Northerly Returns

[Sandgroper]

Northerly has been allotted top weight of 60kg for his planned return in this Saturday's Belmont Goodwood Sprint. Northerly carried 61kg last year to win the same race. Other nominations include Prince of Pop & Corporate Bruce, who finished 2nd & 3rd respectively in last years race. Prince of Pop has been allocated 52kg (2kg down on last year) and Corporate Bruce has been allocated 53.5kg (3.5kg down on last year). Other nominations for the Goodwood include Tribula, Master Park, Pindarri & The Tin Man.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-13 17:11 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-13 17:14 ]</font>

[Paddy]

Perth Placegetter, Have you rated the Goodwood yet? Very interesting to see what you predict.

[Sandgroper]

Hi Paddy,

Yes have rated the Goodwood.

Corporate Bruce has rated best just ahead of Northerly & Prince Of Pop.

These 3 are clearly rated ahead of the rest.

Corporate Bruce’s last run was just below his best and he has been freshened up. Prince Of Pop’s last run was his best ever (according to my records) – not bad for a 9yo. Note my rating for Northerly is based on his WA record, so if he has improved since this time last year, when he won the Goodwood & ran 2nd in the Budget Rent A Car-Farnley Stakes, his winning chance would be enhanced.

Others rated next best in order are Tribula, The Tin Man, Pindarri, Master Park & White Foil.

Could still be a tricky race as all 3 top rated horses are likely to be ridden back in the field – will be interesting to see if they can give the likes of The Tin Man & Pindarri and start and a beating.

Pindarri looks the likely leader and doubt he will be pressured as much as last week. The Tin Man is likely to get a good sit on Pindarri.

Good luck whatever you back!




_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-14 17:37 ]</font>

[Paddy]

Thanks Perth Placegetter, I look forward to the race.

[Paddy]

Hey Perth Placegetter, I see you rated Tribula as next best outside of top 3, 40/1 winner! how come it didn't make your sneak list?

[Sandgroper]

Paddy, alas Tribula was listed this morning at 8/1. Hope you had something on it, in any case.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-17 18:58 ]</font>

[Paddy]

As it turns out I did have a wee bit on Tribula. Thanks for the leg up Perth Placegetter. How did you rate Northerly's run, compared to this time last year?

[Sandgroper]

Good to hear you backed Tribula, Paddy.
Managed to have a bit myself.

Northerly rated 2 lengths below his run, this time last year. Assume not as advanced in condition. Also raced without blinkers, not sure if this made any difference.

Big run by Corporate Bruce, flying home at the end, think would have won with another few strides.

On paper Prince of Pop looked very disappointing, but suggest did not back up well after his brilliant win last Saturday week.

Looking forward to their next expected clash in the Farnley Stakes in two weeks.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-19 12:17 ]</font>

[Sandgroper]

Seems Northerly's next start is in Saturday's Caulfield Memsie Stakes.

Could be a risk next couple of starts, depending on his rate of improvement, following first-up unplaced run at Belmont.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-25 11:33 ]</font>

[Paddy]

Do you like the chances of Northerly in the Memsie's today, Perth Placegetter?

[Sandgroper]

Northerly should improve on his 1st up run, as you would expect.

As previously posted, I don’t believe Northerly’s 1st up run this time in, was as good as his last preparation.

Also understand that connections would have liked to have stayed in Perth and given Northerly another run before going over east, but the likely weight he would have received (and the weight advantage he would have to give to the other horses) has discouraged them. Also it seems they are still unsure whether he really is better with or without the blinkers.

All things considering happy to watch him run around (especially at the 13/4 being quoted). Hope he does well. If he does win (or runs a very bold race), I think the connections of Sunline should start worrying!


All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-08-31 09:55 ]</font>

[Equine Investor]

Will also be content to watch Northerly from the sidelines. I will be backing Fields Of Omagh and The Big Ask as value bets only.

I feel that Northerly is nowhere near top form at this stage and when Sunline clashes with Northerly in The Feehan Stakes, I think we will see a different result this year.

Reports are that Sunline was nowhere near fit last Saturday in New Zealand with condition giving out over the last 200m, but still managed to find enough to get her over line.

