Delicacy wins 2015 C.B. Cox Stakes Group 2 $250,000 at Ascot (WA) 3yo+, 2100m.
Dual Group One winning mare Delicacy was most impressive in taking out this Group Two race in easy fashion. She settled particularly well in eighth place, one off the rails, following a very moderate pace before improving nicely between runners rounding the home turn. William Pike then eased her across heels, into clear running shortly after straightening and she dashed to the lead at the 100m before going on to score easily. She ran the 2100m out strongly and looks right on target for the Perth Cup (Gr 2, 2400m) on 2 January.
Black Heart Bart went to the front, set a steady tempo, got a break at the 200m and then fought well for a good second, finding the winner too good.
Bass Strait was sixth, one off the rails, moved up well at the home turn, challenged strongly at the 200m and battled gamely for a good third.
The 2015 Perth Cup winner Real Love was fifth on the rails, improved between runners coming to the home turn and kept fighting on in the sprint home for a sound (2.7 lengths) fourth, being disadvantaged by the slow early pace.
