Gai Waterhouse aims for ninth Golden Slipper win

Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse is aiming for her ninth Golden Slipper victory on Saturday at Rosehill. She believes her horses, North England and Bellazaine, are well-prepared for the prestigious race for two-year-olds. Waterhouse, along with co-trainer Adrian Bott, has three horses in the $5 million event. North England is priced at $19, while Bellazaine is at $26. The third horse, Farcited, has odds of $51 after drawing a difficult position in gate 15. North England has shown promise in his earlier races, finishing third in the Breeders Plate and winning the Golden Gift last spring. However, he faced setbacks recently, including poor health before the Silver Slipper and a fifth-place finish in the Todman Stakes. Bellazaine has also caught Waterhouse's attention. She finished closely behind the winner in the Gimcrack Stakes last October. Waterhouse notes that the race has a track record of producing Golden Slipper winners. Waterhouse is confident in her runners. "We have an affinity with the Slipper," she said, citing her family's legacy in the race. She highlighted the strong form of her horses and expressed optimism for the upcoming race. In other news, a colt named West Of Swindon is uncertain for the Slipper after failing a veterinary check due to a foot issue. If he cannot race, another horse, Alabama Magic, will take his place. All other contenders have been declared fit for the event.