The return of apprentice Baylee Nothdurft to ride Deladies Boy saw the gelding go from running last at his previous start to winning at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Deladies Boy ($17) sat outside the leader before coming away to beat Slow Hands ($5) by 1-1/2 lengths with the same margin to In Your Element ($81) third in the Magic Millions Insurance Handicap (1800m).
At his previous start at Eagle Farm, Deladies Boy was last throughout and eventually finished nine lengths behind Ziemba in a State of Origin heat.
Trainer Tony Gollan said he felt the key to the turnaround was the return of Nothdurft from suspension to ride Deladies Boy.
“He really is a strange horse and he has done this before. When I got him from Sydney I trialled him and he was beaten about 100 metres,” Gollan said.
“I asked his owners Triple Crown what they had sent me. But they said not to worry too much because he can do that on occasions.”
“Baylee gets on really well with him and he seems to like Baylee and tries for him. Baylee kids to him and gets him going.
“When Deladies Boy puts his best hoof forward he can be a more than handy horse.”
Nothdurft is currently second on the senior riders premiership after missing two weeks through suspension.
“I’ve got my weight down to 54kg and I am determined to keep to there,” he said.
