Sir Delius and Vauban, the two Tulloch Lodge stayers who share the top line of Melbourne Cup betting, have warmed up for their spring return with barrier trial wins.
The imports were among a host of stars who headed to Hawkesbury on Sydney’s northwest outskirts in search of a hit-out after last week’s rain played havoc with the metropolitan barrier trial schedule.
Both 1250m heats under Tim Clark and aimed up in promising fashion as they prepare to resume in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick on September 3.
Sir Delius created an immediate impression at his only Australian start in winning at Group 3 level at Doomben during the Brisbane winter carnival.
Vauban has has three starts for the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott training partnership since remaining in Australia under new ownership following last year’s Melbourne Cup.
Ahead of nominations, Sir Delius and Vauban are $11 Melbourne Cup favourites with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Al Riffa and last Saturday’s Winx Stakes winner Via Sistina.
Golden Slipper winner Marhoona is also on target to resume racing in early September after beating older horses over 800m.
Trainer Michael Freedman has the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley in mind among several first-up possibilities for the three-year-old filly.
