Emerging stayer Berkshire Breeze primed for 2500m Quality Handicap at Flemington before attention turns to Melbourne Cup qualifier

Emerging stayer Berkshire Breeze has a final dress rehearsal at Flemington on Saturday before the Melbourne Cup-qualifying Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on September 14.

Ethan Brown cruised to victory on Berkshire Breeze in the Banjo Paterson Series Final at Flemington. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

Emerging stayer Berkshire Breeze has a final dress rehearsal at Flemington on Saturday before the Melbourne Cup-qualifying Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on September 14.

Berkshire Breeze, trained by Ciaron Maher, has been largely unchallenged and untroubled winning his past three starts – including the Banjo Paterson Series Final – by a combined 17 lengths.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull has Berkshire Breeze primed for the 2500m Quality Handicap on Saturday.

“He’s in grade shape, we’re thinking this and then Archer,” Turnbull said.

“He’s in really good form, we just got to hope and pray he stays healthy and safe.

“Our thoughts are we’ve got him where we want, he’s very fit, it’s just about maintaining, and this run will bring him on and then we’ll have him even better for the Archer.”

Berkshire Breeze is $17 in TAB’s pre-nominations Melbourne Cup market behind stablemate Circle Of Fire ($11), Tower Of London ($15) and Vauban ($15).

Look at him go! 😍

Berkshire Breeze destroys them in the Banjo Patterson Series Final 🔥 @cmaherracing@Brown_ethan8pic.twitter.com/gPP4y76ZG8

— Racing.com (@Racing) July 6, 2024

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Despite the recent dominance and obvious potential, Berkshire Breeze must continue to progress to be competitive in the spring.

“He really hasn’t been contested in his races either, he’s gone to the line, the two last runs really, throttled down late,” Turnbull said.

“I’d love for something to go with him for a furlong at least and then we can do the rest.

“We are realistic … we’re not beating progressive stayers, they’re handicappers in this time of year for a reason and we’ve had weight relief here and there, we’re on the up.

“His homework has been fantastic, I can’t fault, and hopefully we go there (Flemington), take this on-board and then head to the Archer.”

Have a look at him go! 🔥

Berkshire Breeze wins in a breeze over 2520m at Flemington 💨 @cmaherracing@Brown_ethan8pic.twitter.com/AGQHtI7C8M

— Racing.com (@Racing) June 8, 2024

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Berkshire Breeze has reminded Maher and Turnbull of Future History, the imported stayer who qualified for last year’s Cup with victory in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m).

Past Maher-trained winter stars-turned-Cups runners include Persan, Grand Promenade and Floating Artist.

“We’re very fortunate we sort of luck one a winter, which is hard to do, whether or not they’re purchased or given,” Turnbull said.

“It’s good because they’re young progressive stayers bought for a fair amount so you want to see them do something.”

Originally published as Emerging stayer Berkshire Breeze primed for 2500m Quality Handicap at Flemington before attention turns to Melbourne Cup qualifier