It has taken just one season for fervent Western Sydney Wanderers fans to turn Parramatta Stadium into one of the most intimidating venues for visiting sides in Australian football.

The chants are deafening and, on occasion, so is the silence. The colours are ubiquitous and the European-style atmosphere has buried a host of sides, with the Wanderers winning four and drawing one of their past five in the west.

Add it all together and Brisbane striker Besart Berisha could scarcely be more at home. Nothing fuels the Albanian goalsneak’s lust for scoring like a torrent of disdain pouring from the stands. The man the league loves to hate – and one the Roar wouldn’t trade for quids – can expect that much and more on Friday night in the sudden-death A-League semi-final.

A 12-match undefeated streak and an injury query over Brisbane’s key man Thomas Broich, who will play despite a heel injury, has the Wanderers firm favourites to move into the grand final after winning the league in their debut campaign.

In the way are the Roar, a side that has won the past two A-League grand finals, arriving in Sydney on a hot streak and backing their sudden-death experience over a Wanderers side resuming from a two-week break.

The night seems tailor-made for Berisha. He was front and centre in last season’s grand final, going down in the box in what remains the most controversial penalty in A-League history.

With the spring back in his step and having rekindled his touch in the front third, Berisha could be the curse of the Wanderers. ”He’s got that big-match mentality. He’s been there and done it. He lives for it,” Roar coach Mike Mulvey said.

Mulvey wants his team to soak up the atmosphere. ”The most important thing I’ll be telling my players is, ‘Be in the moment. Live in the moment, don’t wait for it to pass you by.’ If we do that as a complete 11, it should lead to a good performance, and if that is good enough on the night, we’ll find ourself in the final,” he said.

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RADIO REHAB: Reporter Dennis Malone has returned to the studio after a near-fatal accident on his bike. Picture: Simone De PeakNEARLY five months after a bike crash almost killed him, 1233 ABC Newcastle reporter Dennis Malone came back to work yesterday.

It was a quiet return. He’ll work two days a week, for a while. But he’s glad to be working at all.

‘‘I was on life support being taken to John Hunter,’’ the 58-year-old told Topics.

‘‘They gathered my family and told them I probably wasn’t going to make it, and if I did, I’d be a vegetable.’’

A motorist found Malone, a keen cyclist, lying unconscious next to his bike at the Jesmond roundabout in January. It was 4pm. He can’t remember the fall, or being taken to hospital, but paramedics told him later that only one witness had called triple-0.

‘‘I think I’d be quite scared to get back on a bike,’’ Malone said.

‘‘It made me realise how flipping dangerous Newcastle is for cyclists.’’

Ever the news junkie, one of his first questions was ‘‘Did my phone survive?’’

The father of four suffered a brain injury as well as damage to his back.

He knows there’s plenty of rehab ahead, and is grateful for the love and support of his wife Heather and his 1233 colleagues. While in hospital, he was buoyed by the arrival of his first grandchild, Macy.

‘‘Dulcet tones’’ is a hackneyed phrase, but we suspect the return of Malone’s soothing baritone will be music to listeners’ ears.

Goulden voice

YOU can download an iPhone app that gives directions in Ray Warren’s voice as you drive.

Now, there isn’t a Phil Gould one, but if there was …

‘‘I love Sunday afternoon. There’s something about [Honeysuckle/Nobbys/West Wallsend]. On a Sunday afternoon.’’

‘‘[When someone beats you to a parking spot] You can’t take this off him. You just can’t.’’

‘‘[When you go the wrong way] No. No. No. No. No.’’

Life and art, and Kim

TOPICS has its doubts about North Korea’s threats to the US, and not just because Kim Jong-un is a basketball fan.

A Hollywood blockbuster called Olympus Has Fallen premieres next week. And in a sign we’ve moved on from Russians and Arabs, the villains are North Korean.

Gerard Butler stars as a Secret Service agent trying to wrest back the controls of America from a band of North Koreans, who’ve seized the White House and want to nuke everyone. Or something.

It all seems an amazing parallel with real-life events. Is this a marketing campaign that Kim has been in on the whole time? Pyongyang could certainly use the cash.

Travellers’ tales

SPEAKING of which, with Topics readers being a worldly lot, has anyone been to North Korea? It won’t have been a stop-off to Dubai. They only admit 2000 Westerners a year, and they give you a chaperone.

‘‘A trip to North Korea is strictly on its government’s terms, and it’s essential to accept that you’ll have no independence during your trip,’’ says Lonely Planet.

