Sir Delius is set to be aimed once again at the Group 1 Cox Plate, despite missing last year’s edition where he had been installed as the pre-post favourite.
The recent Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner was sidelined from both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in 2025 after Racing Victoria stewards ordered he be stood down. Independent veterinary scans at the time indicated the gelding was at a “heightened risk” of injury.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott confirmed the prestigious weight-for-age feature remains firmly on the radar, with this year’s race to be staged at Flemington.
“Yeah, I think well and truly (that’s the race he will be set for),” Bott said on The Verdict podcast.
“The track there will be suitable for him.
“I think a high-pressure 2000m is right in his sweet spot.”
Racing.com reports that the Tulloch Lodge stable will need to provide Racing Victoria with a veterinary clearance should they intend to campaign Sir Delius in Melbourne during the spring.
While another attempt at the Melbourne Cup has not been ruled out, Bott indicated the team may adopt a different preparation to keep the horse sharper at shorter distances.
“We did wonder at various stages if we had made him too dour, going into the preparation?” Bott said.
“The key will be to see whether we can have him a little bit more effective earlier in the prep at those sharper races and targets.
“And off the back of the Cox Plate, it may open up a few more options as to what we have a look at.”
