Northerly Holds Off Magical Miss in Underwood

Northerly held off a determined challenge from Magical Miss to win the Group I Emirates Racing Association Underwood Stakes at Austrailia's Caulfield by a head Sunday.

Northerly, who won the Australian Group I Cox Plate last year, became the first horse in 40 years to win back-to-back editions of the Underwood.

The Fred Kersley-trained Northerly was ridden by Greg Childs, who had to work hard to keep the 6-year-old gelding by Serheed in front at the wire. Northerly won his 10th graded stakes and 14th race overall.

Heavily-favored in the field of 13, Magical Miss nearly wore down the winner, but came up a little short. Don Eduardo was four lengths behind in third.

Time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:48.98.

Also on the Caulfield card Sunday, Pernod bettered Bell Esprit by 3/4-length in the Group I Dubai Racing Club Cup at seven furlongs. Royal Code was a neck behind in third.