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’ to hit the 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.
That is in contrast to Chris Waller who has eight of the 21 entries for the race with Ciaron Maher having six entries.
With Craig Williams in the saddle, Sir Delius galloped over 1000m on the course proper at Flemington on Tuesday morning, speeding up over the final 400m.
Waterhouse said she elected to change up the entire’s work, keeping it short and sharp.
“He seemed to really enjoy it,” Waterhouse said.
“His muscle tone has improved so much from his first-up run.”
That first-up run was when 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-up 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’, the Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington on 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’s had more gallops, more time down here.
“I’ve got him walking more, all the little things that will help him on D-day and hopefully it’s a stepping stone, the Turnbull.
“I think I’ve 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). He really enjoyed it. Stretched his legs, had a look around.
“Is he ready, I’m not sure. I’ll 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.”
