Berry hoping to avoid repeat of Covid test drama

Berry was unable to ride at last Sunday’s meeting at Doomben after his Covid-19 test was not returned in time to make the trip to Brisbane.It forced him to forego several stakes rides including on Magic Millions hopeful Bright Blue Sky in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes.He will make another attempt to head north less than a week later for another strong book including the feature ride on Jamaea in the Nudgee Stakes (1200m).Berry will also link up with Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate favourite Shihonka and Snowden Racing galloper Aim in The Buffering.“I will get tested on Wednesday and will be just hoping to get them back in time,” Berry said.“I am actually holidaying up north so will be flying out of Newcastle to ride then back for the holiday and have called around for the best clinic up here to get a quick turnaround.”Berry got tested on the same day as James McDonald last week but his premiership rival received clearance in time to pilot Magic Millions 2YO Classic favourite Coolangatta to victory in the B.J McLachlan.Berry plans to travel back to Queensland on January 8 and base himself there until the Magic Millions on January 15, where he will link up with Jamaea again.The star hoop combined with Robert and Luke Price’s gun filly to win the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes as a two-year-old and has ridden her twice in trials in the lead up to her return in the Nudgee. “She is going really well and has two nice solid trials,” Berry said.“She is a no nonsense filly and has a really good turn of foot.“I think she is the sort of horse that will be well suited to Doomben and can kick well off the bend. She ticks a lot of boxes and will improve again in two weeks time in the Magic Millions.”Luke Price is also planning on making the trip up to Queensland and had his Covid test on Tuesday morning with the hope of heading up on Thursday.He was full of confidence of a strong showing from his multiple Group 2 winning filly, who shares top billing in the Guineas as a $8 equal favourite with King Of Sparta. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au