‘‘You’ll be accompanied by two government-approved local guides at all times and only hear a very one-sided view of history throughout the trip.’’

Apparently food is so scarce, they keep your lunch leftovers.

FISH OF THE WEEK 12/4/13: Bryson Prince caught this jewfish in Newcastle Harbour whilst competing in the H&D Mitre 10 Twin Rivers Fishing Classic last weekend.Browse Herald Fish File here.

BLUEFIN tuna have turned up inside Nelson Bay this week around the wreck at Salamander Bay and Wanda Head.

“They’ve been getting them on live slimies up to 22 kilograms,” Graham Duffy, from Salamander Bait and Tackle, said.

“Both Gibbers have been firing well for them too, and other land-based platforms like Tomaree.”

Action out wide has been a little slow.

Scott Morris, from Newcastle Game Fishing Club, reported a few small black marlin operating in the 30 to 50 fathom range last Saturday and the odd dolphin fish.

There’s been a few kings caught on the troll around the Sisters and Broughton Island.

Jew have been active on the V and 21 reefs and inside the bay around Salamander, Middle Island and Soldiers Point.

Whiting and tailor have been active on the beach and inside the bay.

Mud crabs are on the march in Tilligerry Creek and up the reaches of the Karuah River.

Blackfish are starting to school up in good numbers around the usual spots like Little Beach, both breakwalls and Tomaree.

Big challenge, big prizes

ALL of the above will be good news for spearfishos who converge on Nelson Bay this Saturday to chase more than $3000 in cash and prizes at the Nelson Bay Big Fish Challenge, which kicks off at 7am at Shoal Bay boat ramp.

Contestants have six hours to shoot one fish. The biggest weighed takes the cash.

The public are welcome to attend the weigh-in from 2pm at the boat ramp.

Yellowtail best jew bait

GRAHAM Mason, from Compleat Angler at Toronto, reports there’s been some nice jew being caught in the deeper holes in Lake Macquarie.

“I think the rain has freshened things up a bit. Live yellowtails are the best bait,” Graham said.

“There’s been a few tailor getting around too, going for deep divers.

“Guys in the kayaks have been having a crack with Yazuri crystal minnows.

“They generally troll them behind and if they get any action, they stop and start casting.”

Monster mud crabs

CHRIS Parkinson and his mate Robert Matthew got an unusual catch near Warners Bay on Sunday night.

While bream fishing, they pulled in two mud crabs. The male weighed in at a chunky 1.4 kilograms.

“He was holding on to a peeled prawn with one nipper and his girlfriend with something else,” Chris reported.

“He did not move until we removed his friend then he decided to try and eat everything in sight.

“After several minutes trying to get our toes and feet out of his way, we managed to get him in the esky.

“It was high fives all round and tasted great as well.”

Check out the photo and all the latest additions to the Herald Fish File hereat

Classic winners on a roll

COMPETITORS in the H&D Mitre 10 Twin Rivers Fishing Classic held last weekend at Raymond Terrace got a lot of nice jew in Newcastle Harbour.

“Zac Bowen got the biggest, 12.3 kilograms cleaned,” event spokesman Gerrard Cunningham said.

“Ricky Turner, who fished the breakwall, got the heaviest bag, about 18 kilograms, and he had three jew in that.”

Mick Stone got one weighing 10kg.

Fishing was good over the three days, particularly from Hexham/Tomago downriver.

“That tiny bit of rain last week freshened it up and made this area hot,” Gerrard said. “All anglers reported good catches.

“I’d imagine the jewie would be still quite prevalent this weekend.

“You’d have to think if the harbour is firing, you’d have to be able to pick up some along Stockton Beach.”

Junction Inn Fishing Club tyro Ally Mason claimed the nipper crown.

Locky Rutherford made it a trifecta with his third junior crown in a row.

Bev Hewitt went one better with her fourth successive victory in the lady’s division.

Darren Christinson got the biggest flathead, Peter Kennedy the biggest bream and Bree Goddard the biggest whiting, while Karen Peak peaked out with the biggest luderick.

The major lucky door prize, a Quintrex Explorer with five horsepower Yamaha motor on trailer, donated by H&D Mitre 10, valued at over $7000, was won by Michelle Scoles.

“Michelle works behind the bar at The Junction Inn Hotel,” Gerrard said.

“She registers each year but doesn’t fish. She’s got a boat now and there’ll be plenty of old salts keen to show her ropes.”

Organisers were particularly pleased with how the post-Easter scheduling worked.

