Boom import to be saved for Melbourne Cup campaign

High-priced import Sir Delius has been sent to the paddock and will not race again until the spring, with co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott opting to focus on a Melbourne Cup campaign.

The Frankel entire made a big impression on his Australian debut last Saturday, justifying odds-on favouritism in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben despite carrying 60kg.

Originally targeted for the $1.2 million Q22 at Eagle Farm on June 14, Sir Delius will now skip that race after a change of plans from the stable.

Bott confirmed on Tuesday that the promising stayer will be spelled immediately and brought back for a spring campaign aimed at the Melbourne Cup.

Sir Delius topped the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale, fetching A$2.6 million after finishing midfield in the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last October. His Australian debut win showed the kind of turn of foot that quickly elevated him to the second line of Melbourne Cup betting at $15.

To follow Sir Delius through the spring or find futures markets on the Melbourne Cup, visit Australia’s leading betting sites.