Strawberry Boy has figured in a change of plans but new jockey Tommy Berry doesn't believe it will stop the up-and-coming stayer continuing his winning ways at Rosehill.
After he won at Warwick Farm last weekend trainer Gai Waterhouse planned to take Strawberry Boy to the Naturalism Stakes (2000 metres) in Melbourne on Saturday week, a race which carries a Caulfield Cup ballot exemption for the winner.
However, after receiving advice from Racing Victoria's chief handicapper Greg Carpenter the gelding might miss a start in that race, Waterhouse decided to keep Strawberry Boy in Sydney and back him up in tomorrow's group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m).
With Strawberry Boy on the limit weight of 54 kilograms, Berry takes over from Nash Rawiller who rode him to victory last Saturday.
''I think the 2000 metres will suit him a treat because he looked a little bit dour last Saturday,'' Berry said.
''I cantered him around on Monday morning and he went around like he hadn't had a run.''
Kembla Grange-based stayer Nextanix was a scratching yesterday and has been ruled out of the spring after suffering a tendon injury.
Strawberry Boy heads the market at $2 as he looks to make it three wins from as many starts this campaign.
''If he's going to go to Melbourne I think he should be very hard to beat on Saturday,'' Berry said.
Strawberry Boy is on the fourth line of Caulfield Cup betting with TAB fixed odds at $21. AAP
