Racing: Berry seeks certainty before Magic Millions hat trick

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Sydney jockey Tommy Berry will know more about his prospects of winning a third straight Magic Millions Classic when he rides Certitude in a major lead-up race today.

Berry has won the A$2 million feature at the Gold Coast on Karuta Queen and Driefontein and will partner Certitude in the A$200,000 Wyong Magic Millions (1100m) today.

A victory would cement the filly's claims to the January 12 feature in Queensland.

"She's got to be almost winning at Wyong tomorrow to be very competitive in the Queensland race," said Berry yesterday.

He also won the Wyong Magic Millions on Karuta Queen. "It's a very good lead-up and it looks to be one of the best fields for the Wyong race they've had.

"I think we'll get a very good guide and if she can win then I'd say she'll probably start favourite at the Gold Coast."

The Wyong race will be run without Melbourne debut winner Calcatta with trainer Robert Smerdon deciding to scratch her after she drew wide.

Certitude won by five lengths on debut at Rosehill last month and is on the second line of betting for the Gold Coast Magic Millions.

She is favourite to win at Wyong and Berry wants to be positive from the outset.

He said she got a bit lost on debut before sprinting away in the straight.

"I saw her the other morning just going out for a canter and she has really strengthened up and matured since her first win." Berry and trainer Gai Waterhouse are well-placed to chase the feature double today, with Driefontein resuming in the Wyong Magic Millions 3YO Stakes (1200m).

Driefontein is on the path to the Gold Coast for the A$1 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).

"I've been happy with her all preparation but on Saturday morning she really got me excited," Berry said.

"She had her final gallop on the course proper at Randwick and ran slashing time for her final furlong. I've been excited ever since then."

- AAP