Tommy Berry knows better than anyone just how hard it will be to beat Gringotts in the $1 million The Gong (1600m) on Saturday, especially if the Kembla Grange track is again hard and fast.

So Berry, who took Gringotts to a front-running win last year, hopes predicted rain can soften the surface to at least give him a chance to catch the favourite when he guides Kris Lees-trained Tavi Time from a wide gate.

Berry also won the $3 million Big Dance and group 1 George Ryder Stakes on Gringotts but lost the ride this preparation when the Ciaron Maher-trained star was twice scratched because of illness. Gringotts’ plan was changed to a run in the Alan Brown Stakes, where Berry was committed to another horse, opening the door for Nash Rawiller to take over. Gringotts was second there before wi

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