The Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) will serve as a launching pad rather than a final target for stablemates Vauban and Sir Delius, but it promises to provide valuable clues for their Melbourne Cup preparations.
Both gallopers resume over the mile, a distance shorter than either is accustomed to. Sir Delius impressed in his Australian debut with a 2000m win at Doomben in May, while Vauban collected a Group 3 victory and a Group 1 placing in the autumn.
“It’s fair to say the mile is probably going to be a bit short for them both first-up but I feel they’re set for nice campaigns,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said. “They’re in really good order and they can run a nice race fresh but no doubt it’s still a long way from their main targets.”
Sir Delius is a $4 second favourite behind Ceolwulf, with Vauban rated a $11 chance. Both share the second line of early Melbourne Cup betting at $11.
Bott plans to split them after Randwick, with Sir Delius likely heading south while Vauban remains in Sydney.