Co-trainer Adrian Bott says the presence of rain for this Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington will not dull the chances of race favourite Sir Delius.

The five-year-old is a pronounced $2.80 elect after boxing on to be fourth in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) three weeks ago.

But despite Sir Delius being so effective on Good-rated surfaces, Bott says the entire will be untroubled by the affected going.

“No, not at all,” Bott told SEN.

“He seems to have the ability to handle those conditions.

“If it brings a little bit more stamina into it, I think all those things are just going to play into his favour.”

Despite drawing barrier nine, there appears the possibility that the bay could be ridden forward by Craig Williams.

“He has certainly got the pace to do so, we wouldn’t be afraid of doing that by any means,” Bott said.

“He was forward over the mile and does seem to enjoy a high-pressure race.”

In addition to favouritism this weekend, Sir Delius is also the $3 fancy for the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington in three weeks where he will meet similar and even stronger company.

“You would want to be pretty close to your best,” said Bott.

“You want to see a very strong performance on Saturday.”

Nearest to him in betting this weekend is Aeliana ($4), who improved from a first-up 11th beaten 10 lengths to be second behind Autumn Glow two weeks ago in the Group 2 Seven Stakes (1600m).

“Good last start behind Autumn Glow. Her work at Flemington on Tuesday morning was also very good,” her trainer Chris Waller said.

“She’s ready to run well. Carries the penalty for being a multiple G1 winner, but she’s a good horse.”

Her 57kg impost is two kilos less than Sir Delius and one kilo less than Cosmic Crusader, who is the only remaining runner at single-digit odds ($6.50).

Despite Soul Of Spain being removed, Waller will still start a four-strong team with Buckaroo ($15), Ohope Wins ($61) and Asterix ($61).

Buckaroo has been fifth at both his starts so far this campaign, most recently behind stablemate Birdman in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m).

“Draw’s OK for him – he’ll just find his feet early,” Waller said.

“His first-up and second-up runs were both good. He knows how to run well over 2000m.”

Ohope Wins, one of the star three-year-olds, is yet to find her best form as a mare.

“She’ll love 2000m. I don’t think she’s won short of 2000m,” Waller said.

“She’s obviously an Oaks winner in NZ and Australia, so 2000m, we’ll get a good gauge on where she’s at.”

Waller said Asterix would likely find this event too sharp and the race would act as a stepping stone to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in a fortnight.