Imported star Sir Delius has vaulted to the top of Melbourne Cup betting after dismantling a high-class field in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
Long regarded as a spring bellwether, the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) again shaped the narrative, with Sir Delius tightening for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4 and sitting just behind Via Sistina for favouritism in the Cox Plate (2040m) on October 25.
Despite a wide alley and traffic, Craig Williams produced a cool steer as Sir Delius ($7) surged late to put 1-¾ lengths on Antino ($9.50), with the $2.60 elect Via Sistina a long neck away in third.
The pair are set to meet again in the Cox Plate, a race Via Sistina won by a stunning eight lengths last year. At that time, Sir Delius was still abroad, having contested the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Bought for $2.7 million by clients of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Sir Delius—by Frankel—was imported with twin targets in mind: the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cups. He has now won three of four Australian starts, including two 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 hailed Williams’ tactical nous from the awkward gate.
“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 ride reflected the stable’s faith 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 to the two miles, Williams is keen to roll the dice with 55.5kg.
“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.
