The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable might not possess the overwhelming force of larger stables heading into the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
However, Waterhouse remains optimistic, noting, “you only need one to fire” to achieve success.
Sir Delius is the likely sole runner from the Waterhouse and Bott stable in the Group 1 2000m race on Saturday, despite Vauban being among the nominations.
This is in contrast to Chris Waller’s extensive entry list of eight horses out of 21, and Ciaron Maher’s six nominations.
With Craig Williams in the jockey’s seat, Sir Delius completed a 1000m gallop on the Flemington course proper on Tuesday, accelerating over the final 400 metres.
Waterhouse explained her decision to adjust the horse’s training, favouring short, sharp sessions.
“He seemed to really enjoy it,” Waterhouse conveyed.
“His muscle tone has improved so much from his first-up run.”
His initial run back was a fourth-place finish behind Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12, his first race since April.
Sir Delius was unable to match the pace when turning for home first-up but fought on gamely in the closing stages.
Waterhouse believes the extended distance will be ideal for Sir Delius on Saturday, though she acknowledges further improvement is needed before his main objective, the Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington on October 24.
“That’s his D-day, but he’s a very fit horse and in the right mindset going into Saturday,” Waterhouse stated.
“He’s had more gallops, more time down here.
“I’ve got him walking more, all the little things that will help him on D-day and hopefully it’s a stepping stone, the Turnbull.
“I think I’ve got him spot on. Adrian has done a fantastic job to send him down to me down here and I love having these sorts of horses down here at Flemington.”
Vauban also worked at Flemington on Tuesday, covering 1400 metres.
Waterhouse is contemplating whether Vauban will race on Saturday or be reserved for later in the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
“He did the old, more mature type of work,” Waterhouse remarked.
“He did pacework over seven furlongs (1400m). He really enjoyed it. Stretched his legs, had a look around.
“Is he ready, I’m not sure. I’ll have to have a think about it and decide whether to run on Saturday in the Turnbull or we wait for later in the Carnival.”
Sir Delius appears well-prepared for the Turnbull Stakes. Check out the latest racing betting markets.