Promising stayer Delago’s Secret got his four-year-old season off to the best possible start with a convincing victory over 1600 metres at Matamata yesterday.
In the process he convinced his trainer Roger James that he has a potential cups contender on his hands. James believed the son of Encosta De Lago was up to Derby class last season but in the end immaturity put paid to those hopes and he was put aside after winning over 2000 metres in April.
“He has always shown plenty of potential and at one stage I was hopeful he would make it to the Derby but in the end it wasn’t to be,” noted James. “He has needed time but during his break he really furnished and I think he will keep getting better as he matures.
“It was a good effort to win first-up at 1600 metres and he put them away fairly comfortably which augurs well for the rest of his campaign.
“I haven’t got any plans for him just yet as we will sit down and work it out once we see how he comes through the race. I definitely think he is a cups horse in the making so we will be looking at where the best options are for that goal.”
James heads Melbourne tomorrow as he prepares to put the final touches on the Cox Plate campaign of his stable star Silent Achiever.
“She will have a gallop at Moonee Valley on Tuesday and then again the next week during their Breakfast with the Best promotion,” he said.
“I’m pleased with her and delighted to secure Nash Rawiller for the race as I’ve been disappointed with the rides on her lately. With Nash knowing her well I’m hopeful we will see her at her best on the day.”
- NZ Racing Desk
