Trainer Adrian Bott is leaving nothing to chance with North England after the colt’s unexpected setback two weeks ago, but he is confident the rising star will take his place at Randwick this Saturday.

Bott, alongside co-trainer Gai Waterhouse, is steering North England’s Golden Slipper preparation towards the $300,000 Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m).

The promising two-year-old was originally set to resume in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) on February 22 but was withdrawn due to an unsatisfactory blood test. Since then, Bott has been pleased with his recovery.

“All the indicators show he’s in great shape and right on track,” Bott said.

“If everything continues smoothly, he’ll line up in the Todman.”

The Todman Stakes serves as a premier Golden Slipper lead-up event, run alongside the fillies-only Reisling Stakes. Waterhouse has used this race day as a stepping stone for half of her eight Golden Slipper winners, including Farnan—North England’s sire.

To ensure his fitness, North England was given an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday, maintaining his race readiness.

His last competitive start was a victory in the $1 million Golden Gift on November 9, following a third-place finish in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate. Bott believes that strong foundation offsets the missed Silver Slipper run.

“He hasn’t lost much ground—we just skipped an 1100-metre race first-up, which was important for structuring his campaign,” Bott said.

“Now he’ll step up to 1200m off a longer break, but he’s fit and should improve further from this run.”

Already qualified for the Golden Slipper, North England’s campaign has been meticulously designed to peak on the big day.

With key contenders Wodeton and Beiwacht among his Todman Stakes rivals and Tempted heading the Reisling Stakes market, Saturday’s results are expected to have a major impact on Golden Slipper betting.