After an unexpected setback a fortnight ago, trainer Adrian Bott is taking nothing for granted with North England, but he remains confident the promising colt will take his place at Randwick on Saturday.

Bott, alongside co-trainer Gai Waterhouse, is aiming to get North England’s Golden Slipper campaign back on track in the $300,000 Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m).

The talented youngster was set to resume in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) on February 22 but was scratched due to an unsatisfactory blood test. However, Bott is now pleased with the colt’s condition.

“All his markers and parameters indicate he’s in good shape and tracking well,” Bott said.

“Hopefully, we have a smooth week, and he lines up in the Todman.”

The Todman Stakes, run on the same day as the fillies-only Reisling Stakes, is a key Golden Slipper lead-up race. Waterhouse has used this path for four of her eight Golden Slipper winners, including Farnan—North England’s sire.

To keep the colt on schedule, Bott and Waterhouse took advantage of an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday, ensuring he remains race-fit.

North England has not raced since his victory in the $1 million Golden Gift on November 9, which followed a third-place finish in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate. Bott believes that strong foundation mitigates the impact of his recent setback.

“He didn’t miss any significant work—just the 1100-metre race first-up, which was important for timing,” Bott said.

“Now he’s facing an extended break between runs and stepping up to 1200m, but given his fitness, we expect further improvement after this run.”

With his Golden Slipper spot secured, North England’s entire campaign has been tailored toward peaking on the big day.

Saturday’s meeting is set to reshape the Golden Slipper market, with Wodeton and Beiwacht among North England’s Todman rivals, while Tempted is the early favorite in the Reisling Stakes.