Tommy Berry earned stable praise for his deftness to win on Chautauqua, but it is likely a different ride will be needed if Binary claims back-to-back midweek victories at Canterbury.
While Berry’s calmness in an awkward situation helped Chautauqua claim the Group One Manikato Stakes, it will be his vigour that could make the difference on Binary on Wednesday.
Binary is the early favourite for the Hyland Race Colours Handicap after winning at Warwick Farm when he settled in the first three and was sooled along at the 400m to keep is mind on the task.
“On his day, this horse has got a lot of ability,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“But he’s the type of horse you need to stand over a little bit. That’s what we wanted from Tommy (at Warwick Farm) and he did improve. It was a good, positive run.”
Berry has been cleared for Canterbury rides after a fall at Randwick last Saturday cost him a double for the Hawkes stable.
He won on the two-year-old Star Turn but missed the winning ride when he was replaced on Secret Prophet.
The fall came less than 24 hours after Berry brought Chautauqua from near last to win the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in ride Wayne Hawkes acknowledged was the difference between winning and losing.
Berry complained of shoulder muscle and neck soreness but he was back in the saddle during a hectic barrier trial session at Rosehill on Tuesday.
Binary holds a call of favouritism over Waltzing Willie, one of two rides Godolphin jockey James McDonald has for leading trainer Chris Waller.
Waltzing Willie resumed with an all-the-way win over 1550m at Canterbury and is one 13 acceptors in six races from the Waller stable out of measly 55 for the meeting.
Early favourites from the Waller yard are Sheezalady (race two), Torgersen (race three), Gigolo (race four) and Dance Of Heroes (race five).