The debate continues....

:wink:

[Paddy]

Watched Sunline's first up win, was struggling a bit at the end, but did show plenty of toe & zip beforehand. I think did look more forward in that race, than Northerly did yesterday.

[Equine Investor]

Northerly did get chopped out of the race for about the last 200 metres, but the major concern I had, was his mind was definitely not on the job mid race. It was obvious at no point was he travelling comfortably. He was distracted by the horse on his outside and was not happy at being boxed in.

I did not see enough to back him next start. Maybe needs one more run before a win. Can't see him beating Sunline in the Feehan on yesterday's effort.

Just my opinion.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Equine Investor on 2002-09-01 13:28 ]</font>

[Sandgroper]

Seems Fred Kersley, isn't too worried about Northerly's defeat on Sat and the blinkers will remain off, at least in the short term.

Still on track for the Cox Plate and not the Caulfield Cup, as some are suggesting. Northerly has been nominated for the Caulfield Cup and is 2nd top weight with 58kg.

Interestingly the press over here are saying that Fred is considering starting Northerly in next Saturday's Craiglee Stakes (1600m) at Flemington instead of the Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley the following week.



_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-09-02 15:08 ]</font>

[Paddy]

One more run before a win EI, perhaps in the Craiglee Stakes and not the Feehan Stakes.

Must have pulled up pretty well to consider racing again this weekend.

I like it. Just secured what I consider juicy odds for Northerly in the Cox Plate. Shrewd that Kersley, all that blinker shenanigans. Won't we all be surprised when the blinkers go back on, NOT!

[Equine Investor]

I can't believe Fred Kersley was going to take it easy with Northerly, and now is going to back him up a week later...
perhaps.

Well I think you did the right thing there Paddy - get the odds while he's not winning, coz after he wins, you sure won't get value.

Having said that I have my concerns re Northerly this campaign.

[BettyBoop]

Hey There Sandgroper,

I am new to the forums and have heard around the traps that you are the best punter in the west. I will be watching your picks closely and hope to back a winner or two.

Wish me luck!! :cool:

[Paddy]

Well Perth Placegetter, you seem to have an addition to your fan club, and a celebrity to boot!

The pressure's really on now my boyo!!

[Paddy]

Northerly (No. 2) has drawn barrier 1 for Saturday's Craiglee at Flemington, with Greg Childs aboard. Fred's quoted as saying that he needed to sort out a jockey once and for all, for Northerly's current campaign (following on from D Oliver's commitment to DON EDUARDO) and along comes Childs?

Why am I getting the feeling that a potential CC start for Northerly is now shaping into more of a reality, and depending how he performs / pulls up, may not even start in the Cox?

[Hammers]

Caulfield 2400 -v- MV 2040. He is 6 now and more of a grinder so the 2040 may be a little sharp these days.
Handicappers -v- Sunline, Lonhro, Defier etc.
You may be right Paddy. Of course the Caul Cup start does not rule out the Cox Plate and the winners of the 99 and 2000 C Cup ran placings in the Cox Plate so it isn't a bad lead in.
I think the quick back up this week is mysterious too. Does he need the extra run to toughen him up for the mile and a half?


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Hammers on 2002-09-05 14:35 ]</font>

[Rain Lover]

Just one more opinion, guys (and Betty). Put your money on Northerly in set weights races (eg. Cox plate) or WFA. Forget the handicaps - he can't concede too much weight to smart horses and still win - just ask Old Comrade.

[Rain Lover]

I forgot to mention that the Craiglee was WFA? To quote Hammers, "Absolute charity".

[Sandgroper]

So Fred is now focusing on the Caulfield Cup – or is he?

Interviewed yesterday, initially assertive with his statement that Northerly’s on track for the CC, but a bit later seemed more sheepish in his reply.

Playing ducks & drakes? Still not completely sure himself? Waiting to see what other connections are doing with their horses? We will need to wait and see.

Have noticed one thing with Northerly minus blinkers last two wins. Once he sights the opposition coming at him over last bit, he seems to put out that bit more.

Strange statement, but is he loafing a tiny bit when he gets to the lead, until he sights something near him?


