Eliza Park freshman Delzao sired his first winner on Wednesday when Banderilla scored an on-pace victory in the Patricks/Dunes Plate (1250m) at Morphettville.
Banderilla (2f Delzao – Summer Gambit by Bestebreuje) is trained locally by Jon O’Connor and started a short-priced favourite after a promising debut behind I’m Discreet at Morphettville on June 6. She won like a good thing, too, streeting her rivals by five lengths.
Delzao (Encosta de Lago) has been represented by four starters from his first crop this season. The John Ledger prepared Exulting was placed at his only start at Wangaratta in April and Mornington trained youngster Purple Zone was also placed on debut at Ballarat in April for John McArdle.
Delzao didn’t win his maiden until his was an August 3yo but he went on to carve out a successful career that included a G2 victory in the 2004 MVRC Feehan Stakes over Makybe Diva.
Earlier that year at Flemington, Delzao had the G1 VRC Australian Cup won for all money until Lonhro produced arguably his best ever performances to beat him a head.
Delzao covered 101 mares in his first season at Paringa Park where he was based with Undoubtedly. A subsequent transfer to Eliza Park has seen him serve books of 73 and 86.
Banderilla is from Summer Gambit who won four races from 55 starts in South Australia and she has since produced four winners including top-class jumper Some are Bent (Distorted Humor) whose 12 wins include the J J Houlahan Hurdle (twice), Grand National Hurdle, A V Hiskens Steeplechase and the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool.
Banderilla was passed-in for $22,500 at the 2008 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale when offered by Rob and Maureen McBryde of Summerset Park Stud.
The McBrydes retained her to race themselves and they also have her weanling half-brother by Lindsay Park sire Barely A Moment.