THE Queen of the Midway Handicaps in Sydney has done it again!
And it’s fair to say Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s success with Delexo at Royal Randwick on Saturday – her 11th Midway – was definitely one of the more satisfying.
“It was such a thrill to get him back into winning form,” Buchanan said today.
“He is a beautiful animal and a really lovely horse, but has had numerous issues.
“Delexo has become a bit sticky at the gates and then aggressive in his races, and I have no doubt he should have won more than he has.”
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Delexo ($14) burst through a gap near the inside in the straight to land the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m) in all-provincial finish.
He defeated Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle’s Xpresso ($13) and Kembla Grange trainer Mitch Beer’s Flying Sultan ($18).
It was Delexo’s sixth win – and first since scoring at Eagle Farm in April, 2022 in a Class 6 Plate (1000m) – from 24 starts, and lifted his earnings to nearly $225,000.
Not bad at all for a horse who fetched $45,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions 2YO’s In Training sale at the Gold Coast.
Delexo won a 2 & 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m) on his home track in January, 2021 on debut, and three of his victories have been in town (two in Sydney and the other in Brisbane).
“I am especially grateful for the support of my co-owners Christina Kwok and Conway Wong, who have been very patient, given all the issues we have had with Delexo,” Buchanan said.
“That’s why it was so special to see him back in winning form yesterday.”
Delexo is amongst the entries for the $1m Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday, but Buchanan rated him as “highly unlikely” to head north.
“He is a lightly-raced six-year-old, and a gentle giant who weighs 640kg,” Buchanan said.
“He is as sound as he has ever been.
“Now that he is a winner again, I think it’s best to keep him here for 1000m and 1100m races.”
Delexo was Buchanan’s 10th winner of the current season, and her 280th career success.
Story John Curtis, January 7, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos
Comments