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-09-23 14:16 ]</font>

[Rain Lover]

We should run a book on where Fred's going to start him. My odds ?
Cox plate 2/5
Caulfield Cup 5/2
Both 66/1
Look at the form -
2 starts at MV for 2 wins.
8 starts at Caulfield for 5 wins.
Never run beyond 2040m.
Go figure.

[Rogan Josh]

If the track is slow or worse today for the Turnbull, think Northerly is a real risk. I'll be backing Sky Heights & Maguire EW at good odds.

[Rogan Josh]

My two were very disappointing, did reduce my wager though with only a dead track. Northerly’s fighting spirit won the day again. My tip he will miss the CC and concentrate on the Cox Plate.

[Paddy]

This thread made for something interesting reading with the benefit of hindsight. Lucky you are not a bookie Rain Lover! See the blinkers stayed off. Fred Kersley & team, we salute you!

_________________
May the luck of the Irish be with you!


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Paddy on 2002-10-20 07:01 ]</font>

[Rogan Josh]

I think the handicapper has made up Fred's mind re a start in the MC. 2kg penalty I see as being extremely harsh. The Japan Cup must now be looming as a distinct possibility.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Rogan Josh on 2002-10-21 13:51 ]</font>

[BettyBoop]

Hi RJ, I see the forum has Monday'itis as usual. Agree that Northerly's penalty is harsh, you would think they would try and entice Fred to run Northerly in the Cup rather than discourage.

Japan Cup start could be interesting. I wonder how Northerly would perform going the opposite way (to Melb / Perth).

[Paddy]

Courtesy aapracingandsports

Thursday, 31 October 2002: The option of giving champion gelding Northerly another race in Perth before a spell has been kept open by trainer Fred Kersley.

Kersley, conscious of what Northerly means to Perth racing, has nominated the five-year-old for the $300,000 Fruit’N’ Veg Stakes at Ascot on December 7.

Kersley is still in Melbourne but Northerly arrived back at his Perth stable in Wednesday night.

The Fruit ‘N’ Veg is the feature weight-for-age event of the Perth summer carnival but has attracted only nine interstate nominations.

The WATC would be desperate to see Northerly start at Ascot but it is almost certain he will be in the spelling paddock when the race is run.

Part-owner Neville Duncan told Perth media the chances of Northerly staying in work were remote.

"I guess Fred put him in the race just in case," Duncan said.

Kersley kept faith with the Perth public last year after Northerly won his first Cox Plate by running him in the G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot a month after his Moonee Valley victory.

However he was obviously a tired horse after his spring campaign and could finish only 11th carrying 61.5kg under the handicap conditions.

There is much more at stake for Northerly this season as he is expected to be set for overseas assignments next autumn and will have little time to spell should he be kept in work for the Fruit ‘N’ Veg Stakes.

Northerly was not entered for this year’s $500,000 Railway Stakes, to be run at Ascot on November 23.

The notable eastern states entries for the Railway Stakes are Umrum, Weasel Will, El Nino, Court Of Jewels, Kabila Sheraton, Paris Heartbeat.

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

WA racing star Northerly shifts up a gear in his preparation for a third assault on the Melbourne autumn carnival when he returns to Belmont Park trackwork tomorrow.

Trainer Fred Kersley plans for Northerly to have his third start in the Australian Cup (2000m) in mid-March before heading to Sydney for the $2 million BMW (2000m) at Rosehill on April 12.

Northerly won the Australian Cup in record time in 2001 before going down narrowly to Old Comrade in the Group 1 feature last year.

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

CHAMPION galloper Northerly bounced back into Belmont Park trackwork at the weekend and his trainer Fred Kersley had a disheartening message for connections of prospective challengers.

"He looks to have come back better than ever," said Kersley, watching the $7.8 million stake earner exercise over two laps for training circuit rider Cherie Hough on Saturday.

The master trainer added sound reasoning to one of horse racing's most common cliches.

"Northerly has recently undergone a distinct change of body shape," Kersley said. "I could see it beginning last spring. As a six-year-old, it seems he has only now reached full maturity."

