Cox Plate favourite Sir Delius has signalled he is on track for a big spring after an encouraging performance in a Sydney barrier trial on Friday morning.
The former Melbourne Cup hopeful finished second behind Oh Diamond Lil in the opening 1000-metre heat, comfortably accounting for Autumn Glow, Angel Capital and Autumn Boy, who were all having their second official trial of the preparation.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott was delighted with the gelding’s first public appearance of the campaign.
“I was really pleased with that,” Bott told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the trial.
“He looked really sharp.”
Bott said Sir Delius is expected to have two more barrier trials before returning to racing over a mile.
The Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 is shaping as the likely starting point for his spring campaign.
At the time of writing, Sir Delius was a $3.50 favourite with leading betting apps Australia for the Cox Plate, which will be run at Flemington on October 24.