“We used to clash with the Trailer Boat Tournament and the Pirtek, so we’ve pushed it back and it’s worked out really well,” Gerrard said.

“We expect to donate approximately $2000 to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter once again this year.”

The Twin Rivers Fishing Classic has been going for eight years and total donations are fast approaching $10,000.

nib Stadium, Perth, Saturday (AEST)Last meeting: Round 18 2012 – Crusaders 38 bt Force 24 at Christchurch Stadium Head-to-head: Played 7 Force 1 Crusaders 4 drawn 2 In Perth: Played 4 Force 1 Crusaders 2 drawn 1Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (RSA)TV: Live, FoxSports 2TAB Sportsbet: Force $3.50 Crusaders $1.28

Steve Samuelson writes: The Force always trouble the Crusaders in Perth and their cause is helped by the absence of All Blacks quartet Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Matt Todd and Sam Whitelock. The Force need to play with more endeavour and rising star Kyle Godwin needs to be fed more ball.

AAP writes: Force coach Michael Foley was quick to admit his side’s 30-23 defeat to the Rebels last week was their worst performance of the season. Compounding their woes was the loss of in-form lock Hugh McMeniman, who will miss at least six weeks with a fractured shoulder.

The Crusaders were also dealt a heavy blow with five-eighth Dan Carter ruled out after tweaking his hamstring. The Crusaders have opted to rest forwards Sam Whitelock and Matt Todd. The Force have notched just one win this season and are in danger of finishing last in the Aussie conference, while the Crusaders (3-3) need to get a wriggle on to make the finals.

FORCE: Jayden Hayward, Alfie Mafi, Junior Rasolea, Kyle Godwin, Ed Stubbs, Sam Norton-Knight, Alby Mathewson, Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson (capt), Ben McCalman, Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma’afu, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan. Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Tetera Faulkner, Rory Walton, Chris Alcock, Mick Snowden, Sias Ebersohn, Patrick Dellit.

CRUSADERS: Israel Dagg, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Shane Christie, George Whitelock (capt), Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Tom Donnelly, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Telusa Veainu, Zac Guildford.

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Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, Sunday 1.05am (AEST)Last meeting: Round 3 2013 – Sharks 12 bt Stormers 6 at Kings Park StadiumHead-to-head: Played 20 Stormers 9 Sharks 11In Cape Town: Played 9 Stormers 5 Sharks 4Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA)TV: Live, FoxSports 2TAB Sportsbet: Stormers $1.70 Sharks $2.05

Steve Samuelson writes: Both teams have struggled to score tries this season with the Sharks scoring 10 of their 13 five-pointers against the Melbourne Rabble. The Stormers have been beaten only once in Cape Town this year, thanks to a heroic defensive effort by the Crusaders. Back the home side in a low-scoring game.

AAP writes: The consistent Crusaders are the measuring stick for this match, just pipping the Stormers and then falling short of toppling the Sharks. The Stormers are at home where they’ve won 10 of their past 12. However one of those losses was against the Sharks, who they also fell to in round three.

Stormers five-eighth Elton Jantjies is out injured, replaced by rookie Gary van Aswegen, while fullback Jaco Taute has ruptured an ACL. Sharks winger Sean Robinson debuts and back-rower Jean Deysel returns to cover for an injured Jacques Botes. Expect another tight SA derby.

STORMERS: Joe Pietersen, Damian de Allende, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (capt), Gio Aplon, Gary van Aswegen, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: Martin Bezuidenhout, Pat Cilliers, Gerbrandt Grobler, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Cheslin Kolbe

SHARKS: Francois Steyn, Sean Robinson, Paul Jordaan, Meyer Bosman, JP Pietersen, Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, Keegan Daniel (capt), Ryan Kankowski, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Craig Burden, Wiehahn Herbst, Anton Bresler, Jean Deysel, Charl McLeod, Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane

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Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, Sunday 3.10am (AEST)Last meeting: Round 16 2012 – Bulls 40 bt Cheetahs 24 at Loftus VersfeldHead-to-head: Played 10 Bulls 9 Cheetahs 1In Pretoria: Played 5 Bulls 4 Cheetahs 1Referee: Jason Jaftha (RSA)TV: Live, FoxSports 2TAB Sportsbet: Bulls $1.40 Cheetahs $2.80

Steve Samuelson writes: The Bulls have lost their past three games while the Cheetahs are riding a franchise record of five consecutive wins. The Bulls welcome back Akona Ndungane and Flip van der Merwe but have lost Springboks fullback Zane Kirchner. Flip a coin.

