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Flemington: Berkeley Square bursts into contention for Caulfield Guineas

Craig Williams was impressed by Berkeley Square Craig Williams was impressed by Berkeley Square Image: Getty

Berkeley Square passed his first audition for a Caulfield Guineas start on two fronts with a determined success at Flemington.

The new three-year-old needed to convince trainer Dan O’Sullivan he was worth aiming at the $3m event on October 9 but champion jockey Craig Williams tested Berkeley Square as a possible Guineas mount.

“He’s a really lovely horse with a great profile,” Williams said.

“I was delighted to get the ride on him with an eye to the future.”

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Punter had no concerns about Berkeley Square atoning for an unlucky first-up second at Caulfield, sending out the gelding as a $1.90 favourite to win the VRC Member Damian Cubela Plate (1410m).

Williams took luck out of the equation for Berkeley Square’s latest outing, sending the son of Territories forward to race handy to the speed before the favourite outsprinted his rivals to score by 1¾ lengths.

Bookies reacted to Berkeley Square’s win, cutting his price to $15 in their latest Caulfield Guineas markets.

O’Sullivan said a discussion with Williams would help to determine the promising galloper’s spring program.

“I’ll be interested to have a chat to Craig about it,” O’Sullivan said.

“In about four weeks time there’s a Listed race here for him.

Melbourne Racing

Craig Williams says Berkeley Square can be a player in the spring. Picture: Vince Caligiuri-Getty Images

“We’d like to get him to the Caulfield Guineas but whether that’s a bit going to be a bit too sharp for him and it’s a fair way away.

“There’s another good race for him back here in late October to have a look at too.”

Williams hailed Berkeley Square’s competitive instincts, which came to the fore when placegetters Castilian ($10) and Proscenium Arch ($7.50) got within striking range in the straight.

“He did things a lot more professionally but he still didn’t know what to do when the business end came from the 400 to the 300m,” Williams said.

“When the other horses joined, he loves to compete.

“If he still stays up and keeps improving with confidence from the wins, hopefully we’ll see him in the spring.”

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