Gai Waterhouse | Gai Waterhouse News 61854 Playing By The Rules

Emma Reeves aids us with programming and identifies who she thinks is the best placed horse each weekend.

Sir Delius, Saturday 17th May, Doomben, Race 6:
I’ll almost always pick an import making its Australian debut, and this is a very intriguing one. It’s no secret that Europe produces superior stayers, and Sir Delius ran midfield in none other than the world-famous Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in his most recent start. Prior to that, he’d won or placed in all starts, including a 2.4-length defeat at Group 1 level.

He brings serious form lines to a Queensland Group 3 staying event and has been weighted accordingly—but that doesn’t concern me. I like these imports over a trip first-up off three trials, and while I hope it isn’t quite as wet as it was last weekend, he should be well accustomed to all conditions.