Delectation defeated a host of talented three-year-olds to take out a barrier trial over 740 metres at Royal Randwick this morning.
Delectation recorded a good win in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick this morning. Photo by: Steve Hart
There was no speed whatsoever in the early stages of the tenth barrier trial of the morning and the jockey aboard Delectation elected to take up the running, while Boogie Shoes and Panzer Division settled just behind the speed.
Delectation kicked well without being placed under pressure in the straight and he was able to hold off a shaken up Boogie Shoes and Panzer Division, who worked home strongly under a heavy hold.
Delectation was unable to record a race win during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, but produced a string of impressive efforts that stamped him as one of the most consistent three-year-olds in Australia.
The Shamardal gelding resumed with a fourth place finish in the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Royal Randwick on September 20 and finished a close third behind Brazen Beau in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) before hitting the line fairly in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m).
Delectation went into the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 1 and a quote of $50, but he stormed home late to finish second behind Brazen Beau in a most impressive performance.
Boogie Shoes has returned to the stable of John Sargent after failing to fire in four race starts under the care of Tony Crane and connections are hoping that the imported galloper can return to the form that he showed when he finished third in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at Doomben on July 13.
Panzer Division was making his first public appearance since his brave fifth place finish in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on October 11 and hit the line well, despite being kept under a heavy hold.
Stablemate Scissor Kick was not asked for an extra effort in the trial and was still able to hit the line well after being settled at the tail of the field in the early stages.
Trainer Paul Messara hopes to win a Group 1 with both Scissor Kick and Panzer Division during the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival to increase their value as stallion prospects, but he is yet to decide the exact path they will follow.
Chris Waller-trainer Kermadec stamped himself as a horse to watch when he took out the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day in just his third race start and he was given a very quiet trial.
