Courtesy Thoroughbred News website:

The champion racehorse Northerly stood up to be counted on today and he did so in most impressive fashion by thrashing the field in the $A1.25m, Group 1, Australian Cup, WFA, 2000m by four lengths.

Northerly (Serheed-North Bell, by Bellwater) was beaten in his last start in the Victoria Gold Cup at Caulfield under a big weight but it was back to weight-for-age conditions at Flemington. Jockey Patrick Payne was taking no prisoners right from the barriers opening. Payne took the six-year-old to the lead and set a tempo that dictated to the field exactly what they would have to do to be better. Don Eduardo (NZ) came alongside as they cruised past the 900m mark and he then tracked Northerly to the entrance to the straight.

Payne quickened and Northerly was just idling waiting to go faster. Don Eduardo was burnt off and then Payne pressed the pedal. With his head held high Northerly showed a wonderful turn of foot and he was two lengths clear, three lengths and then four as the post went past. It was a galloping exhibition that was of the highest order and worthy of the Group 1 win.

The three-year-old Natural Blitz carrying 53.5kg went past Don Eduardo for second by a long head who faltered just 100m from the post after trying hard for the distance and taking the race to the champion. Mr Trickster was fourth, Fields Of Omagh a disappointing fifth and Distinctly Secret sixth. The time was 2.01.47, the last 600 in 34.84.

This remarkable horse was running his 31st race and he has won 19 of them, placed in another seven and taken his prize money to $A8,855,950. Sydney now beckons and the $A400,000, Group 1, Ranvet Stakes, 2000m at Rosehill on March 29th, 2003.

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