Jockey Tommy Berry believes Black Caviar’s nephew Theblade has big future

The nephew of champion mare Black Caviar will make his return in a hot Benchmark 72 race at Rosehill on Saturday.

Jockey Tommy Berry has a feeling there could be some future stars lining up at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday and is tipping champion sprinter Black Caviar’s relation Theblade could show he’s one of them.

The Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes-trained Theblade lines up in a talent rich opening event - the Petaluma Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m) - where six of the eight runners are last-start winners.

Theblade ($2.90) is one of two three-year-olds who bring an unblemished record into the race alongside Nathan Doyle’s two-time winner Private Harry ($2.15).

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“They are two up and coming horses that could be future stars,” Berry said.

“What our guy did last prep was pretty impressive and they liked him enough to put him straight away and come back with him again.

“It is exciting to see where he is at.”

Berry was cleared of serious damage to a facial injury that kept him out of Wednesday’s Warwick Farm meeting and was eager to get back in the saddle to pilot Theblade.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes labelled Theblade “the real deal” following the son of Toronado’s excellent debut victory at Randwick Kensington back in early August.

Theblade, which is the nephew of Black Caviar and All Too Hard in human terms, was a cut above in a dominant 5¾-length romp over 1100m.

Theblade right down the outside takes the opener on debut at Randwick!@[e-mail]/c8uvqsYAC7

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 14, 2024

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He was given a short break after the win but won a 1045m trial in the lead up to his return where Berry is hoping he can continue on winning ways.

“The favourite looks a nice horse off it’s last start win but in saying that, our horse has had another preparation under his belt since last preparation and the team is very happy with him,” Berry said.

“He has drawn well.

“I think he enjoys getting in his toe in the ground a little bit so whether we get a bit more rain on the track is still rain affected, we will have to see but it would enhance his chances.”

There will be no shortage of contenders attempting to knock off the top-two in the opener with last start winners Midnight Dynamite ($21), Scorching Legend ($17), Manuscript ($7.50) and Revolt ($34) among the contenders.

Originally published as Jockey Tommy Berry believes Black Caviar’s nephew Theblade has big future