The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable may not have the fire power of the bigger stables in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
But Waterhouse said ‘you only need one to fire’ toĀ hit theĀ mark.
The Waterhouse and Bott stable are likely to rely solely on Sir Delius in the Group 1 contest at 2000m on Saturday although stablemate Vauban is among the nominations.
ThatĀ is in contrast toĀ Chris Waller who has eight of the 21 entriesĀ forĀ the raceĀ withĀ Ciaron MaherĀ havingĀ sixĀ entries.
With Craig Williams in the saddle, Sir Delius galloped over 1000mĀ on the course properĀ at FlemingtonĀ on Tuesday morning, speeding up over the final 400m.
Waterhouse said sheĀ electedĀ to change up theĀ entire’sĀ work, keeping it short and sharp.
“HeĀ seemed to really enjoy it,” Waterhouse said.
“His muscle tone has improved so much from his first-up run.”
That first-up run wasĀ whenĀ finishing fourth to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12, Sir Delius’ first run since April.
Sir Delius was left flat-footed turning for home first-upĀ but stuck on over the final stages.
Waterhouse said the rise in trip would be ideal on Saturday, although there was room for improvement ahead of ‘D-day’,Ā the Cox Plate (2000m) at FlemingtonĀ onĀ October 24.
“That’s his D-day, but he’s a very fit horse and in the right mindset going into Saturday,” Waterhouse said.
“He’sĀ had more gallops, more time down here.
“I’veĀ got him walking more, all theĀ little thingsĀ that will help him on D-day and hopefullyĀ it’sĀ a stepping stone, the Turnbull.
“I thinkĀ I’veĀ got him spot on. Adrian has done a fantastic job to send him down to me down here and I love having these sorts of horses down here at Flemington.”
Vauban also worked at Flemington on Tuesday, going over 1400m.
Waterhouse said she would have a ‘think’ as to whether Vauban runs on Saturday or is held back for later in the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
“He did the old, more mature type of work,” Waterhouse said.
“He did pacework over seven furlongs (1400m).Ā He really enjoyed it. Stretched his legs, had a look around.
“Is he ready,Ā I’mĀ not sure.Ā I’llĀ have to have a think about it and decide whether to run on Saturday in the Turnbull or we wait for later in the Carnival.”
