Delectation firms with bookmakers for Group 1 Doomben 10,000

Delectation has always been a well-backed runner, but the sprinter is now into $5.50 at Sportsbet for the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 this Saturday and more punters are now starting to take notice.

The Chris Waller-trained runner was able to dethrone Chautauqua in the Group 1 Darley Classic at Flemington last year and although Delectation hasn’t run well since, punters are having a hard time getting that run out of their memory bank.

The addition of James McDonald is another factor which has seen its price drop and the New Zealand champion jockey is vital for a horse that over-races like Delectation, according to trainer Chris Waller.

“James is a great rider. We always ring him for this horse because of that reason – winning the group 1,” Waller said.

Sportsbet.com.au

McDonald takes over from fellow Kiwi rider Jason Collett and although he has ridden the horse well, Waller believes the big-race experience of McDonald is needed.

“Jason Collett has done a great job in settling the horse and he’d be the first one I’d congratulate if we were successful, but James having had that group 1 success on him gets the ride. He’s beaten the best horses in the world on him.”

Delectation’s most recent run came in the Group 1 BTC Cup where it finished eighth in a tight finish, beaten only 2.25 lengths behind Malaguerra. That run was a good indicator for what could come this Saturday.

“His run in the BTC sprint was excellent. He settled better, finished off well and looked unlucky,” Waller said.

“I’ve always had the Doomben 10,000 in mind, but I knew I couldn’t run him in it first-up.”

The four-year-old is often its own worst enemy during the run and the extra 150m won’t suit in that regard, but it gets in well on the weights and should prove tough to beat.

“He’s been his own worst enemy this preparation by over-racing,” Waller said.

“But I see the Doomben 10,000 as being a truly run race. That should really suit him and it will be made easier because he’s got a soft draw.

“Everything has gone to plan in the last two weeks. He’s enjoying Queensland as they all do. He’s been to the beach a few times, worked well on Tuesday morning and is ready to go.”

The current favourite is still the Ciaron Maher-trained Azkadellia at $2.90 with Crownbet.com.au. The field is now down to nine runners with the scratching of Divine Centuri on Friday morning.

Updated Doomben 10,000 market:

1. Delectation – $5.50
2. Fell Swoop – $4.80
3. Dothraki – $6.50
4. Hooked – $21
5. Charlie Boy – $17
6. Music Magnate – $6.50
7. Azkadellia – $2.90
8. Two Blues – $21
9. Scarlet Billows – $21

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