North England serves notice to G1 Golden Slipper rivals

North England delivered a timely reminder of his Golden Slipper credentials with a commanding trial win over some leading contenders at Rosehill on Monday morning. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt showcased his speed, leaving rivals Bel Merci and Pallaton in his wake during the 900-metre workout.

North England jumped to the front and was briefly challenged by Bel Merci 300 metres out, but he kicked clear when the Gimcrack Stakes winner began to lay in, powering home to win by 3-1/2 lengths. His time of 52.96 seconds was nearly a full second faster than the next-quickest trial, Skyhook’s 53.83-second effort.

This was North England’s second trial of the campaign, following an 800-metre win at Hawkesbury on January 20. A first-crop son of 2020 Golden Slipper winner Farnan, North England was purchased for $280,000 at last year’s Inglis Classic Sale. He has not raced since winning the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m) on November 9, which followed a third-place finish in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m).

Now priced at $17 in Golden Slipper betting, North England is expected to resume in the $300,000 Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on February 22. This race is also the likely next start for $4 Golden Slipper 2025 favourite Wodeton, according to trainer Chris Waller.

Michael Freedman has also indicated that Pallaton, an $11 Golden Slipper chance, is likely to target the Silver Slipper. Pallaton, who was not pushed hard in his first trial since his impressive debut win at Rosehill on December 21, narrowly missed out on second place behind Bel Merci.

Last year’s Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot also trialled over 900 metres earlier in the morning, finishing second behind Dance To The Boom in 55.17 seconds. Lady Of Camelot sat second in the run and was given a solid hitout by jockey Tim Clark but was narrowly defeated by the unbeaten Gosford Guineas winner.

Third in that trial, 3-1/4 lengths behind, was Champions Sprint winner Sunshine In Paris. Meanwhile, comeback galloper Militarize had a quiet hitout in his first trial since being gelded and returning to work, finishing sixth, five lengths behind the winner.

Militarize’s stablemate Joliestar also impressed in her second trial of the preparation, charging home from last under light riding to finish third, just half-a-length behind Royal Patronage and Lindermann in a 900-metre trial completed in 54.88 seconds. Amelia’s Jewel, who was not fully extended, finished sixth, beaten just 1-1/2 lengths.