Iron horse Numerian to launch farewell tour to racing in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes

Proven top liner Numerian will tackle Saturday’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes as he begins the farewell tour to his stellar racing career.

Proven top liner Numerian is set to contest Saturday’s $1.5 million Northerly Stakes in Perth, and there’s a chance it could be one of the veteran galloper’s last racetrack appearances.

A nine-year-old gelding, Numerian has been one of the flagship performers for Annabel Neasham, who now trains in partnership with her former racing manager Rob Archibald.

Since arriving in Australia in 2021, Numerian has started on 25 occasions, earning more than $2.7 million.

His most notable wins have come at Group 2 level in the Q22 in 2022, the Ted Van Heemst in 2023 and this year’s Hollindale Stakes. He’s also finished second twice at Group 1 level in the Australian Cup and Doomben Cup last year.

“He’s done an amazing job for the stable since he arrived here,” Archibald said.

“He won Group 2s and placed in Group 1 races and he’s run in a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup.

“Retirement was discussed before we commenced this preparation so at any stage if we are worried about him then we’ll pull up.

“This Perth preparation is probably his swan song.

“If he keeps impressing, he’ll race right through the Perth carnival, if not we’ll pull up and bring him home.”

Last year Neasham saddled up Zaaki in the Northerly Stakes and it proved to be his last start, finishing second to Dom To Shoot.

Saturday’s 1800m Group 1 is the first of three possible Ascot starts over the coming weeks for Numerian.

The son of Holy Roman Emperor last raced in the Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) in October when beaten 2-1/4 lengths by Group 1 winner Lindermann. Last week he won a 1200m barrier trial at Belmont in preparation for Saturday’s weight-for-age assignment.

'Magic Man found a way!' 🐇🎩

Lindermann gets the split under @cavaleiro83 and chases down Spirit Ridge to take the Group 3 Craven Plate at Randwick for @cwallerracing. pic.twitter.com/Z26JpMdphg

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 26, 2024

“I thought his first-up run wasn’t too bad and then we backed off him with a view to going back to Perth to welcome in the New Year,” Archibald said.

“He won the Hollindale fresh last prep over 1800m but that was on a heavy track but in saying that he campaigned well in Perth last year and that is a massive part in why we’ve again targeted this carnival for him.

“He is a nine-year-old so we’re not going to push too hard with him and if he turns up at the races you can be sure we’re happy with him.”

Numerian will be partnered by top local rider Clinton Johnston-Porter who was aboard the gelding when he won last year’s Ted Van Heemst which was the catalyst to the jockey’s Group 1 success two weeks ago aboard the Neasham and Archibald trained Port Lockroy in the Railway Stakes.

Numerian getting his biggest Australian payday in the Q22 back in 2022. Photo: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography.

Numerian is listed as an $18 chance in the Northerly Stakes which appears to be generous for a horse with his weight-for-age record and a proven 1800m fresh performer.

“He’s pleasing us going into the run, there’s no excuses on our end,” Archibald said.

“He’s freshened up well, travelled over and his trial was really good.

“The 1800m should suit, we’re hopeful of a decent run from barrier 9 and while he’ll improve off the outing, we’re expecting a solid performance knowing he’ll come out of the run an improved horse.

“We’re hoping class might prevail.”

After Saturday, Numerian’s upcoming Perth runs are programmed to be in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst (2100m) on December 21 and the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) New Year’s Day.

Originally published as Iron horse Numerian to launch farewell tour to racing in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes