Trainer Gai Waterhouse says her excitement levels are high as she looks forward to the major spring races with Sir Delius.
The imported galloper is on a path to Group 1 Cox Plate and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup after his fighting victory in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Seemingly beaten turning for home, Sir Delius, who was sent out the $2.10 favourite under Craig Williams, rallied late to claim Buckaroo ($4.80) to score by a long neck with Golden Path ($21) a nose away third.
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It was the third win in four years in the Underwood Stakes for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable after Alligator Blood back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024, while Sir Delius denied last year’s victor Buckaroo who circled the field on the hometurn before being run down.
Waterhouse, who is no stranger to winning big races, said she could not describe how excited she was with the victory of Sir Delius who was purchased with the Melbourne Cup in mind.
“It’s the most exciting thing I’ve seen in years,” Waterhouse said.
“He was not in a good a position throughout the race.
“He was trying, trying (to get a position) and when he came around the home straight, he wasn’t any good thing, but then all of a sudden he saw the winning post, and he took off.
“He was just fabulous.”
Waterhouse said it was Bott’s decision to send Sir Delius to Melbourne for the Underwood Stakes after his narrow second in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 6.
She said Sir Delius would head to the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield on October 11 ahead of the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25 with the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4 to follow.
Waterhouse said she brought her 2013 Cup winner Fiorente to Melbourne for his entire campaign which was a part of the planning with Sir Delius.
She said both Sir Delius and Fiorente were similar types.
“They are both very similar, both are very handsome horses,” Waterhouse said.
“They have fabulous attitudes, like a will to win. They’re a pleasure to ride, they’re big striding horses and just know where the winning post is.”
Williams was taken with Sir Delius’ tenacity and will to win after Buckaroo had gone past.
“He’s just such a weapon and when Blake came past me (on Buckaroo) I thought ‘oh no’, but I just kept urging him,” Williams said.
“I have always said he reminds me of Dunaden. He’s got that great tenacity and great will to win.
“He laid back his ears and we got the win today.”
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