Tommy Berry has made no secret of his desire to ride progressive stayer Soul Of Spain in the Sydney Cup, firstly chasing the mount and then committing to him for the duration of his autumn carnival campaign.
Thus far, it is looking like a smart call with the Chris Waller-trained gelding an equal favourite for next month’s two-mile feature, and a knockout chance in Saturday’s weight-for-age Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
The former Irish horse announced himself in the spring when he followed a brace of confidence-boosting wins in Queensland with victory in the Newcastle Cup (2300m) and a second in the Metropolitan (2400m).
He has caught the eye powering to the line late at his past two starts, finishing sixth to superstar Autumn Glow second-up in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) in February, then beating all but Vauban in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) on March 14.
Berry has been thrilled with his performances and says while the weight conditions of the Tancred Stakes might not be ideal, Soul Of Spain will relish extending in trip.
“Obviously, the step up to 2400 metres is going to suit on the way to a Sydney Cup . . . although, he’s got to meet some pretty handy horses at around the same weight,” Berry said.
“Last ‘prep’ he was doing things on raw ability when he was coming through the grades, but he is a lot more seasoned.
“Chris Waller got to travel him a little bit last preparation, up in Queensland and back to Sydney, and usually that’s very good for stayers. He has come back a more professional racehorse, and he’s got a really good turn of speed.”
While Berry says a Tancred Stakes win will be a bonus, he views the Rosehill feature as an ideal grounding for Soul Of Spain’s Sydney Cup goal, especially given the five-year-old will drop from the 59kg he carries under Saturday’s weight-for-age conditions to 53.5kg in the handicap.
“He’s ready to take the next step and Chris always uses a method getting to his grand finals, and the race on Saturday is one he’s used previously to get his better horses to a Sydney Cup,” he said.