AAP writes: The Cheetahs continue to defy and surprise and, once again, they will go in as underdogs despite a five-match winning run. Their red-time escape act against the Stormers shows they boast great staying power and will like their chances of a rare win over the Bulls.

The home side have Springbok duo Akona Ndungane and Flip van der Merwe returning after four weeks out while they’re also refreshed following a bye. Youngster Jan Serfontein has added some welcome creativity to the Bulls backline. That’s something the Cheetahs have in spades and Burton Francis has covered the loss of Johan Goosen by stepping up at No.10.

BULLS: Jürgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Lionel Mapoe, Morné Steyn, Jano Vermaak, Pierre Spies (capt), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Frik Kirsten, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Morné Mellet. Reserves: Callie Visagie, Werner Kruger, Paul Willemse, Arno Botha, Rudy Paige, Louis Fouchè, Ulrich Beyers

CHEETAHS: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Burton Francis, Piet van Zyl, Philip van der Walt, Pieter Labuschagne, Heinrich Brüssow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk De Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Trevor Nyakane. Reserves: Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuizen, Rynhard Landman, Frans Viljoen, Tewis de Bruyn, Francois Brummer, Ryno Benjamin

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Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Friday 5.35pm (AEST)Last meeting: Round 5 2012 – Brumbies 33 bt Highlanders 26 at Canberra StadiumHead-to-head: Played 17 Highlanders 7 Brumbies 1In Dunedin: Played 6 Highlanders 4 Brumbies 2Referee: Chris Pollock (NZL)TV: Live, FoxSports 2TAB Sportsbet: Highlanders $2.05 Brumbies $1.70

Steve Samuelson writes: The return of Jesse Mogg is a good omen for the Brumbies with the Australian conference leaders winning only one game out of three in the star fullback’s absence. The winless Highlanders have dumped All Blacks halves duo Aaron Smith and Colin Slade to the bench.

AAP writes: The Highlanders look much better than their winless record suggests, while the Brumbies have started to sag. Both teams have made six run-on changes – split between backs and forwards. Matt Toomua and Jesse Mogg have returned to the Brumbies backline but Pat McCabe has been benched.

Surprisingly, All Blacks halves Aaron Smith and Colin Slade have also been dropped to the bench for the Highlanders in a massive call. But damaging winger Kade Poki returns to wreak havoc alongside Hosea Gear, Ma’a Nonu and Ben Smith.

HIGHLANDERS: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Ma’a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Mose Tuialii, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Maafu Fia, Andrew Hore (capt), Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Colin Slade, Jason Emery.

BRUMBIES: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Joseph Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (capt), George Smith, Jordan Smiler, Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Pat McCabe, Tevita Kuridrani.

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Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 4.35pm (AEST)Last meeting: Round 2 2013 – Blues 34 bt Hurricanes 20 at Westpac StadiumHead-to-head: Played 20 Blues 12 Hurricanes 7 drawn 1In Auckland: Played 9 Blues 6 Hurricanes 3Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)TV: Live, FoxSports 2TAB Sportsbet: Blues $1.67 Hurricanes $2.10

Steve Samuelson writes: Despite his team scoring 41 points against the Waratahs, Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has made changes to the backline. Samoan international Tusi Pisi is the starting five-eighth with Beauden Barrett dropping back to fullback. Andre Taylor has been dumped to the bench.

AAP writes: The Hurricanes have soared into fifth spot following four straight wins, while the Blues are only one point further adrift, making this a huge match. The news that All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina will miss the rest of the season with a calf injury is a huge blow to the Blues, while they’ll also be without suspended winger George Moala.

The Aucklanders beat the Hurricanes 34-20 last month, but the Canes will fancy their chances after showing their attacking spark against NSW. They have rejigged their backline, with Tusi Pisi taking over at five-eighth with the in-form Beauden Barrett moving to fullback.

BLUES: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Rene Ranger, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (capt), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O’Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Albert Nikoro.

HURRICANES: Beauden Barrett, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith (capt), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Tusi Pisi, TJ Perenara, Faifili Levave, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Mark Reddish, Ben May, Motu Matu’u, Ben Franks/Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Dane Coles/Ash Dixon, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Jack Lam, Chris Smylie, Reynold Lee-Lo, Andre Taylor.

