Berry aims to tick final box with SA win

Tommy Berry is aiming to notch his first win in South Australia and please some Hong Kong owners when he takes the reins of impressive colt Ducimus.

Berry is bound for the former British colony next month, potentially leaving Saturday’s Lightning Stakes at Morphettville as his last opportunity to win in Adelaide.

He hasn’t ruled out seeking an extension to his year-long contract with Hong Kong trainer John Moore depending on his success.

The dual Golden Slipper winner has won a black-type race in every other mainland state but failed to salute the judges at any South Australian track.

“I ran fifth in the (SA) Derby about five years ago on one of Gai’s horses,” Berry said.

“I’ve ridden in Perth, Darwin, Rockhampton – ticked all the boxes.

“I’ve ridden a winner at pretty much every place as well so hopefully I can get one there on Saturday.”

Ducimus is certainly the horse to do it.

The two-year-old is favourite for Saturday’s race having already proved to bookies, trainers Hawkes Racing and owner Little Kwok Hing Hung why he was worth $700,000 at yearling sales.

The Lightning is open to two and three-year-olds with Godolphin’s Bandipur the only other juvenile in the 15-horse field.

Ducimus already has a Listed win in the Talindert Stakes under his belt and the only blemish on his three-race record came in the Pago Pago Stakes in March when he was nudged out by Single Bullet.

“He’s a lovely colt and owned by some people in Hong Kong so obviously I’ll be over there soon so I was more than happy to go over there (Adelaide) and ride him,” Berry said.

“He’s been an impressive colt the whole way through.”

Berry has been booked for three other rides on the Morphettville program.