North England’s return to racing has taken a small detour after a disappointing trial, but the Group-winning colt is now primed for a spring reappearance in the Run To The Rose.

Originally aimed at the San Domenico Stakes (1000m), the colt was withdrawn from that target when he failed to impress in a Canterbury hit-out on August 18. Finishing tamely behind Briasa, Bott and Gai Waterhouse opted to regroup. “He struggled a bit in that trial,” Bott said. “It might have been the heavy track and the conditions that didn’t have him entirely comfortable. It was a bit below par and we needed to see a bit more before we pushed on.”

A subsequent trial brought the desired improvement, North England finishing second to top sprinter Private Harry, convincing the stable to resume him over 1200m this Saturday. “He came back and trialled nicely the other day so we’ll most likely see him link back into the program we had for him,” Bott confirmed. “I thought that was a good trial. He seemed right back on track.”

North England was one of the leading early markets for the Golden Slipper following his victory in the Golden Gift. Though illness ruled him out of the Silver Slipper, he still performed admirably for sixth in the feature before posting a Group 3 win at season’s end.

Saturday’s assignment is a recognised stepping stone toward the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m), with the 20 nominations featuring some of the most exciting colts in training, including Nepotism, Wodeton, Raging Force and Skyhook.