The powerful bay, spelled after brilliant wins in the $2.5 million Caulfield Cup and $3 million Cox Plate in Melbourne last October, made his first racecourse appearance for two months on Saturday morning.

Kersley was delighted by what he saw on and off the course.

In a tranquil pre-dawn atmosphere, Northerly exhibited a playful and child-like side of his character. Kersley walked towards the grandstand while Northerly went on to the track.

As soon as he thought his trainer was out of sight, the champion whipped around, cantered back through the course gate and headed towards his stall.

Expert horsewoman Hough asserted authority and Northerly was quickly out on the grass again, getting down to the business of being a star. "He's full of himself and wanting to be the boss," Kersley said.

"It's a very good sign."

Northerly's autumn program includes the $200,000 St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on February 22 and the $1.25 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10.

Then he will make his first Sydney visit, for the $400,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) on March 29 and the $2 million BMW (2400m) two weeks later.

Kersley said Northerly could make his overseas debut in the $3.1 million Singapore Airline International Cup (2000m) on May 17.

"We're not yet certain of which race he will contest when starting first-up next month," Kersley said.


Australasian racing handicappers showed no uncertainty when they announced official ratings at the weekend for horses competing between August 1 and December 31.

Northerly, with a 124 rating, was clearly the best among gallopers aged four and upwards.

Other top gallopers' ratings were Defier 119, Lonhro 117, Rubitano and Sunline both 116.

[Sandgroper]

Paddy, any truth in the rumour that you are the new the president of the Northerly fan club - Irish chapter? :smile:

Listening to a recent interview with Fred Kersley, he was certainly oozing with confidence, stated that Northerly had only put on 10kg during his break, so would expect Northerly to be firing on all 8 cylinders from the outset of his next campaign.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-01-06 13:53 ]</font>

[becareful]

Since when do horses have 8 cylinders??? Do all of them have 8 or do some only have 4 or 6? And can you fit a turbocharger to the 4 cylinder ones to make them more competitive with the 8's? Do Italian horses have 10 or 12?

:grin:

[Equine Investor]

Aaaah this brings up an interesting topic!

Many horses promising "good things" on the track are tipped to have eight cylinders, but the trainers need to change the spark plugs, as there is a misfire!

Or were they only 4 cylinders to begin with and once they step up to V8 touring car class come unstuck because it wasn't the driver (jockey) who messed up, but the pit crew (trainer) over rated the capacity of the engine and as such should only be racing in class B Winton raceway races not Group or Listed Bathurst races?

A timely analogy.
:wink:

[Paddy]

Nice one Sandgroper - you've let the cat out of the bag! :roll:

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

A SHARE in one of Australasia's most sought-after foals, a half-brother to WA thoroughbred champion Northerly, has been taken by a WA partnership.

Northerly part-owners Ron Sayers, Tony Patrizi and Peter Bartlett ended months of speculation when they signed on a deal to trade their share in Northerly's future earnings for a half share of the Flying Spur colt.

The colt was bred and is owned by Rod Dufficy, brother to former jockey and Sydney racing commentator Ron Dufficy, and Andrew Harcourt.

The foal's other half-brothers include stakes winners North Boy and Northern Song. Northerly is the nation's top stakes-earner with $7.8 million.

The colt was orphaned when his dam North Bell died as a result of complications during the birth.

The WA syndicate reached agreement in principle on the deal on the morning of Northerly's historic Caulfield Cup win on October 19.

Sayers, Patrizi and Bartlett have a quarter share in Northerly. The other part-owners are managing owner Judy Kersley, wife of trainer Fred Kersley, and the gelding's breeders Neville and Sue Duncan. Ian Grljusich is a minor partner.

Sayers said yesterday Dufficy and Harcourt would receive 10 per cent of the three partners' share of Northerly's future prize money but would have no say in the champion's programming.

Sayers visited the colt at Segenhoe Stud in the Hunter Valley yesterday on his way back to Perth after buying three fillies at the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale last week.

"It might be wishful thinking but to me he looks exactly like Northerly," said Sayers, who owns Yarradale Stud at Gidgegannup.

