A lower grade defeat on wet ground might not appear to be a genuine New Zealand Cup form line, but it’s one that can be taken seriously.

It was a rainy day in the Hawke’s Bay in April that convinced Steven Ramsay he had a contender in Deliciano.

“She ran second over 2500 metres at Hastings on a heavy track and that gave me confidence,” he said.

“The way she got home from the back had me thinking to aim her at the New Zealand Cup.”

Deliciano furthered her claims for the Christchurch Casino-sponsored event with a subsequent distance win at Te Aroha.

Following a spell, Ramsay and partner Julia Ritchie produced the mare to score first-up over 2100 metres at Awapuni in September.

The Sir Peter Vela-owned daughter of Darci Brahma has since finished third in the Egmont Cup and rounded off her preparation with a solid second in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy.

“We were over the moon with her run,” Ramsay said. “She got on the bit down the back, it was only her third run and that has topped her off nicely.

“She’s come through the race really well – we don’t want her pulling over two miles and the run on the first day has taken that edge off her.

“She’s going into the cup in good form and we couldn’t be happier. She’s spot on and in with a nice weight of 53kg.”

Deliciano is currently joint $8 fixed odds second favourite with Postmans Daughters behind market leaders Blizzard and Saint Kitt at $6.

Blizzard has won three of his four starts this preparation and regular rider Craig Grylls is again bullish about his chances.

“It’s the ideal race for this guy,” he said. “He settles beautifully in his races – he’s a real gentleman to ride.”