Last season’s New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit will step back into the spotlight on Saturday when he contests the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick for trainer Ciaron Maher, with jockey Tommy Berry bullish the horse is ready to make his mark over the famous mile.
While his Derby win showcased his staying prowess as a three-year-old, Berry believes the maturing son of Tarzino has sharpened considerably, now looking every inch a genuine miler with the strength to stretch out slightly further if required.
The Group One winner carried 58kgs when an eye-catching eighth when resuming in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) behind Pericles and will drop to 53kgs on Saturday where he has drawn barrier 2.
“It was no surprise to the stable (his good run in the Tramway),” Berry told Radio TAB.
“Even though he has won a Derby, which horses can do at three and come back a little bit sharper at four, he had given the stable the indication he was working like a mile to 2000m horse. He was quite sharp and running good times.”
That impression was reinforced by Willydoit’s first-up performance where he produced the fastest 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race.
“Another 200m first-up and he probably comes out and wins,” Berry said. “The step up to a mile with a month between runs and a trial looks like it will suit him perfectly.”
Originally prepared by Shaun and Emma Clotworthy in New Zealand, the gelding, who sports the MyRacehorse silks, was transferred to Maher after his fourth placing in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m).
Berry is confident Willydoit will appreciate being ridden more positively from a better draw.
“He has always had to be ridden too far back from bad alleys or sit wide and cover ground, and he has been able to overcome that adversity,” Berry said. “This is probably one of the first times he is going to have the opportunity to get into a rhythm and be happy.”
With just 14 runners engaged, Berry is also expecting a more controlled tempo than the traditionally fast-run Epsom, a scenario he feels will play to Willydoit’s strengths.
Standing in his way is the race favourite Autumn Glow, unbeaten in six starts to date.
“The favourite will be very hard to beat as an unbeaten mare. She is the right favourite in the race, but I am sure he will be snapping at her heels late,” Berry said.
Beyond Saturday, the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) looms as a potential spring target, though Berry said the outcome of the Epsom will help shape the horse’s campaign. – NZ Racing Desk
