Import Sir Delius has the 2025 Melbourne Cup firmly in his sights, but his exact path to Flemington remains undecided.

The Group 1 placegetter, an $11 equal favourite with betting sites alongside Vauban and Via Sistina, returned in a quiet 1000m trial at Warwick Farm last week.

“It’s very early in his prep… but he has come back in really good shape,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said.

Sir Delius won the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben in May on his Australian debut and may resume in the Chelmsford Stakes.

“He could have a couple more trials… Everything in between is still quite open,” Bott added.

Stablemate Alalcance is also building toward the Group 1 Metropolitan, while unbeaten filly Agarwood is being aimed at the Silver Shadow Stakes on August 23.

“She’d be the benchmark for us,” Bott said of Agarwood.