The inclusion of topweight Efficient in Saturday’s Group One Metropolitan Handicap was bad news for jockey Nash Rawiller but a blessing for rival rider Tommy Berry.
Rawiller has been left without a mount in the 2400m Randwick feature because he was unable to make the weight for the Gai Waterhouse-trained Glencadam Gold.
Glencadam Gold winning the Listed Premier's Cup at Rosehill - Photo by Steve Hart
Had the Lloyd Williams-owned Efficient not been among the final acceptors, weights would have had to be raised and Rawiller could have ridden the exciting stayer.
But with 53kg, Berry now takes the ride and he believes he’s on the right horse to get him a Group One for Waterhouse, who has been instrumental in his career.
“It’s funny because you don’t see Nash get excited about many horses but when he talks about Glencadam Gold he gets very excited,” Berry said.
“That gives you a lot of confidence.
“It’s a bit unfortunate for him but fortunate for me that I get to ride him, and he’s done nothing wrong this preparation.”
Berry joined Waterhouse’s team early last year and rates Glencadam Gold as the most promising stayer he’s ridden since being at Tulloch Lodge.
“There’s been a few good ones. There’s been Tullamore and Descarado since I’ve been at Gai’s but he’s definitely the most exciting I’ve ridden,” Berry said.
“You don’t ride too many stayers that work like sprinters, and that’s what he does.”
Berry rode his first Group One winner last month aboard the Peter Snowden-trained Epaulette in the $1 million Golden Rose.
He gets the chance to add to that on Saturday with rides on Glencadam Gold and also the Waterhouse-trained Fat Al who is equal favourite for the Epsom Handicap.
“I know I rode the Group One winner for Peter the other week and that was very special,” Berry said.
“But Gai has supported me a lot and just to have rides for her in these races is great, but to have chances like Fat Al and Glencadam Gold is an unreal feeling and hopefully I can get the job done.”
Efficient has 58kg with his stablemate Midas Touch the next highest weighted in the 14-horse field with 55kg.
Favourite Lamasery, a last start Group Two Hill Stakes winner, has the inside barrier as he looks to go two better than his third in the race last year.
Glencadam Gold, winner of all three of his starts in Australia including the Listed Premier’s Cup (1800m) and Group Three Newcastle Cup (2400m), has barrier five.
Last year’s winner The Verminator is one of four Chris Waller-trained runners along with Permit, Stout Hearted and Kelinni.
