SA Derby 2015: Two-state Oaks-Derby double for Delicacy

DELICACY has completed one of the most extraordinary six-week campaigns in recent history with a stunning win in the $500,000 South Australian Derby.

Group 1 racing at Morphettville

BRILLIANT filly Delicacy completed one of the most extraordinary six-week campaigns in recent racing history with a stunning victory in the $500,000 William Hill South Australian Derby at Morphettville.

Starting with the WA Oaks at Ascot on March 28, the dazzling Perth three-year-old has now completed the Oaks-Derby double in her home town and Adelaide.

Under the cool hands of highly accomplished Perth hoop Peter Hall, Delicacy drifted back to worse than midfield from barrier 11 before working into contention rounding the home turn.

With seemingly a flick of a button, she switched into top gear, cruised up to the leaders then put the race beyond doubt in a few strides.

New Zealand invader Werther ran a fantastic race for second, with Allergic third for the goliath Godolphin stable. But all honours rest with Delicacy. It was the win of an exceptional horse.

Delicacy, the only filly in the race, thrashed her opposition in similar style in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks just seven days earlier.

The super stayer keeps delivering milestone moments for 48-year-old Hall. Last week she rewarded him with his first Group 1 victory. Yesterday she gave him his first Derby success.

“She just puts them away. She’s a great little mare,” an emotional Hall said moments after the victory.

Delicacy, the only filly in the race, thrashed her opposition in similar style in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks just seven days earlier.

“She’s just awesome. She’s got that pinpoint speed when you need it. That turn of foot is amazing.

“I just wanted to settle and save her up for that one dash. I wasn’t that concerned when she drifted a fair way back.”

Delicacy was hugely popular with punters since her devastating Oaks win. She opened at $4.50 in Derby markets last Sunday before starting at $2 at barrier release.

She attracted a mind-boggling 73 per cent of Derby bets with tab.com.au.

Owner Bob Peters suggested — possibly tongue-in-cheek — there was another race for Delicacy next week in the $115,000 Group 3 William Hill SA Classic over 2500m.

Based on the authority of her Derby display and her obviously freakish powers of recovery, it’s not such a crazy thought.

“I’ve never really rated her that highly — but now I have to,” said Peters, one of the nation’s most successful private owners.

“I’ve always rated Miss Margaret our best three-year-old. She won an Oaks here.

“But this filly has won two derbys and two Oaks. I don’t know how often that’s ever been done.”

The Derby triumph took Delicacy’s earnings past $1.4 million, with 10 wins from 14 starts. And it’s easy to think the best is yet to come.

Peters hinted at a longer-term ambition to tackle the Caulfield Cup with his outstanding filly.

“I’ve got some unfinished business in that race,” he said.

Caulfield Cup markets are not out, but Delicacy has already firmed from $35 to $26 in early Melbourne Cup markets.

Delicacy and jockey Peter Hall are led in by owner Sandra Peters.

SA DERBY BIG BETS

Delicacy accounted for 73% of all bets on the Derby. She was smashed from $2.40 into $1.95.

Some of the bigger bets on her included $4000 @ $2.40, $3000 @ $2.40, $4000 @ $2.20, $6500 @ $2.05, $4000 @ $2. Immediately after the win, TAB.com.au trimmed her price to win the Melbourne Cup from $35 to $26.

Originally published as SA Derby 2015: Two-state Oaks-Derby double for Delicacy