The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained North England ($3.30) has justified favouritism with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 3 Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, proving the best of the two-year-olds in the $1 million feature.
The son of Farnan made a strong impression running into the minor money on debut in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) at Randwick on October 5, and Tim Clark was happy to adopt similar tactics stepping up to the 1100m, attempting to make every post a winner.
He was revved up out of barrier three to cross to the rail, leading out at a moderate tempo, with O’ Ole ($8.00) sauntering to his outside throughout the journey.
Icarian Dream ($5.00) and Tupakara ($4.20) lobbed into the ideal stalking position; however, both appeared to be their own worst enemy getting into a bumping duel as the pair turned for home.
The debutants West Of Swindon (9.50) and Extractor ($12.00) were storming home after being well-backed with Neds prior to the jump but they were simply no match for North England who was already off and gone with the prize.
2024 Golden Gift Replay – North England
Stable representative Neil Payne was on course at Rosehill to discuss the victory.
“Terrific win,” Payne said.
“What a good win. Tim, he is brilliant on our two-year-olds. He jumped out, he didn’t drive it mad, he just cruised up to the lead, kept a hold of it and the horse kept giving.
“But going on what the horse did in the Breeders Plate and then went to a trial at Hawkesbury, and trialled sensationally.
“It was a really good move by Gai and Adrian just to give him a few days off and then target him for this race. It was a $1 million race as well.”
Tim Clark was delighted with the win and suggested more black-type could be on the cards in the autumn after being tipped out for a spell.
“He’s been very straight forward and a horse that has just put his hand up early,” he said.
“Obviously he got to the Breeders Plate and ran really well. He couldn’t have done much more there apart from win. Obviously Henry (Field) and the team identified this race and it’s a short turnaround.”
“He had a little bit of time out and then had to come back in, so it’s a really long prep for them but he’s handled it really well. And I think that attribute is very much like his old man, Farnan, who I had a lot to do with.
“He’s very laid-back and he’s just got the best attitude. Henry (Field) has been a great supporter of mine so it’s good to get a big win for him.
“Obviously the great thing about today, and winning today, is he’s in the race so they can pick their mark with him.
“He can have a good break now and just come back and have one race in mind for him. And he doesn’t have to improve a lot to be right up there with the best of them in six months time.”
North England is now a $18.00 chance in futures markets with Marantelli Bet for the 2025 Golden Slipper on March 22.
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