Tommy Berry has surged to the lead in the Sydney jockeys’ premiership with a winning treble at Randwick, highlighted by a feature race win on Bandersnatch.
The top jockey, who turned 30 on Thursday, has been in fine touch, also snaring a double at Canterbury on Friday night.
He has made no secret of his desire to make a play for championship honours and his haul on Saturday took him to 55 wins for the season, two clear of James McDonald.
McDonald had a winless start to the day at Randwick before he was stood down after the sixth race with a recurring right elbow issue.
While Berry has his eye on the major end-of-season prize, he knows there is a long way to go.
“The jockey ranks in Sydney….are so strong, so to be where I am at the moment, I am blessed and I am getting a lot of great support and getting the results for everyone, which is nice to see,” Berry said.
“But don’t worry, James – he’ll be back to get me.
“We are only halfway through and James can ride five (winners) on a day so I am not counting my chickens yet.”
Berry took out the two editions of the Highway Handicap on Art Cadeau and The First Of May before adding the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) aboard Bandersnatch for Team Hawkes.
