Half-Sister to Delago’s Secret at Karaka 2015

Up and coming stayer Delago’s Secret (Encosta De Lago) recorded a well-deserved stakes win in the Group 3 $200,000 Scot Thurst City Of Auckland Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie yesterday, adding new black-type to his family’s pedigree.

Delago's Secret wins the Group 3 Scot Thurst City of Auckland Cup. Photo courtesy of Trish Dunell.

A half-sister by champion sire High Chaparral to Delago’s Secret is entered in the 2015 Karaka Premier Sale at Lot 356 from Phoenix Park.

The Roger James trained gelding was unlucky running in stakes company in his last two starts but Ellerslie’s last feature race for New Year’s Day went in his favour. With 14 starts he now has five wins and multiple placings under his belt.

“It was a great effort today,” commented Roger James. “I thought Danielle (Johnson) did a good job as the barrier did her no favours but she got some cover instead of being four wide and tracked into the race at the right time.

“He showed plenty of ticker so full marks to the horse.”

Ridden by New Zealand’s leading jockey, Danielle Johnson sat Delago’s Secret behind mid-field throughout the 2400m journey after jumping from a wide draw. The pair took a window of opportunity on the turning for home, looming out of the corner and to the outside to challenge Surpass (NZ) (Savabeel).

Delago’s Secret was able to overhaul Surpass, narrowly claiming victory by a head. Surpass settled for second and Show The World (NZ) (High Chaparral) finished three-and-a-half lengths behind the leaders in third place.

The four-year-old gelding has now earned $179,335 for owners R Baulcomb & J Struthers.

Delago’s Secret was purchased at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale for $180,000 by Roger James from Lyndhurst Farm.

Bred by Roncon, Cobra Bloodstock Australia Pty Ltd and Austramore Pty Ltd, the son of Encosta De Lago is out of stakes placed mare Divine Secret (Thunder) who finished third in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes.