Racing
Tommy Berry concealing nothing on Incognito in the Slipper
Star jockey Tommy Berry has kept the faith with outsider Incognito as he chases a record-equalling fourth win in the $5 million TAB Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
If the Michael Freedman-trained Incognito does win the world's richest juvenile race, he will be the longest-priced Slipper winner of all time and etch Berry's name in the race record books.
Berry has already won the Golden Slipper on Stay Inside (2021), Vancouver (2015) and Overreach (2013), and has in mind the race riding record of four wins shared by two of the all-time great jockeys, Ron Quinton and Shane Dye.
"I have been thinking about the Golden Slipper riding record since I won my third,'' Berry said.
"To have three Golden Slippers, I feel very privileged because it is such an important race for Sydney and Australian racing.
"I've been able to win two for Gai (Waterhouse, trainer) and one for Michael (Freedman, trainer) which has also been very satisfying for me.
"But I'd love to win another Slipper for Michael and to equal the record of Ron Quinton and Shane Dye.
"They are both Hall of Fame jockeys which says it all. It would be something very special if I can win win a fourth Golden Slipper and be up there with those two great riders.''
Incognito, a one-time Golden Slipper favourite, has drifted to $51 and if successful on Saturday, he would be the longest-priced winner of the world's richest juvenile race since it was first run in 1957. Sweet Embrace holds that record when she won at 40/1 in 1967.
But Berry maintains Incognito, winner of the Breeders Plate on debut last spring, doesn't deserve to be at such huge odds for the Golden Slipper.
"I am really surprised he's $51,'' Berry said.
"At his last start, it was an absolute 'walking affair' and although he finished fourth, he didn't lose any ground to Stretan Ruler (second).
"He was two lengths behind Stretan Ruler in the run and was two lengths behind him on the line. They ran home in almost identical sectionals.''
Although Incognito is friendless in Golden Slipper betting, there is plenty of support for Stretan Ruler who is into $11.
Berry believes there have been genuine excuses for all three of Incognito's unplaced runs this autumn.
"He got his tongue over the bit at first start back and then at his next run he wanted to hang in,'' Berry said.
"We weren't expecting him to do that as he does nothing wrong at home.
"So, Michael (Freedman) has tried a few different things along the way and the blinkers last start definitely worked but the pace of the race was against him.
"In the Golden Slipper, when the speed is on and there is a lot of pressure, it is really going to suit this colt.
"I know a lot of people are going to drop off him because in their eyes he has been a bit disappointing.
"But we feel he is building to something 'good' and we are very pleased with the way he has been going through his paces leading into the Slipper.''
Berry said he had a number of other offers in the Golden Slipper but kept coming back to Incognito.
"I couldn't see a reason to get off Incognito,'' Berry explained.
"They were the standouts going into the Golden Slipper in their years but this Saturday the race is very open.''
Incognito is attempting to become the ninth to complete the Breeders Plate-Golden Slipper double, and the first since another Harron-owned colt, Capitalist won in 2016.
The others to win both races are Vancouver (2015), Pierro (2012), Sebring (2008), Luskin Star (1977), Baguette (1970), Eskimo Prince (1964) and Sky High (1960).
Berry has also picked up the ride on the Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah in the Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
Lady Shenandoah has finished luckless thirds in the Expressway Stakes and Canterbury Stakes since resuming and is on the third line of Ryder betting at $13 behind her stablemate, super mare Autumn Glow who is aiming for her 11th win from as many starts and is hot favourite at $1.20.
"I thought Lady Shenandoah was awesome last start,'' Berry said.
"She raced wide with no cover in a race where there was not a lot of speed so it was a great effort by her to finish as close as she did.
"The Ryder will be a tough race but Lady Shenandoah is third-up and ready to go.''
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