Berry makes winning return to Randwick
Tommy Berry’s first Sydney winner since Chautauqua’s electrifying TJ Smith Stakes win has come during his first Saturday ride in his hometown since April.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained Thronum easily claimed Saturday’s TAB Rewards Handicap by three lengths.
The two-year-old colt started at $3.90 and led all the way to defeat Godolphin’s Morton’s Fork ($2.60 fav), with Who Said It’s Easy ($9.50) another short neck third.
While Berry elected to lead to maintain the horse’s rhythm, it might not be indicative of his future racing style.
“He probably wasn’t comfortable in front today – he wanted to look around a bit,” Berry said.
“I think he’ll be better taking a sit in the future.”
After Sydney’s autumn carnival Berry rode in Hong Kong and Japan before winning the Queensland Derby on Eagle Way.
Making a perfect return to Randwick, Berry said Thronum relished the heavy going, a surface which he described as “a bit of a bog”.
“He swum,” Berry said.
“That’s how the day is going to be today – whoever gets through the track the best will win the race.”
Thronum made it two wins from as many starts and Berry believes there is scope for the talented youngster to improve further.
“If you look at him in the yard he still looks like he’s got a bit of furnishing out to do,” Berry said.
“He’s a lovely horse.”