Imported stayer Sir Delius has rocketed to the top of Melbourne Cup markets after dismantling a quality line-up in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) is widely viewed as a spring bellwether, and Saturday’s result has reshaped the carnival narrative.
Dynamic late, Sir Delius tightened for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4 and now heads that market over Al Riffa, while only Via Sistina separates him from favouritism for the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25.
Despite a wide barrier and traffic, Craig Williams guided Sir Delius ($7) to a 1-¾ length win over Antino ($9.50), with the $2.60 favourite Via Sistina a long neck away in third.
Via Sistina and Sir Delius are set for a rematch in the Cox Plate, which Via Sistina won by a remarkable eight lengths last year.
While Via Sistina was conquering the Valley 12 months ago, Sir Delius was still abroad, fresh from tackling the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp—run again this Sunday night.
Acquired for $2.7 million by clients of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable to target the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cups, the Frankel entire has now won three of four Australian starts, twice at Group 1 level.
“He’s put on condition. He’s relaxed more and whatever he runs in, they’re going to have to beat him,” Waterhouse said.
“He’s a most exciting horse.”
Waterhouse lauded Williams’ decision-making after the tricky draw.
“He had a wide draw, and he (Williams) elected very quickly, which he said to me he might, to come in midfield and then he got caught in a pocket.
“Any lesser jockey would not have got out of, but the waters opened, and he went boom. That was the exciting part, the boom.”
Williams said the victory validated the stable’s confidence in the horse.
“In Group 1 races, you don’t think you can win like that, but we were very confident he could do it,” Williams said.
“We had the outside barrier draw. Gai and Adrian were very good about having an open book without too much pressure about riding him.
“I had to use a few carrots to find a spot, but when the chips are down, this horse is a winner.”
As for stretching out in trip, Williams believes the Melbourne Cup with 55.5kg is an opportunity worth seizing.
“I just said you will never have 55-½ kilos in the Melbourne Cup again,” Williams said.
“I worked him during the week at Flemington, and he walked out and he owned the track.
“He owns everything he does and today you saw that attitude. He puts the writing on the wall when under pressure against these top horses, and he’s delivering.”
If you’re having a flutter on the Turnbull Stakes or looking ahead to the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup, compare the best betting sites, popular betting apps and leading bookmakers before you bet.
