Delius a new TDN Rising Star for Frankel

Three-year-old Frankel colt Delius made a superb winning debut at ParisLongchamp on Sunday (7th April), posting a three and a half-length winning margin over his rivals.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 8th April 2024, by Sean Cronin:

Seven newcomers went to post for ParisLongchamp's opening contest of Sunday afternoon, the 10½-furlong Prix Juigne for unraced three-year-old colts and geldings, and it was Coolmore and Westerberg's Delius  who returned with a 'TDN Rising Star' after outpointing his rivals in the style of an above-average individual.

Patiently ridden off the tempo in sixth for the most part, the 8-5 favourite eased forward off the home turn and lengthened clear in taking fashion once quickening to the fore at the furlong pole to easily account for Godolphin's Kind Of Kiss by an impressive three and a half lengths.

"Delius is a nice horse, who will develop into a good middle-distance prospect," commented trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. "The more we advance through the season, the better he will be. He quickened really nicely and won well, so that is most encouraging."

Delius is the ninth of 11 foals and fifth scorer produced by a full-sister to Listed Chesham Stakes victrix Whazzat, herself the dam of Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest runner-up and dual group-winning sire James Garfield. Descendants of his second dam Wosaita, herself a half-sister to Gr.1 Prix de Diane-winning matriarch Rafha, also include multiple Grade 1-winning US champion and Gr.1I Breeders' Cup Mile heroine Uni. The February-foaled bay is a full brother to multiple Group-placed Listed Wolferton Stakes winner Juan Elcano and a half to Gr.3 Hoppings Stakes victrix Nkosikazi. He is also kin to a two-year-old filly by Sea The Moon and a yearling filly by Kingman.