Dufficy said yesterday the colt, who weighed a whopping 72kg at birth, was perfect.

"He is a real cracker. He was born late and his birth was induced by the vets," he said. "He was born overly big, which is not normally a good sign because they can be too big and bulky.

"But from a month or two after he was born he developed magnificently. He is now a really good, normal-sized horse, who is impossible to fault.

"The guy who looks after him, Brian Gorman, is a pretty good judge and he reckons he can't fault him.

"He is very unlike his brothers and sisters, who had faults."

[Paddy]

Courtesy of The West Australian website:

A reshuffle of feature race dates on the Victorian autumn calendar has thrown Australian Cup plans for WA superstar Northerly into disarray.

Trainer Fred Kersley was anticipating using the same formula as last year, giving his champion his two Australian Cup lead-up starts in the Orr Stakes (1400m) and St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, before going into the $1.25 million feature event at Flemington on March 10.

Kersley was then going to leap from the Australian Cup into his maiden Sydney foray and run the horse in the $2 million The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on April 12.

But the Melbourne Racing Club's decision to bring forward the dates for the Orr Stakes and St George Stakes by eight days and put back the Futurity Stakes (1400m) by seven days has put a spanner in the works.

Kersley yesterday cast grave doubt on whether Northerly would be ready to run in the Orr Stakes on February 8.

He also was unhappy about having to go back 400m with the horse, if he was to run in the St George and Futurity Stakes.

"The program is terrible for me," Kersley said. "By changing the program they have bowled a wrong'un.

"I don't know quite how to handle it.

"It used to be good because weight-for-age horses could run from 1400m to 1800m into 2000m.

"The program now reads for weight-for-age horses, 1400m, 1800m, 1400m and 2000m.

"Somehow I have to work within those parameters and at the minute the logic is escaping me.

"But I am going to have to deal with it."

Kersley will examine the Victorian calendar more closely over the next few weeks in a bid to find an alternative program.

Northerly, Australasia's undisputed weight-for-age king, enhanced the glory of his 2001 Melbourne spring by winning the Craiglee, Underwood and Turnbull Stakes, as well as the Caulfield Cup and a second Cox Plate last year.

Northerly began his express trip to world fame with record-breaking wins in the Carlyon and Australian cups two years ago.

The Serheed gelding was narrowly beaten by WA adversary Old Comrade in the Australian Cup last year.

Kersley said he had not set a date for Northerly's departure east nor was he in a rush to confirm a rider for the $7.8 million stakes earner.

"Patrick Payne has drawn favour because he won on him at his last start," the trainer said. "Damien Oliver and Greg Childs have excellent records on the horse. But I don't want to get caught naming a rider this far out because a lot can happen."

Payne rode Northerly for the first time when he won the Cox Plate last October. Childs has an excellent record of six rides for six wins and Oliver has eight rides for five wins and two seconds.

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

WA racing idol Northerly is Australasia's highest rated horse for 2002.

Northerly finished as one of the world's highest ranked horses with an international classification rating of 124 - up from the 122 he scored the previous year.

Irish champion three-year-old Rock Of Gibraltar was the world's No. 1 on 128, ahead the Godolphin-owned Marienbard (127), who won at Group 1 level in Germany before his success in the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Rock Of Gibraltar received his rating for breaking the long-standing record of Mill Reef by winning seven straight Group 1 events.

Godolphin's Grandera, who finished third to Northerly in the Cox Plate, received 126 rating for his five-length win over Indian Creek in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Northerly won three times at Group 1 level last year - in the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Underwood Stakes.

The Serheed gelding's rating of 124 matched that of Might And Power, who held the previous record high in 1998 - which was the first time the system was applied to Australian and New Zealand horses.

Trainer Fred Kersley was humble yesterday when told of Northerly's great achievement.

"I am flattered for the horse," he said.

Defier, runner-up in the Cox Plate, was Australasia's second-highest rated horse on 120, just shading Sunline, who finished her last year on the track with 119.

Australian Cup champion Old Comrade was rated on 114 to finish equal seventh, with Universal Prince and Show A Heart.

A total of 28 Australian and NZ horses made the international listing.

