Tommy Berry could have further reason to revise his goals for the racing season as one of the more intriguing jockeys’ premiership battles continues at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Berry, who has close to a full book of rides, has declared a Sydney premiership is well within his reach.
There are five months left in the 2012-2013 season and Berry finds himself within a half a win of the pacesetter Hugh Bowman after twice hitting the lead during the past month of racing.
“At the last two Friday night meetings I’ve got to the front then Hugh has taken the lead back the next day,” Berry said.
“At the start of the season I set myself to finish in the top five so I’m on target for that.
“But if I can win the premiership I will be more than happy.”
Bowman has ridden 41-1/2 winners but less than 10 wins covers the next five jockeys on the table, headed by Berry and Glyn Schofield (38).
Berry said his position as No.2 stable rider for Gai Waterhouse would be central to his premiership bid but outside rides would also count for a lot.
“I think winning the premiership is a realistic goal because I’ve got good support behind me and I’m riding for a lot of people,” he said.
Berry has two rides for Waterhouse on Wednesday including Jordan, one of the chances in a small field in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1900m).
Outside of his Tulloch Lodge commitments, he will partner In Top Gear, a mare who is set to back up after finishing down the track at Listed level in the Triscay Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
She is rated an $11 chance, a quote that Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman thinks might be over the odds.
“Providing it’s not too wet she will run and I think she will run well,” Hickman said.
“She was on a four-day back up when she won her maiden race at Nowra so I’m hoping she can do it again.”
