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| Staff Writer |
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Tommy Berry is bullish about the chances of Remarque as the speedster attempts to defend his crown in Saturday's Gr.2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick. The 6YO gelding, trained by Team Hawkes, faces stiff competition from top-class sprinters Giga Kick and Bella Nipotina in the 1000-metre contest.
Berry, who has partnered Remarque throughout much of his career, believes the short-course sprint presents an ideal scenario for the defending champion.
"I think this race suits him because 1000 metres, there is no rush to get cover, which he didn't get last year anyway," Berry said. "You can just let him get that free-flowing momentum and you don't have to ride so much of a race with him and he enjoys that."
The jockey added, "Once you get to the 1200, it's a bit more tactical and he's not the easiest horse to be tactical on. He just needs to free flow and enjoy a nice, easy run."
Remarque boasts an impressive record over the course and distance, having won two of his four starts. The son of Snitzel has been given two preparatory trials ahead of his seasonal debut, a factor that could prove crucial given his noted first-up prowess.
Berry dismissed Remarque's unplaced efforts from last autumn, explaining, "First-up, he didn't enjoy racing inside horses and got a bit awkward, then in the Galaxy, he got quite keen. But he is always thereabouts."
The jockey exudes confidence in Remarque's readiness: "You know what you're going to get with him. He's had two very solid trials, so he is fit and we're very happy with him. He races very well fresh and he won this race last year and won it in good fashion."
Should Remarque prevail, he would join an elite group of multiple Concorde Stakes winners. Decision Time claimed the prize in 2011 and 2013, while the mighty Redzel completed a remarkable hat-trick from 2017 to 2019. Redzel went on to capture two editions of The Everest following his Concorde successes.
Berry will also partner Western Australian superstar Amelia's Jewel as she makes her eagerly anticipated eastern states debut in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes over 1400 metres.
While enthusiastic about the filly's progress, Berry tempered expectations for her first-up assignment.
"I galloped her on Tuesday morning and she definitely stripped a lot fitter from that second trial and put in a sharp piece of work," Berry said. "She is very short in that race, and she is the class horse of the field. She will make her presence felt but be aware, there is definitely improvement there."
The Simon Miller-trained 4YO has won seven of her nine starts, including the Gr.1 Northerly Stakes at Ascot last October. Her connections have mapped out an ambitious spring campaign, with the US$5 million (£3.95 million) Cox Plate at Moonee Valley a potential long-term target.
As the Sydney spring carnival kicks into gear, all eyes will be on Randwick this Saturday to see if Remarque can upset his more fancied rivals and if Amelia's Jewel can announce herself as a genuine star on the national stage.