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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 Chairmanâs 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 SENTrackâs Giddy Up with Miles Pfitzner prior to Friday's trial, Bott claimed that more would be asked of the stayer this time around.
âWeâll see a bit more from him today,â Bott said.
âHe had a nice, quiet trial there a couple of weeks back, so still obviously early days in his preparation.
âBut beginning a nice build up, really pleased with where heâs at.
âWeâll ask a bit more of an effort from him today.â
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.
âWeâll probably send him to the trials once more before he steps out,â said Bott.
When asked about a potential spring plan for Sir Delius, Bott revealed the team has somewhat of an agenda in mind.
âThereâs sort of a bit of a loose campaign for him at this stage,â admitted Bott.
âMost likely to kick off in the Chelmsford Stakes for us, up here in Sydney.
âThen off the back of that, most likely to head down to Melbourne â do the rest of his campaign.
âObviously, with the main target at aim being the Melbourne Cup for him.â
With his early Australian form and steady build-up, Sir Delius looms as one of the most intriguing stayers to watch this spring.
Gai Waterhouseâs 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.
âIâll be interested to see how Agarwood takes her next step,â admitted Bott.
âShe trials on Monday. Sheâs won both times sheâs stepped out, I think sheâs a nice progressive horse.
âSheâs gotta take that step from winter form through to the next sort of grade over the carnival.
âI feel thereâs some nice upside there.â
While Bott may be keen on Sir Delius winning Australiaâs most prestigious race, donât be shocked to see Agarwood make a name for herself as well this spring.