[Sandgroper]

A bit more info Paddy, re Northerly's rating in the latest International Classifications.

Top Older Horses 2002

Horse Rating Trainer Country

1. Marienbard 127 Saeed bin Suroor UK
2. Golan 126 Sir Michael Stoute UK
Grandera 126 Saeed bin Suroor UK
Keltos 126 Carlos Laffon-Parias France
5. Azeri 125 Laura de Seroux United States
Nayef 125 Marcus Tregoning UK
Volponi 125 Philip Johnson United States
8. Domedriver 124 Pascal Bary France
Northerly 124 Fred Kersley Australia
Orientate 124 D Wayne Lukas United States
Street Cry 124 Saeed bin Suroor UK



_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-01-17 19:22 ]</font>

[Paddy]

Courtesy of The West Australian website:

RACING Victoria has jumped to the rescue of WA trainer Fred Kersley in a desperate bid to ensure crowd favourite Northerly starts in the $1.25 million Australian Cup (2000m).

Racing Victoria officials are locked in crucial talks with airline officials to secure a direct flight from Perth to Melbourne, after they were told about Kersley's misgivings with current flight arrangements.

Kersley became disturbed about the flight to Melbourne when he learnt a lack of direct flights had forced Perth trainers to send their horses via Sydney to get to the autumn carnival. Kersley is understandably reluctant to risk Northerly, ranked among the best in the world, by having his $7.89 million stakes earner flown about the country unnecessarily.

The master trainer faces a difficult enough task to have his dual Cox Plate champion ready to run in the Australian Cup (March 10) because of a change in race dates.

"We considered dropping the Australian Cup from his program," Kersley said. "But it is a $1.25 million weight-for-age event and that is hard to ignore.

"I don't really know the answer."

Racing Victoria officials spoke to Kersley last week to try to resolve the transport issue. They have even considered booking the services of international carrier, International Racehorse Transport.

They know too well that Northerly's never-say-die spirit has won the hearts of the nation and he is the ultimate drawcard to their carnival.

"It would be very disappointing not to have Northerly race here," Victoria's racing operations manager Leigh Jordan said.

Kersley's first plan was to kick-off Northerly's campaign in the weight-for-age Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8.

But the Group 1 event was brought forward a week this year in a reshuffle of programming into the Australian Cup.

Kersley doubts Northerly would be ready to run in the Orr and there is no suitable race in Melbourne on the following week. Northerly has not raced since winning the Cox Plate last October.

Kersley said there was still a 50-50 chance Northerly would make his return at Ascot in the $40,000 Detonator Stakes (1800m) on February 8. He is attracted to the race because it has a maximum top-weight of 60kg.

He has a wide range of options for Northerly, with the $2 million weight-for-age BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day, April 12, and the $3 million Singapore International (2000m) at Kranji on May 17.

Northerly made his debut on the national scene with his record-breaking win in the 2001 Australian Cup. He finished a thrilling second to Old Comrade in the Group 1 event last year.

[Sandgroper]

Paddy, is it true that Fred is considering you for a job in his promotions department? :lol:

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-01-26 21:01 ]</font>

[Paddy]

Geez Sandgroper, that was suppose to be confidential! Now you’ve done it !
:oops:

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

THE possibility of Northerly resuming in the C F Orr Stakes is back on target, with the WA superstar due to make a rare cameo appearance in an Ascot barrier trial on Saturday.

Trainer Fred Kersley said yesterday the 1400m trial would be crucial to Northerly kicking off his Australian Cup campaign in Saturday week's $302,000 Group 1 1400m Caulfield feature.

However, Kersley did not discard the option of Australia's richest racehorse running first-up before a home crowd in the Detonator Stakes (1800m), at Ascot on the same day.

Kersley admitted he still faced a big problem to obtain a direct flight to Melbourne. In recent weeks cargo flights have gone from Perth to Sydney.

He is keen for four to five runners to compete in the trial to provide Northerly with a good first-up hit-out.

Kersley will start stablemate Heavy Nova and another galloper in the trial, but is appealing to other trainers to enter their horses.

WA Turf Club racing manager Greg Carpenter said the trial would be conducted between races five and six. A definite time would be confirmed today.

