Fred Kersley did say that he was disapointed with Northerly's form in the Autumn and he was making hard work of it. He has decided to keep him a bit fresher this time which may see him, in the earlier stages of his campaign, struggle to run races out. However, I think by the time he clashes with the better horses like Sunline he will have that toughness back. Also, they are experimenting with the removal of blinkers and this may or may not have an effect.
I still expect him to run a great race today and he will continue to improve on what he does.