Hi all,

Any news on if Northerly trialled today?
And how he went?

Down to race in last heat (900M) at Lark Hill today. Not sure what time that heat starts or if Northerly is a definite starter.

thanks Paddy,

Word was that he would only run if it was dry.
I've checked the radar in Perth and it's clear so hopefully he runs and goes well.

[quote]
On 2004-08-23 14:55, Northerly wrote:
Word was that he would only run if it was dry.

The track was slow - Northerly beaten about four lens in fifth position.

thanks LaMer

Track dead.

Heat: 7 900 Metres 3YO & OVER CL5-OPN Time 00:55:75
1st Conspirator William Pike Lindsey Smith 0 L
2nd Le Tru Noir Darrel Grenfell Glenn Salisbury 1/2 L
3rd Can You Dig It Eirwan Khalid David Harrison 1 1/2 L
4th Mulga King Leong Tai* Lindsey Smith 3 1/4 L
5th Northerly Patrick Carbery Fred Kersley 4 L
6th Who Did It Raquel Mills Michael Williams 4 1/2 L
7th Mogul T. Ikenushi Lindsey Smith 6 L
8th Moon Talk Alana Sansom Vernon Brockman 8 L
9th Eridamus Paul King Michael Pateman 8 1/2 L
10th Poliwhirl Stephen Miller Sharon Miller 9 1/2 L


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2004-08-23 18:26 ]

Dual Cox Plate winner Northerly has passed his latest test in a barrier trial at Lark Hill near Perth as he continues his remarkable comeback from a tendon injury.

The eight-year-old wasn't asked to do too much on Monday morning's rain-affected track, running fifth but pleasing connections with his effort.

"It was a 900 metre trial and he was never going to be that competitive, especially on the wet track," said managing owner Judith Kersley, wife of trainer Fred Kersley.

"He was on the outside and was kept wide, then worked home nicely."

Kersley said Northerly would be nominated for Saturday's Farnley Stakes (1400m) at Belmont but was no certainty to take his place in the field.

"We'll just have to weigh things up over the next few days," she said.

"He seemed to come through the trial okay but the next couple of days will tell.

"He'll be nominated but we won't make the decision until we have to. We'll be guided by the horse."

If he doesn't start in the Farnley which has a maximum topweight of 60kg, it is more than likely Northerly would make his return in Melbourne.

"The trouble is that after the Farnley there are not a lot of options for him in Perth and we'd have to think about going east," Kersley said.

Can anyone please explain to me why these people who claim to care so much about this horses well being have him on the comeback trail at 8 years of age??What are they trying to prove??The horse has nothing to prove,he's already done it all,and made them quite well off in the process.Can anyone in their right mind,even the most ardent Northerly supporters,see him beating Starcraft home in the Cox Plate??And what if he does race again and breaks down badly and has to be put down?I make no apologies,I can only see this as cruel and callous,and motivated by greed.This beautiful magnificent animal should be in a lush paddock with his feet up enjoying the life of Reilly.IMO he is more than entitled to it.
The Kersleys keep saying they will be guided by the horse.I only wish he could talk!

Couldnt agree more Purple Heart.
Nothing worse than seeing a champion chasing tail. Even though I know Fred does love his horse, I can really only seeing this whole thing ending badly. I just hope im wrong.

I reckon he can win if he comes back anywhere near his best.