Old North is one of a trio of three-year-old colts to have earned much acclaim for Godolphin in Australia this Autumn, and there could be another celebration in store when he steps out in the G3 Frank Packer Plate at Randwick on Saturday, April 16.
Old North is one of a trio of three-year-old colts to have earned much acclaim for Godolphin in Australia this Autumn, and there could be another celebration in store when he steps out in the G3 Frank Packer Plate at Randwick on Saturday, April 16.
Along with the G1 Canterbury Stakes winner Holler and the dual stakes winner and Derby placegetter Tally, Old North (John O'Shea/James McDonald) has indicated he will be a prime candidate for major races next spring.
"Those three colts have given us all a lot of satisfaction this Autumn. They've stepped up and put themselves among the best of their age and we can look forward to them making their presence felt in open company next season," said trainer John O'Shea.
As well as his G1 win, Holler finished a close second in the G1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley and also won the G2 Australia Stakes at the same track.
Tally won four races in succession this preparation, including two at G2 level, before finishing third in the G1 Australian Derby, while Old North progressed from a maiden win in January to a commanding victory in the G2 Tulloch Stakes last month.
O'Shea then decided to miss the G1 Australian Derby with Old North and restrict him to the 2000m of Saturday's race.
"We weren't sure that the Derby trip would be the best for him at this stage and his work this week suggests that was the correct decision. He's improved again since his last run, he's been doing all the little things right," the trainer said.
Old North will be joined in the Packer Plate by stablemate Asinara (John O'Shea/Tim Clark) who is on her way to next month's G1 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide.
O'Shea believes Asinara has the ability to figure in the finish on Saturday.
"She ran an even race against G1 fillies in the Vinery Stud Stakes a couple of weeks ago and she gets a couple of kilos from the colts under the conditions here, so I won't be surprised if she runs well," he said.
