But it will be brotherly love that plays a major role when he rides the colt on Saturday.

Berry replaces twin brother Nathan, who has been stuck down by viral encephalitis and is in a Singapore hospital.

''It would mean a lot to win the Todman [Stakes] on this bloke because of what he means to Nathan,'' Berry said. ''It was a highlight of his career to win the Magic Millions [Classic] on him and it is disappointing that he got sick and can't ride him.

''I just want to be able to go over there on Monday and tell him [Unencumbered] went great and won.''

Unencumbered has proved the most durable of two-year-olds and is having his eighth start on Saturday. Berry filled in for his brother in a recent trial and was impressed by the Testa Rossa colt.

''He gave me a great feel and I rang Nathan straight away and told him he went great,'' Berry said. ''He has had a lot of racing but he just feels like a horse that is perfect for the Slipper. He is very relaxed but possesses a devastating turn of foot, which is the perfect combination.''

Berry is in constant contact with Singapore about Nathan's condition but will fulfil his riding engagements on Saturday before heading there on Monday.

He will ride Carlton House in the Ranvet Stakes, but it is one of his favourites in Sweet Idea that appears his best chance of group 1 glory, in the Coolmore.

''She just didn't handle Warwick Farm last time, so you should forget about [the seventh in the Surround Stakes],'' Berry said. ''The blinkers come off as she gets back to Rosehill, where she won the Silver Slipper and ran third in a Golden Slipper.

''I think she will really relax and run out a strong 1500m.''