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.

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