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| Staff Writer |
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North England produced a devastating display of speed when storming to victory in Monday morning's crucial 900-metre trial at Rosehill, firmly throwing down the gauntlet for the Gr.1 Golden Slipper. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt, purchased for US$280,000, demonstrated his exceptional class by leaving his rivals trailing in his wake.
The progressive 2YO, sired by 2020 Golden Slipper victor Farnan, stopped the clock at 52.96 seconds, nearly a full second quicker than his nearest rival Skyhook, who recorded 53.83 seconds. The striking performance marked his second trial of the campaign, following an 800m success at Hawkesbury on January 20.
North England, not seen on the racecourse since capturing the US$1 million Golden Gift over 1100m in November, having previously finished third in the Gr.3 Breeders' Plate, is being aimed at the Gr.2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill on February 22. The same race is earmarked for Chris Waller's leading fancy Wodeton.
Meanwhile, Michael Freedman's charge Pallaton finished behind Bel Merci in the trial, with connections keeping their powder dry ahead of a possible Silver Slipper tilt. In earlier trials, last year's Golden Slipper heroine Lady Of Camelot finished second to the unbeaten Dance To The Boom, with Tim Clark giving her a thorough workout. Notable performances also came from Champions Sprint victor Sunshine In Paris, while Militarize had a quiet return following gelding. Joliestar caught the eye with a flying finish behind Royal Patronage and Lindermann, with Amelia's Jewel staying on nicely in sixth position.
The trial has added another fascinating dimension to the US$5 million showpiece, scheduled for Rosehill, with the Waterhouse-Bott representative emerging as a serious contender.