Four-year-old Delectation has posted undoubtedly the day’s big upset at Flemington this afternoon; producing an incredible late kick to beat the likes of Chautauqua and Terravista to the line in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m).
Delectation, red and yellow, scores an upset win over odds on favourite Chatauqua, the grey, in the Darley Classic at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Delectation is a proven performer on the straight track at Flemington having run a close second in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) during the 2014 Spring Carnival, and did his chances of success no harm this afternoon when jumping well and settling within the field of nine as Buffering and Tiger Tees took up the pace.
Blocked for a run with only 400m to run, jockey James McDonald threaded the needle with the Shamardal gelding who locked in a fierce sprint battle with the resounding favourite; poking clear in the dying stages of the race to post a maiden win at the highest level.
McDonald delivered a typically brilliant performance aboard Delectation to win the 2015 Darley Classic and was thrilled to repay trainer Chris Waller for all the support he has offered the hoop with a Group 1 triumph.
“This is my first Group 1 for Chris Waller. He’s given me a lot of support over the last 12 months and it’s great to ride a very good horse in a massive Group 1 for him today,” McDonald said after the race.
“I’m thrilled and gobsmacked we’ve been able to overcome those world class sprinters. What can I say, Chris Waller is a freak.”
Waller was on hand for Delectation’s career-best performance in the Darley Classic and revealed he was confident the horse was ready to run a huge race this afternoon.
“It was a great field of sprinters, but take nothing away from our horse’s form,” Waller said after the race.
“This time last year he ran second to Brazen Beau and he ran second to Chautauqua four weeks ago.
“He might have won last Saturday but he just didn’t have any luck on the day, but still ran well. He certainly came through the race well and proven himself today.
“We were very bullish of his chances last weekend and it’s deflating when you go home without winning and you find the next chance.
“He was obviously nominated for the race and he pulled up so well. He’s run some pretty good places behind some good horses.
“James just rode a normal races on the horse – back nice and quiet and came through them and thank goodness it’s a long straight because he needed all of it.”
Waller saddled Brazen Beau to second in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) during the Royal Ascot Carnival in July and revealed he would love to return to the event in 2016 for a second tilt.
“I want to get back to Ascot, that’s for sure,”
“It was a trip of a lifetime earlier in the year. It’s as good to win at home though as anywhere.”
Punters who backed Delectation to win the 2015 Darley Classic with Ladbrokes Australia have been paid out on $20.20 odds for success via the lucrative Top Tote or SP Plus 20% market on offer for all Flemington races today!
