The race that launched the career of star jockey Tommy Berry could be equally significant for his twin brother Nathan.

Tommy signalled his coming of age when he won the 2011 Magic Millions Classic aboard flying filly Karuta Queen.

In the afterglow, he was approached by Gai Waterhouse to become a stable rider and 12 months later returned to win the Magic Millions feature for her aboard Driefontein.

Since then he has amassed a string of Group One wins in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

At the Gold Coast on Saturday, he and Waterhouse will again combine in the Classic with Echo Gal.

But early markets suggest Nathan will be the Berry brother in the Magic Millions spotlight this year.

The young hoop partners the Bjorn Baker-trained favourite Unencumbered, the horse he hopes can set him on the path to big race success.

"If you look at Tommy's whole career it started off with Karuta Queen," Nathan Berry said.

"That got him the job with Gai. He's won three or four Group Ones with Gai which then got him the gig in Hong Kong where he won the QEII and everyone looks at you then as an international jockey.

"Karuta Queen is probably the most important horse in Tom's life because that's what has made him as a jockey.

"I've been waiting for a horse like that so hopefully Unencumbered can get the job done."

The biggest question mark over Unencumbered is whether he can hold his form.

The colt made his debut in October and with the exception of a six-week let-up, has campaigned through the spring and summer.

Despite the workload, Nathan said Unencumbered was thriving and galloped brilliantly at the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

"I didn't expect him to work as well as he did without a partner," he said.

"He just picked up the bit at the 400 and he took the corner at the Gold Coast very well. I can't really fault him or his behaviour at the moment."

If Nathan can help Unencumbered to the $1.4 million first prize on Saturday, Tommy will be among the first to congratulate him.

The pair are best friends and one another's biggest supporters.

But if the Classic should come down to a battle between Unencumbered and Echo Gal, Nathan warns there will be no love lost.

"When those barriers open there is no talking, no friends. We're out there to do the best for our owners and our trainers," he said.

"I don't care if I run fifth and Tom runs sixth, I want to beat him home. You always want the wood up on your brother."