Tommy Berry partnered Japanese galloper Tosen Stardom in trackwork at Canterbury this morning and the leading hoop was happy with the feel he received from the Challenge Cup winner ahead of the 2015 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill Gardens next weekend.
Tommy Berry is hoping that Tosen Stardom can deliver him a Group 1 victory during the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Berry was booked to take the ride on Tosen Stardom in both the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) a couple of months ago and the talented jockey admitted that he had questioned his decision to commit himself to the ride, but he told TVN that after galloping the Deep Impact entire he was thrilled to have the opportunity to ride him in both Group 1 events.
Tosen Stardom worked alongside stablemate World Ace at Canterbury this morning and Berry said that he was impressed with the way that both horses hit the line.
“In the past week I’ve been offered but have had to knock back some serious rides in the Ranvet and also Queen Elizabeth because of my commitment to Tosen Stardom,” Berry said.
“I was starting to question whether I’d made the right decision but after riding him this morning I’m confident I’ve done the right thing.
“I was sitting about three lengths off him early and when was asked to do more, he strode up quite nice and (they) finished together.
“He showed a nice turn of foot, which is what I expected looking at his replays.
“He races a lot like Admire Rakti in that he’ll settle off the pace and be storming late to the line.
“I don’t think he wants further than 2000m and that seems his best distance.”
Tosen Stardom has recorded two wins at Group level during his racing career, but he is yet to stamp himself as a legitimate Group 1 contender after finishing eighth in the Japanese St Leger (3000m), 11th in the Japanese 2000 Guineas (2000m) and 16th in the Japanese Derby (2400m) last year.
Beery is yet to record a Group 1 victory during the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival after he unlucky missed on partnering star mare Cosmic Endeavour in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday due to a prior agreement to partner Leebaz for Team Hawkes in the $500,000 race.
Tosen Stardom is currently available at 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of $9 and is on the fourth line of betting behind Japanese rival To The World ($5), Cox Plate winner Adelaide ($6.50), Chipping Norton Stakes winner Contributer ($7) and imported stayer Protectionist ($8).
