Tommy Berry might be sidelined because of suspension but Tulloch Lodge's No.1 jockey still promises to have an influence in the outcome of the Summer Cup.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained Travolta was in contention for a Perth Cup start but Berry recommended the horse stay at 2000m after an all-the-way win the ATC Cup at Rosehill.

As a result, the former New Zealander didn't accept for the Christmas Cup over 2400m and a trip to Perth was ruled out almost a fortnight ago.

Waterhouse has often rued Australian racing's modern-day indifference to staying events but in this instance a distance reduction in the Summer Cup at Randwick on Thursday could work in her favour.

"Tommy thought on his last win he will be better suited at 2000 metres," stable spokesman Mark Newnham said.

"Then Gai galloped him the day before she went away and she thought it was better to wait for the Summer Cup."

Travolta is the early $3 favourite to give Waterhouse her first Summer Cup win since Aqua D'Amore carried 57kg to victory in 2005.

Adam Hyeronimus replaces Berry on Thursday and despite having no race experience on the topweight, he is familiar with the horse after riding the five-year-old in a barrier trial at the start of his campaign.

Trainer Joe Pride has rain at the top of his Christmas wish-list as he prepares to saddle up Destiny's Kiss in the race.

The gelding was a late-closing sixth in the Villiers Stakes after he was chopped out of an inside run at a crucial stage in the straight.

While some horses jarred up on the firm surface that day, Pride said Destiny's Kiss came through the Villiers without incident.

But while the horse can perform on all surfaces he would prefer some give in the ground at Randwick.

"I'll settle for a bit of rain at Christmas," Pride said.

"He has come through the Villiers pretty well, he didn't get to hit top gear that day. He is a very sound horse, very light, so while he likes it wet the firm tracks don't worry him (physically)."

Christian Reith has ridden Destiny's Kiss at his past two starts and retains the Summer Cup mount.