The Exford Plate may not hold the Group status of some other races on Saturday’s program at Flemington, but it is a race that could shape the programs of several three-year-olds.
One of those is the impressive Berkeley Square who returns to the same course and trip he was successful over on August 6.
Saturday’s 1400m contest could determine whether trainer Dan O’Sullivan prepares Berkeley Square for a tilt at the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 8 or whether the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington three weeks later becomes his focus.
Everything about Berkeley Square tells O’Sullivan the gelding is a stayer, but there is only one opportunity per season to run in a Guineas, just as there is that one opportunity to contest a Victoria Derby.
In his victory last month, Craig Williams was able to dictate the race on speed on Berkeley Square, but it will be a different assignment on Saturday from gate 16.
“Flemington wasn’t expected,” O’Sullivan said.
“It was good to see him do that rather than thinking he is one dimensional, got to get back, got to run on, although I still do think he has a better turn of foot if ridden with cover.
“But it’s still nice to know that he can do that, and it was nice to see that when he jumped well Craig drove him to get him there, so it was a good learning lesson for him.”
While the Guineas is firmly in O’Sullivan race planning, Saturday’s race may tell the trainer that Berkeley Square may already be looking for more ground.
O’Sullivan said it had been a juggling act giving Berkeley Square enough work for Saturday’s 1400m journey without making him dour with the five weeks between runs.
“The fact he’s favourite for the Derby can’t shape the way we want to go,” O’Sullivan said.
“By some chance if we happen to win the Guineas, do you pull up and not knock your three-year-old around and keep him for autumn and get him to the paddock early.
“We’ll have a chat with Craig after he rides him, chat to the owners and decide what we do.”
