Sir Delius has bolted into outright favouritism for the Lexus Melbourne Cup after beating home a packed field to take out the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes.

The five-year-old stallion triumphed over arguably the best horse in the country, Via Sistina, as well as a host of others to stamp his authority on Australian soil.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have done a tremendous job since taking over training duties for the English-bred galloper and the horse now appears poised for a massive spring carnival with the Cox Plate also a genuine possibility. Advertisement

Sir Delius was among a 66-strong list of first acceptances for this year's Cup when they were released last week and is now the favourite with bookmakers at $3.70 odds.

Sir Delius wins the Turnbull Stakes Getty

"He's the most exc

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