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Bott confirms Melbourne Cup the main aim for talented import Sir Delius
Connor Scanlon •  August 9th, 2025 1:00 pm
Adrian Bott has indicated that Melbourne Cup fancy Sir Delius is tracking nicely as the imported stayer continues his preparation for the spring carnival.
The four-year-old UK import impressed in his Australian debut in May, winning the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben over 2000m on a Heavy 8 track.
Despite carrying the top weight of 60kg, Sir Delius powered home to claim victory by 1.3 lengths, instantly announcing himself as a genuine Melbourne Cup contender.
Sir Delius completed his second trial at Warwick Farm on Friday over 1200m, after a strong 1000m trial two weeks ago.
Speaking on SENTrack’s Giddy Up with Miles Pfitzner prior to Friday's trial, Bott claimed that more would be asked of the stayer this time around.
“We’ll see a bit more from him today,” Bott said.
“He had a nice, quiet trial there a couple of weeks back, so still obviously early days in his preparation.
“But beginning a nice build up, really pleased with where he’s at.
“We’ll ask a bit more of an effort from him today.”
Sir Delius ended up finishing third in the trial by 0.38 lengths.
Bott then revealed the son of Frankel will trial once more before making his second Australian showing.
“We’ll probably send him to the trials once more before he steps out,” said Bott.
When asked about a potential spring plan for Sir Delius, Bott revealed the team has somewhat of an agenda in mind.
“There’s sort of a bit of a loose campaign for him at this stage,” admitted Bott.
“Most likely to kick off in the Chelmsford Stakes for us, up here in Sydney.
“Then off the back of that, most likely to head down to Melbourne – do the rest of his campaign.
“Obviously, with the main target at aim being the Melbourne Cup for him.”
With his early Australian form and steady build-up, Sir Delius looms as one of the most intriguing stayers to watch this spring.
Gai Waterhouse’s co-trainer also pointed out Agarwood as one to watch in the upcoming carnival.
The three-year-old Wootton Bassett filly is two wins from two starts and destined for many more victories.
“I’ll be interested to see how Agarwood takes her next step,” admitted Bott.
“She trials on Monday. She’s won both times she’s stepped out, I think she’s a nice progressive horse.
“She’s gotta take that step from winter form through to the next sort of grade over the carnival.
“I feel there’s some nice upside there.”
While Bott may be keen on Sir Delius winning Australia’s most prestigious race, don’t be shocked to see Agarwood make a name for herself as well this spring.
