filly.
As of 9:30am today, Ole Kirk was a $2.50 chance with Palmerbet while Dame Giselle was at $3.80.
I for one, am a strong believer in jockeys as judges.
When they make a choice 90% of the time it is a winning move and I follow it closely with my money.
But, in a rare moment of punting reversal today for me, I’m betting against Tommy’s decision here.
I think the colt will storm to victory with Dame Giselle in 2nd sport.
Good luck to the connections of both star 3yos.
