Craig Kerry

October 29, 2026 — 5:57pm

Tommy Berry is backing the on-speed toughness of Ninja to overcome an awkward draw as the champion jockey looks to repeat the heroics of 2019 winner Pierata in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Randwick.

Michael Freedman-trained Ninja drew gate 13, which was 12 of 15 on Thursday with emergencies out.

Tommy Berry celebrates Ninja’s Missile Stakes win. Getty Images

Berry had the luxury of barrier three with Ninja last start in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) two weeks ago when the four-year-old sat behind the lead pair before finishing fifth, one and a half lengths off winner Tempted.

He hoped to get the gelding forward again on Saturday in the Russell Balding, which was named after the previous year’s Everest winner when Berry won it in 2019 with Pierata.…