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Christmas Party Race Day

A rare appearance in the nation’s capital from superstar jockey Tommy Berry highlights this Sunday’s Christmas Party Race Day. Berry who has won Group 1’s in Hong Kong, Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney has 6 rides on the day including two for father-in-law John Nisbet.

Nisbet, who trains in partnership with Ron Weston will be hoping that Berry brings his best form when he mounts genuine hopes Smart Promise and Mad As Zariz. Berry said “I don’t know too much about my rides but with Kayla (Nisbet) out with a broken foot, I was more than happy to fill in and pick up some of her rides.”

“Canberra is like a second home to me. I always enjoy coming down. It will be a great day out for my whole family.”

A quality field lines up in the TAB Federal Handicap over 2000m with last start Cooma Cup winner Great Glenn (GB) given a big weight by the handicapper. The UK import, who spent time with Waller camp will have to lug 63.5kg if he is to deliver back-to-back victories for Trainer Todd Smart.

“He’s going really well. It was a strong victory for him first-up at Cooma. The 8 day back up won’t worry him a bit.” Trainer Todd Smart said.

“He’ll have apprentice Amy McLucas on claiming 3kgs brining him down to 60.5kgs. If he can carry the weight, he’ll be in the finish.”

A full field plus emergencies have accepted for the Nick Olive Racing Handicap and there could be some omen betters licking their lips with the Nick Olive trained Successful Day a real chance to take out the event first up.

Racing kicks off at 1pm with the LongPark Meat Co. Handicap.