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Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, Saturday 2.35pm (AEST)Last meeting: Round 12 2012 – Reds 42 bt Chiefs 27 at Suncorp StadiumHead-to-head: Played 17 Chiefs 8 Reds 9In Hamilton: Played 8 Chiefs 4 Reds 4Referee: Steve Walsh (AUS)TV: Live, FoxSports 2TAB Sportsbet: Chiefs $1.30 Reds $3.30

Steve Samuelson writes: The clash between the past two Super Rugby champions will be an acid test for the Reds. The visitors’s form has lifted since Will Genia’s return from injury and their record against New Zealand teams under coach Ewen McKenzie is phenomenal – 13 wins, four losses.

AAP writes: The Chiefs deserve their pole position on the ladder and favouritism for what shapes as a highly entertaining, daytime clash. But the Reds make a habit of surprising Kiwi outfits at home and across the ditch. Queensland have won 10 of their past 11 against NZ sides and seem to produce some of their best stuff against the Chiefs.Both teams come off a timely bye.

Winger Rod Davies is the Reds’ only change from the 34-33 win over the Highlanders while the Chiefs have made several alterations to the pack which beat the Blues. The playmaking battle between Quade Cooper and Aaron Cruden is one to watch, as well as the stoush between No.7s Liam Gill and Sam Cane.

CHIEFS: Gareth Anscombe, Tim Nanai-Williams, Richard Kahui, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Liam Messam (capt), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Michael Kainga, Nick Crosswell, Fritz Lee, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Horrell, Patrick Osborne.

REDS: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Dom Shipperley, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes. Reserves: Albert Anae, Ben Daley, Ed O’Donaghue, Jarrad Butler, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Aidan Toua.

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To the top: Tom Berry after winning the Slipper on Overreach. Photo: Jenny Evans Tommy Berry hopped in the car to Nowra with his dad Kevin on Monday shortly after it was confirmed he would head to Hong Kong.

He probably couldn’t have gone to a place any further from the racing mecca but in some way it says a lot about Berry.

“I love getting in the car with dad and talking things over with him,” Berry said. “It just gave him time to give me some advice, which is always good.

“We talked over what had happened in the Slipper, and we were able to talk about other things as well, including how things might go in Hong Kong.

“Nowra is one of those places that I would ride when I was starting out, and not winning too often. It puts it in perspective, what I had done.”

Berry has won four group 1s this season, and became the first jockey to win the Golden Rose-Golden Slipper double in the same racing year when Overreach gave him his biggest thrill last weekend.

He took his Golden Slipper trophy for the trip but it didn’t make it out of the family home, where it will stay when he takes up his three-month contract in Hong Kong.

“I hadn’t seen dad on Saturday and Sunday, so to take the Slipper there and show him it was something special,” Berry said. “Mum has already said they will look after it while I’m in Hong Kong.

“Taking [the trophy] to show, it was something I really wanted to do, but it was even better to help out with a horse.

“I helped him saddle up but we didn’t have much luck.”

Kevin’s Survivors finished 11th but the afternoon was time well spent for hoop on top of the world. “Family has always been

very important and it will be something I will miss when I go to Hong Kong,” Berry said.

The 22-year-old, who leads the Sydney premiership, has a Randwick carnival to get through first. He will be on Overreach as she tries to back up her Golden Slipper win in the Sires’ Produce Stakes. “I have no doubt she will run the 1400 metres and with the track improving, I think she can be more dynamic,” he said. “Gai said that the Slipper is like running 1400m, especially on a wet track, and as you saw in the Slipper she can just travel and sprint off any speed.”

Then there is another favourite of Berry’s for him to ride late in the day, Karuta Queen in the Sapphire Stakes. “It is great to be riding her and Overreach on the same day,” he said.

“They have both been very special horses to me. Karuta Queen started it all off for me winning the Magic Millions, without her I wouldn’t have got to Gai’s and I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that helped get me to Hong Kong. She is always going to be a horse I will remember.”

Waterhouse has played a big role in Berry’s rise from talented rider to group 1 jockey. “She has taught me so much, and when I got the offer from Hong Kong, she told me just go because these opportunities don’t come along that often,” he said.

His standing has grown in the jockeys’ ranks, and trainers other than Waterhouse have locked in him into rides in the Doncaster Mile and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He has been booked by Chris Waller to ride Rosehill Guineas runner-up Sacred Falls in the Doncaster and will ride Silent Achiever in the Queen Elizabeth.

It will keep him busy until he leaves on April 28. “I’m riding and working until the day I leave,” Berry said. “It is exciting to have the opportunity but it is in the future. … Once I get to Hong Kong I can think about it, but dad told me to just keep working hard.”

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