Berry Xmas and happy new year for Tommy
Tommy Berry ended 2023 on a high note by taking out the final stakes race in NSW aboard Lekvarte in the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf at Gosford and started the new year with a winning double at Canterbury.
He can carry that momentum today to Kembla where he has a strong book of rides, including a promising pair of four-year-olds who look destined for bigger things.
Berry has had quite a bit to do with the early preparation of Katsumoto, riding him in trackwork for trainer Michael Freedman as well as his barrier trial and first race start.
Katsumoto is a Japanese name meaning ‘victorious’ and the gelding has certainly lived up to it, winning both his barrier trial and first start, and Berry feels he will be hard to beat again when he steps out in the Midway Class 1 (1200m).
“He’s a very impressive horse. We have always liked him,” Berry said.
“He did it at both ends the other day. There was one horse who really made us work for it but he kicked really well around the bend and we were really happy with the performance he gave us.
“Prior to that, he trialled very well on soft ground. He’s a Kiwi and they usually have no problems handling it so I would be surprised if he can’t go and get the job done again.”
The son of American Grade 1 Hollywood Turf Cup winner Unusual Suspect was a little green in his trial but pleased Berry with the improvement he made into his debut run.
“He was very professional, especially off one trial,” he said.
“He was quite keen in the trial so it was nice to see him go to the races and do everything right.
“He has come a long way in a short time and I would be disappointed if he can’t get the job done again because I think he is better than provincial grade.”
Another horse Berry is looking forward to riding is Team Hawkestrained Seton Hall in the 4YO & UP Maiden Handicap (1200m).
The son of Caravaggio was narrowly beaten into second place in his first two starts at Newcastle in April and returned for just one run in the spring when third behind the promising Royal Tribute at Hawkesbury in September.
The gelding settled last and closed strongly between runners to finish third behind Still Alice in his Rosehill heat on December 18.
“He’s a lovely horse and I think he is one of the most exciting horses on the card, especially off his trial,” Berry said. “He gave me a lovely feel in that trial and it showed he has come back in very good order.
“In his first preparation he was really good with a couple of close seconds at Newcastle over 1200m on soft ground as well.”
Berry also has two rides for James Cummings – Restonica in the Super Maiden Plate (1400m) and Tipitina, who is resuming from a long spell in the Benchmark 64 (1400m).