Berkshire Breeze spearheads Ciaron Maher quartet in Mornington Cup

Berkshire Breeze ran last in the 2024 Caulfield Cup but the Ciaron Maher stable believes he will be a different proposition this year if he can secure his spot via the Mornington Cup.

Favourite Berkshire Breeze could streamline spring ambitions with victory in the Mornington Cup.

The six-year-old gelding, one of four Ciaron Maher-trained stayers in the field on Saturday after a golden ticket into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup, has tuned up nicely for the 2400m Listed country cup.

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Berkshire Breeze loomed up ominously last start in the Melbourne Cup-qualifying Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington but peaked third-up to run second behind the in-form Deakin.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull rated Berkshire Breeze “naturally” as the pick of the Maher quartet but all had claims.

“He’s got the form and put in a very good effort behind Stokes’ horse (Deakin),” Turnbull said.

“Strawberry Rock is fit, coming off Tasmania. Smokin’ Romans needs to put it together, if he gets it OK in front … interesting race and Night Endeavor ran super (first-up third Easter Cup at Caulfield).”

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Berkshire Breeze knocked up in the Caulfield Cup last year, last of 18, at the end of a long campaign and previously consistent winter into spring preparation.

“We have to remember he was very well placed in the winter … and probably looked better than what he was at the time,” Turnbull said.

“You just hoped he would keep profiling on that trajectory into being a Group horse … by the time we got to the Caulfield Cup he … wasn’t as conditioned or seasoned enough to keep going.

“This (campaign) again and going back for the spring, he’s going to be conditioned, he’s one to keep an eye on because if it’s not this year it will be autumn or spring the following.”

Berkshire Breeze (left) was narrowly defeated by Deakin last start at Flemington. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Berkshire Breeze is a $2.60 favourite from Just Fine, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, and Lindsay Park stayer Que Tempesta ($6.50).

Night Endeavor is $8, with Smokin’ Romans ($19) and Strawberry Rock ($21) among outsiders in the 10-horse field.

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Turnbull said well-handicapped Night Endeavor would be benefit from a good speed in the race and be doing his best work late.

“He’s capable of a race like this,” Turnbull said.

“I like the fact he’s coming into it fresh, he’s fit but he’s not taxed.

“The way the race shape is (going to suit him) … he will be midfield, second half and hopefully they overcook it (on speed), the likes of Just Fine and Bankers Choice if they press forward.”

Tough stayer Just Fine boxed on stoutly last start in the Group 2 Neville Selwood Stakes (2000m) in Sydney, touched off by Group 1 weight-for-age star Ceolwulf on the post in a blanket finish.

Que Tempesta should be ready to peak third-up after running fourth in both the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) and Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m).