Tommy Berry aiming to build momentum leading into Christmas

Tommy Berry has been “out of sight, out of mind” in Sydney the past three weeks and he plans to change that heading into the holiday period.

Tommy Berry has eight rides at Rosehill on Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Top Sydney jockey Tommy Berry returns to action in his hometown on Saturday and he plans to carry on where he left off back in November.

Berry has eight rides on the Rosehill card after returning from suspension and last Saturday’s trip to Perth where he was unplaced aboard the Chris Waller-trained Roots in the Group 1 Railway Stakes.

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Saturday marks 10 weeks since Berry made his return to the saddle from his extended riding ban and after a slow start, he says he’s been happy with the progress he’s made.

“Things are going along well support wise,” he said.

“The trainers I was riding for before I stopped riding have been supportive and I’m getting plenty of opportunities from them.

“The first couple of weeks were a bit of a grind, when it comes to the winner’s stall but it was more a case of head down, bum up and then things started to fall into place.

“Then the next five weeks I think I’ve had five stakes winners and things were starting to really fall into place.”

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After three weeks away from the track in Sydney it’s been a case of “out of sight, out of mind” and Berry plans to change that in the weeks ahead.

“When you have time away in Sydney now, there are so many quality riders operating that it takes you a couple of weeks to get going again,” he said.

Lekvarte will be ridden by Tommy Berry at Rosehill on Saturday and is one of his better chances. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“Leading up to Christmas and during January, it’s all about continuing to build momentum and growing the team around me heading into the autumn which will be back on our doorstep before you know it.

“I’m focused on getting back into the groove and staying consistent.

“I’m planning to ride at the Magic Millions meeting in January but right now my focus is firmly fixed on Sydney for the vast majority of December and January.”

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Berry nominated Lekvarte as his best chance of riding a winner on Saturday in the Doyle’s Breeding and Racing Handicap (1400m) but said there are also a few horses he’s booked for that he expects to run better than the market suggests.

“Lekvarte’s topweight for a reason and she was very good first-up,” he said.

“I’ve got Rubamos in the Festival (Stakes) and while on paper he was a bit disappointing last time in the Sale Cup but he did pull up with EIPH (exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage).

“The first two run of the campaign were really good, he can bounce back on Saturday and there’s no doubt he’s over the odds.

“Sebonack is another that can run well.

“He had no luck last time and hasn’t been far away of late.”

Originally published as Tommy Berry aiming to build momentum leading into Christmas