Strawberry Boy has figured in a change in plans but new jockey Tommy Berry doesn't believe it will stop the up-and-coming stayer continuing his winning ways at Rosehill.

After he won at Warwick Farm last weekend trainer Gai Waterhouse planned to take Strawberry Boy to the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) in Melbourne on Saturday week, a race which carries a Caulfield Cup ballot exemption for the winner.

However, after receiving advice from Racing Victoria's chief handicapper Greg Carpenter the gelding might miss a start in that race, Waterhouse decided to keep Strawberry Boy in Sydney and back him up in Saturday's Group Three Kingston Town Stakes (2000m).

With Strawberry Boy on the limit weight of 54kg, Berry takes over from Nash Rawiller who rode him to victory over 1600m last Saturday.

"I think the 2000 metres will suit him a treat because he looked a little bit dour last Saturday," Berry said.

"I cantered him around on Monday morning and he went around like he hadn't had a run.

"And Gai is one of the best trainers for backing up horses and getting them to win races."

Kembla Grange-based stayer Nextanix was a Kingston Town Stakes scratching on Thursday and has been ruled out of the spring after suffering a tendon injury.

Strawberry Boy heads the market at $2 as he looks to make it three wins from as many starts this campaign.

"If he's going to go to Melbourne I think he should be very hard to beat on Saturday," Berry said.

Two weeks ago Berry partnered another Waterhouse-trained Caulfield Cup hopeful Glencadam Gold to an all-the-way win in the Listed Premier's Cup (1800m).

Strawberry Boy is owned by John Singleton and is on the fourth line of Caulfield Cup betting with TAB fixed odds at $21.

Singleton celebrated a double at Warwick Farm last Saturday with Strawberry Boy and Dear Demi.

The prominent breeder-owner is well-placed to do likewise at Rosehill with his champion mare More Joyous the $1.24 favourite to return a winner in the Listed Sheraco Stakes.