Railway Stakes-winning jockey Stephen Miller was the No. 1 choice to ride Northerly in the trial.

[Paddy]

Courtesy the West Australian website.

WA champion Northerly is likely to fly to Melbourne on Tuesday for tomorrow week's C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Trainer Fred Kersley feared Northerly might miss the Orr because of a disruption to interstate air-cargo services.

The Orr is crucial to Northerly's preparation for the $1.25 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10, a race the horse won in 2001.

Melbourne horse air-transport agent Chris Calthorpe ended Kersley's fears when he told him of a direct flight to Melbourne on Tuesday morning.

Calthorpe said another flight would leave Perth on Wednesday, carrying leading WA pacers Baltic Eagle and Magic Albert. But he could not guarantee it would go direct to Melbourne and might be diverted to Sydney.

"The flight is available but I haven't locked myself in at this point," Kersley said. "I will wait and see how Northerly trials on Saturday."

Kersley was saved having to choose between riders for the Orr assignment when Greg Childs was booked for Fields Of Omagh in the Group 1 feature. Childs has ridden Northerly six times for six wins.

Kersley said heavyweight jockey Paddy Payne, who won the Cox Plate at his sole outing on the six-year-old, would be given the ride.

The WA Turf Club will stage a 1400m barrier trial for Northerly tomorrow.

The trial field will include Northerly's stablemate Heavy Nova, as well as the Lindsey Smith-trained pair Conspirator and Narcissism. It will be run at 3.50pm.

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

FIELDS Of Omagh may head overseas to dodge a clash with WA champion Northerly in the $1.25 million Australian Cup (1800m) on March 10.

The rival camps had earmarked the cup as the prime target of this campaign.

Trainer Fred Kersley has confirmed that his superstar would resume in the $302,000 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, a race also earmarked for Fields Of Omagh.

The pair will also clash at Caulfield in the $201,000 St George Stakes (1800m) on February 22.

But Fields Of Omagh's trainer, Tony McEvoy, is reconsidering a cup start in favour of accepting an invitation - with the Gai Waterhouse-trained Manner Hill - for the international $1 million Singapore Classic (1800m) at Kranji racetrack on March 7.

The classic is seen as a possible dress rehearsal to the $3.1 million Singapore Airline International Cup (2000m) on May 17.

McEvoy is keen to spread his wings overseas. The powerhouse stable flew Northerly's half-brother North Boy to Singapore last May and won the Krisflyer (1200m).

Greg Childs rode North Boy in the Group 3 win and he is back on board Fields Of Omagh in Saturday's Orr Stakes.

McEvoy's racing manager, Mark Pilkington, said the Rubiton five-year-old might follow in North Boy's footsteps.

"It is a very live option," Pilkington said. "If he was to run in Singapore, he would also avoid a clash with Northerly in the Australian Cup.

"The Singapore International is something we are serious about and it would be a good opportunity to test the waters."

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

NORTHERLY'S stunning barrier trial at Ascot on Saturday lifted the veil of seriousness - if only for a few seconds - from trainer Fred Kersley.

The champion galloper's stunning win dispelled any lingering doubts over the gelding's fitness. He cruised to a 2¼-length win in 1min. 23.71sec., with pacemaker Narcissism ensuring a fast first 800m by sizzling out in a slick 48.17sec.

Kersley had been a sombre man recently but after the trial he even found time for a moment of light-heartedness.

Jockey Stephen Miller, also in a jovial mood after unsaddling WA's pin-up idol, had a quick shot at Kersley over his superstar, saying: "He is a different horse from the first time I rode him."

Kersley quipped to nearby media: "It's a funny thing, Stephen has never ridden a winner for me, so I thought I'd give him a chance to do it on Northerly.

"The first day he rode him in a race he did say to me, 'I am available to ride him in a Perth Cup, if ever it should happen'.

"It hasn't happened but at least he has now won on him."

Miller's sole ride on Northerly was at his debut when he ran third to Old Habits in a Class Six 1500m handicap at Ascot on March 29, 2000.

