Rosehill barrier trials: Golden Slipper contenders North England and Pallaton impress as Bel Merci drifts in betting

Some of the state’s best two-year-olds were in action at Monday’s star-studded barrier trials at Rosehill Gardens.

North England laid down a Golden Slipper marker at Rosehill Gardens trials. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Golden Gift winner North England gave a Golden Slipper reminder, unbeaten colt Pallaton was strong through the line while brilliant filly Bel Merci drifted in betting Australia’s richest two-year-old event following Rosehill Gardens trials on Monday.

The standout two-year-olds were among a host of autumn contenders to put to the test at a star-studded morning of heats in Sydney.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained North England was a clear standout on the morning, leading and winning impressively in a 900m heat that featured several of his likely Slipper rivals.

Last seen winning the Group 3 Golden Gift, North England coasted went through his gears under the urging of Tim Clark and clock 52.96sec for the gallop with a slick last 600m of 32.22sec.

• Mitch Cohen’s Blackbook: Five horses to follow from Rosehill

Gimcrack Stakes victor Bel Merci laid in down the straight but held on for second, 3½ lengths off the winner and narrowly ahead of unbeaten colt Pallaton as he hit the line well.

Pallaton’s trainer Michael Freedman was more than satisfied with his colt’s effort.

“He was good,” Freedman said.

“It was nice to get him away from Randwick and give him a look around Rosehill.

“Prior to his first start, he had down everything at Randwick so he just had a cruisy morning there.

“He had a look around when they straightened in a new environment but I liked the way he quickened in a fast run trial.”

North England rips away! The 2YO son of FARNAN was in flying form in his Rosehill trial today and is primed and ready for his tilt in the Inglis Millennium this weekend after last being seen winning the $1 million Golden Gift.#KiaOraStallions#FastLikeFarnanpic.twitter.com/jmBfWIN69o

— Kia Ora Stud (@kiaorastud) February 3, 2025

Freedman said he will see how Pallaton pulls up but is leaning towards heading to Saturday week’s Pierro Plate (1100m) at Royal Randwick

Pallaton remains an $11 equal second elect for the Golden Slipper.

The market reacted to North England’s performance with the colt shortening from $26 into $17 for next month’s Golden Slipper while Bel Merci was $11 out to $15.

Last year’s Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot was narrowly edged out by highly-promising unbeaten filly Dance To The Boom in an earlier 900m trial, running 55.17sec.

• Up to 10 race clubs caught up in North Queensland floods

Dance To The Boom beats Lady Of Camelot by a nose in Trial 3 at Rosehill!@BBakerRacingpic.twitter.com/bfG305iSte

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 2, 2025

Champions Sprint winner Sunshine In Paris wasn’t asked to do much and cruised along to finish 3½ lengths off Dance To The Boom.

Joliestar was kept under a tight grip by jockey James McDonald while making up a stack of ground from the tale of the field, finishing half a length off Royal Patronage and Lindermann in a 900m heat.

Star stablemate Amelia’s Jewel coasted to fifth her first public appearance this campaign.

Originally published as Rosehill barrier trials: Golden Slipper contenders North England and Pallaton impress as Bel Merci drifts in betting