Anthony Cummings is renowned for his judgment of yearlings but even he struggled to see beyond the pedigree page when it came to Delagos.
The two-year-old, who will make his debut in Saturday’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Plate (1200m) at Canterbury, is a lucrative stallion prospect.
He is by Encosta De Lago and his dam, Sarasota, is a full sister to sire of the moment Fastnet Rock.
The colt sold for $250,000 at the Magic Millions sale and while his breeding spoke for itself, Cummings said it wasn’t his only appeal.
“Obviously the pedigree was the major attraction,” Cummings said.
“He wasn’t a huge horse but quite athletic and I just figured there was a good chance he would live up to some of the best (horses) in his pedigree.
“There were enough reasonable signs to say that was going to happen.”
Cummings will find out more on Saturday when Delagos takes on a field which includes the Chris Waller-trained Jade Marauder, a half sister to Silent Witness.
Delagos has had one barrier trial finishing third to Fundido and will have Peter Robl aboard.
“Nice horse. I was happy with his trial the other day,” Cummings said.
“He shows a fair bit of promise.
“Especially with his breeding, he’s more likely to be a three-year-old but he’s showing us enough right now to make it worthwhile to have a throw at the stumps.”
Robl will also partner new recruit Single Warrior for Cummings in the Horsepower Feeds Handicap (1250m).
Formerly prepared by Tony Noonan, the four-year-old has done all his racing in Perth where he posted three wins.
His owners wanted to test the waters in Sydney so sent him to Cummings.
“He was a nice horse there so the owner was quite keen to see if he could measure up in Sydney or not,” Cummings said.
“He’s a nice big, strong horse and he’s been working well.
“I think he will run a nice race.”
Single Warrior’s best distance is around 1600 metres but he has been placed first-up and Cummings has given him two trials in readiness for Saturday.
Cummings’ other runners at Canterbury include Chula Vista, who is in foal, and the recently gelded Fontelina who will resume in the Ascend Sales Trophies Handicap (1200m).
AAP TURF
