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Jockey Tommy Berry has no doubt Incognito can handle a weight rise on Saturday at Rosehill and repeat his Breeders Plate performance in the Canonbury Stakes, if the colt is as good as he and trainer Michael Freedman think he is.
And, for now at least, Incognito is the benchmark in Freedman’s ranks as he strives for back-to-back Golden Slippers.
Tommy Berry takes Incognito to victory in the Breeders Plate at Randwick on October 4.Credit: Getty Images
Berry rode a winning double for Freedman, including two-year-old filly Satin Summer, last Saturday at Randwick, and the combination had an outstanding spring with stakes victories from 2025 Slipper winner Marhoona, Manaal, Apocalyptic, Ohope and Incognito.
A $1 million son of Freedman and Berry’s 2021 Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside, Incognito is an $8 joint favourite for the March 21 grand final off his group 3 Breeders Plate (1000m) win at his only start.
The victory, though, also brings with it a three-kilogram penalty for Saturday’s group 3 race for two-year-old colts and geldings over 1100m.
Berry has been aboard Incognito, a $1.60 TAB favourite from gate six on Saturday, in two trials back and, although he expects improvement, the three-time Slipper winner is confident of a strong return.
“His two trials have been really good,” Berry said.
“He’s obviously got to lump the penalty on the weekend, but if I think he’s as good as we think he is, and if he’s going to be in the Slipper in eight weeks’ time, he should be able to handle the penalty.
“Michael’s got a few at home that we like just as much as him, who haven’t stepped out yet, but at the moment, from what we’ve seen, he’s definitely our benchmark.
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