Lofty goals for Berkeley Square

Dan O’Sullivan’s gelding Berkeley Square may have been defeated in Saturday’s VOBIS Gold Ingot but would have found his way into the blackbook of many after an unlucky second placing behind Boogie Dancer.

His Ballarat-based trainer said the gelding had come through Saturday’s race well, only the second start in his career after a debut win at Geelong in mid-May.

“It was always a question mark going into the race first time at Caulfield and barrier one,” O’Sullivan admitted on Sunday.

“For a big horse like him who is probably not a natural speed horse and that’s just how it panned out.

“He’s a big goofy bugger still learning his trade.

“But he’s just got natural ability and we’ve always liked him.”

WATCH: Berkeley Square finish second at Caulfield

Bred by David Peacock, Berkeley Square is out of Bahamas who had only seven starts also trained by O’Sullivan and was G1 placed in the 2015 South Australian Oaks.

Berkeley Square is a half-brother to Senor Toba who finished second in the Queensland Derby before placing at G1 level when sold to Hong Kong.

“Using Senor Toba as your yardstick, he needs 2000 metres plus to be at his best,” explained O’Sullivan.

“This bloke is by Territories a bit more of a sprinting stallion but suggests he will get over a trip and the way he handles work and recovers from races shows he has good lungs as well.

“We will put him in the Derby and the Caulfield Guineas as you do.

“He’s on his first preparation and it’s a long way away so we have to be very careful so he can get that far but we will see what we can do.”

O’Sullivan said Berkeley Square would next head to Flemington on August 6.

“There is only 1400 metres available to him now locally, there is no opportunity to step him up in trip just yet so we will just keep him fresh and gap his runs accordingly,” revealed O’Sullivan.

“I feel Flemington will suit his style more than Caulfield.

“We will just see after our next start if we keep going towards the Guineas or we go to the Derby trial and go down that path.

“He’s always shown us good ability and I am hopeful we aren’t kidding ourselves aiming for them lofty goals.”