Kersley, who finds media interviews much harder than training winners, confirmed that Northerly's trial performance was impressive enough to ensure a run in Saturday's C F Orr Stakes.

"His time was very good and he did it well," Kersley said. "He surprised us a little on being so forward in his preparation because he didn't indicate that in his training.

"Before the trial I was reluctant to go into the Orr Stakes because I thought he wasn't forward enough. But by the way he went today, he is not far away."

Northerly put all other performances in the shade last spring with his amazing winning spree that included successive wins in the Cox Plate and his first Caulfield Cup.

Kersley's prime Melbourne target this campaign is the $1.25 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10.

[Paddy]

Another update courtesy The West Australian website:

CHAMPION Northerly arrived to a hot reception in Melbourne yesterday afternoon.

Trainer Fred Kersley said the temperatures were in the high-30's, but Australia's richest racehorse had taken the trip and the heat in his stride.

"He knows the routine now," Kersley said. "The heat won't worry him."

"The three-hour time difference is the biggest thing to beat."

"His feeding and work routine are all thrown out of their timing."

[Chrome Prince]

"The three-hour time difference is the biggest thing to beat."

"His feeding and work routine are all thrown out of their timing."


Then why change it Fred, just to accomodate trackwork jockeys?
I'm sure you'd find most jockeys would jump at the chance just to ride Northerly in trackwork no matter what time of day it was.

Most people don't realise that the only reason horses are worked at around 4am in the morning, is because of trainer and jockey raceday committments.

I often make it a habit when travelling different timezones NOT to adjust my watch.
Why get jetlag unless it's absolutely necessary.

[Sandgroper]

Nice run by Northerly today, was not disgraced.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-02-09 02:38 ]</font>

[Paddy]

Couldn’t agree with you more Perth Placegetter.

Read somewhere that Northerly pleased connections with his run into 4th place and they admitted they had not expected him to win.


I thought it was a top run, conceding his rivals a substantial start in the middle stages but finishing on strongly to wind up only 1.5 lengths from the winner.

Looking forward to the return clash with Fields Of Omagh in the St George Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield in a fortnight and then in the $1.25 million Australian Cup 2000m at Flemington on March 10.

[Paddy]

Courtesy The West Australian website:


Trainer Fred Kersley has stepped up champion galloper Northerly's trackwork and the horse should be close to his best for tomorrow week's $200,000 St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.

The $7.8 million stakes earner ran an impressive first-up fourth for jockey Patrick Payne in last Saturday's $300,000 weight-for-age C F Orr Stakes (1400m), won by Yell.

"Northerly is now doing quite a lot of work," Kersley said yesterday. "He's had a solid gallop this week and will do another relatively hard work-out on Saturday morning.

"The horse has now settled back into Melbourne's environment. He is doing well and everything is going ahead on target.

"There is no need for gear changes and Patrick Payne will continue to ride him."

Northerly is expected to hit peak form in the $1.25 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10.

He is scheduled to have his first Sydney race, in the $400,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 29. His main Sydney mission is the $2 million BMW (2400m), at Randwick on April 12. Northerly is also likely to be entered for the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on May 3.

South-East Asian racing officials have asked Kersley to take Northerly to Singapore for the $3 million International Cup (2000m) on May 17.

[Sandgroper]

Reported in the press over here that Northerly worked in brilliant fashion last Saturday morning. With Patrick Payne on top, apparently he sprinted the final 400m in particularly good time.

Northerly will contest Saturday's $200,000 weight-for-age St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.

He is nominal favourite for the $1.25 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10.

Northerly will have his first Sydney start in the $400,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) on March 29 and then the $2 million BMW (2400m) two weeks later.

He is also expected to run in the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on May 3.

Connections still to decide whether to take Northerly to Singapore for the $3 million Airline International Cup (2000m), in mid May.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-02-17 17:39 ]</font>

[Rogan Josh]

Only three nominations for the Group 2 St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday. :eek:


Northerly, Fields Of Omagh and Don Eduardo were the only entries for the race which carries $200,000 prize money.

Nominations have been extended.

Melbourne Racing Club racing manager John Faulkner said despite the small entry, the St George would be run on Saturday.