Courtesy The West Australian:

Champion galloper Northerly passed a critical soundness test when galloping impressively at Belmont Park yesterday - and then received a veterinary steward's clearance to resume racing.

Trainer Fred Kersley said the $9.3 million stake-earner and Australian horse of the year in 2002-03, looked ready to launch his comeback by starting in less than three weeks.

Northerly, the winner of two Cox Plates, a Caulfield Cup and two Australian Cups, has been out since he injured a near fore tendon in training more than a year ago.

He is entered for the $3 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley again on October 23.

Kersley has named the Farnley Stakes (1400m), which has a maximum topweight of 60kg on August 28, as Northerly's likely comeback race. But he has not ruled out Saturday week's weight-for-age Goodwood Sprint (1300m).

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