Wet track boosts Dan O’Sullivan’s confidence with Berkeley Square in Group 2 Zipping Classic

Berkeley Square has been meticulously placed this spring ahead of his potentially final run of the prep in the Group 2 Zipping Classic.

Trainer Dan O’Sullivan cannot be any happier with consistent performer Berkeley Square going into the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) on Saturday at Caulfield.

Berkeley Square has won (twice) or placed his past five starts and most recently finished third behind Smokin’ Romans in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington.

Berkeley Square is a $10 chance with Ladbrokes behind Arapaho ($4.50), Naval College ($6) and Kingswood ($6).

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“Everything is going well with him three weeks between runs, he’s very bright and everything about him is ticking over nicely,” O’Sullivan said.

“I think of the horses he’s raced against only (Gavin) Bedggood’s horse (Kingswood) he hasn’t beaten home, so it’s a very suitable race for him.”

O’Sullivan welcomed forecast rain on Saturday.

“The rain will certainly help us, his form says that,” O’Sullivan said.

“It’s going to be a soft track whatever we get, so that will certainly be to our advantage.”

Berkeley Square has two wins from as many starts on heavy rated tracks.

O’Sullivan has placed Berkeley Square meticulously through the spring.

Berkeley Square will have his Zipping Classic prospects enhanced with a heavy track. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

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He considered the “hometown” Ballarat Cup (2000m) next Saturday but opted for the Zipping as the drop from the Queen Elizabeth 2600m to 2400m was more suitable.

“Everything we’ve gone to has been a target, the Bendigo Cup was a target (second), so was the Queen Elizabeth (third) and this race was always on the radar,” O’Sullivan said.

“My thought after Flemington was do I go for this one or do I got for the Ballarat Cup, our hometown cup.

“The fact he was out to the 2600m and most years it’s (Zipping) not as strong a field as it is this year, we targeted that one, so we’re ready to go for it.”

Berkeley Square is likely to be spelled after Saturday but O’Sullivan could be swayed by a strong run.

“Probably go for a break but it’s the best he’s looked this time in,” O’Sullivan said.

“We could go to the Pakenham Cup, we’ll just get through this run first and weigh it up after that.”

Originally published as Wet track boosts Dan O’Sullivan’s confidence with Berkeley Square in Group 2 Zipping Classic