The John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes-trained 3-year-old Ole Kirk will return to action in Berry’s hands in Saturday’s G2 Iron Jack Expressway S. following an almost flawless spring campaign.
He finished runner-up in both the Listed Rosebud S. and the G2 Run To The Rose S. and then claimed top honours in the G1 Golden Rose S. before heading to Melbourne to add the G1 Caulfield Guineas to his imposing record.
“He’s come back in great order and his trial was nice and sharp. Obviously, he’s going to get better as he gets over a bit further and he’s definitely not screwed down for the weekend,” Berry told TDN AusNZ.
“Over 1200 metres second-up last prep he ran second to Rothfire and first-up was second behind Anders on a heavy track. His short distance form is pretty strong and he’s going very well.
“He should get a nice run from the gate (one) and he’ll be hitting the line hard late.”
“He should get a nice run from the gate (one) and he’ll be hitting the line hard late.” – Tommy Berry
Following his Caulfield Guineas victory, Vinery Stud successfully secured Ole Kirk for future stud duties.
“If he hadn’t come back in great order he could have easily gone to stud, he’s done everything he had to. The team is happy with him and I’m happy,” Berry said.
“He’s definitely a bit sharper and a bit more switched on this preparation. I thought he was almost the finished product last prep, but he has improved so there are exciting times ahead.
“There are a lot of options for him and we’ll see how far he goes.”
Berry will also team up Mount Popa (Ire) (Maxios {GB}), Masked Crusader (Toronado {Ire}), Shaik (Sebring) and Montana Flash (Star Turn) at Rosehill for the Hawkes stable.
A two-time winner in France, Mount Popa will resume in the Sky Racing Active H. after finishing fourth in his Australian debut at Flemington and was then an easy winner at Randwick under Berry in June before a break.
“He’s a horse that has taken a little while to settle into the environment in Australia and he’s doing really well this prep. He’s holding his condition well and had a very quiet trial to keep him nice and fresh for the 1500 metres,” Berry said.
“He’s done plenty of work at home and obviously a wet track won’t worry him after he won on a Heavy 9. Once he gets over further he’ll be better, but he’ll definitely give a nice sight first-up.
“There’s not much speed in the race, which is a bit of a concern, but he might settle that bit handier. He’s a lovely horse and I’m looking forward to him stepping out.”
Mount Popa (Ire)
Time to step up
Masked Crusader has won three of his seven starts and Berry said it was time to deliver on the potential he has showed.
“He’s got a lot of ability and is much better than a Benchmark horse. He trialled really well and looks in great order. If he does everything right and gets the right run, he should be too good for them.
“On Saturday, he’s got to put his hand up and say he’s that good and hopefully he does that. In the past, he has got out a bit slow and got a bit keen, but he seemed to do everything right in his trial and he’s got to bring it to raceday now.”
Shaik is a genuine filly who won two runs back at Warwick Farm and will chase the third victory of her light career in the Rosehill Bowling Club H. while Montana Flash was unplaced in his spring debut and was runner-up in a recent trial ahead of his return in the G2 Canonbury S.
Berry has a full book of rides at Rosehill and will also partner Annabel Neasham’s Northuldra (Choisir) in the G3 Widden S., Chris Waller’s Great House (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the ANZ Bloodstock News H. and Cognac (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) for Richard and Michael Freedman in the Schweppes H. and Sebago (Pluck {USA}) for Matthew Dale in the TAB Highway Plate.
