Interstellar set to reach greater heights

Tommy Berry is hoping Interstellar’s stakes potential can shine through at Rosehill as he looks to extend his solid form after an enforced holiday.

The star jockey spent almost three weeks on the sidelines after Melbourne Cup day as he served two careless riding suspensions.

Berry returned to metropolitan racing last week with a winning double at Rosehill, rode in Hong Kong on Sunday and picked up another winner at Warwick Farm on Wednesday aboard Magic Millions Classic-bound two-year-old Jessamin.

He has the chance to continue his strong return on lightly raced Interstellar who resumes Saturday’s Roadwork Solutions Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill.

“She’s a mare that I think could reach stakes grade if she gets to her full potential,” Berry told AAP.

Interstellar signalled some of that promise by winning her Australian debut at Rosehill in July where she worked across from a wide barrier to sit outside the lead and sprint home the strongest over 1200m.

Interstellar is a half-sister to 2015 NZ Oaks winner Savaria and Berry, who won a 900m barrier trial on her on November 7, said she had matured since winter.

Her Hong Kong-based owner and Cathay Pacific pilot Gary Lui transferred her from Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards to Hawkes Racing after two wins from five starts in New Zealand.

“It feels like she’ll get over a little bit further this time,” Berry said.

“Hopefully she could reach a mile. That would open a few more doors for her anyway.”

Six of Berry’s seven rides are for the Hawkes team, among them Reflectivity who is set to make his debut in the $150,000 Golden Gift for two-year-olds.

Berry has ridden the colt in his two trials and says he will be hitting the line strongly.

“He feels like he’s still four to six months away from turning into a nice horse,” Berry said.

Reflectivity has drawn barrier nine in the 11-horse field.

“From that barrier we might have to go a little bit further back than we want to be and it might just be a little bit hard to make up the ground,” Berry said.

Berry will also ride three-year-old Gold Artisan, Promas, Snoopy and Firsthand for the Hawkes stable at the meeting as well as Unbiased for Godolphin.