Import Sir Delius is on track for the Melbourne Cup, with his exact lead-up path still to be confirmed by trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
The Group 1 placegetter, who shares $11 favouritism with betting sites, recently stepped out in a 1000-metre barrier trial at Warwick Farm as he begins his second Australian preparation.
“It’s very early days and he wasn’t asked to do too much in the trial, but he has come back in fantastic order,” Bott said.
“We may look to start him in the Chelmsford Stakes or a similar race, but there is still plenty of time to lock in a program.”
Sir Delius has only raced once in Australia, scoring a tough win in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben in May before connections spelled him to focus on spring goals.
Bott said the stable is keeping options open but has the Melbourne Cup firmly in mind.
“He had a very good first prep and everything since returning has been positive,” Bott said.
Stablemate Alalcance also trialled in the same heat, beginning a campaign aimed at the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m).
Alalcance showed great promise during the Sydney autumn, winning her first three starts, but Bott admitted she was at the end of her prep when failing as favourite in the Sydney Cup (3200m).
“She will have a couple more trials as she’s never been a flashy worker,” Bott said. “But she’s got improvement to come this campaign.”
Also trialling impressively was unbeaten filly Agarwood, who looks set to be the stable’s headline three-year-old for the early Princess Series races, starting with the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m).
“She’s our standout filly at this stage and has definitely improved since her winter wins,” Bott said.