The Chris Waller Group 1 juggernaut has been almost unstoppable this spring and claimed its ninth major when ­Delectation upset a class field at Flemington ­on Saturday.

The $1 million Darley Classic (1200m) didn’t disappoint as a spectacle as less than a half-length separated the first four over the line — although the result would not have pleased many punters as Delectation drove between Chautauqua and Terravista to score a thrilling win.

Waller seemed almost apologetic, admitting it was not in his original plans to run the sprinter in the Darley Classic.

“But it just didn’t work out for him (last Saturday) and we were very bullish about his chances in that race,’’ Waller said of Delectation’s fourth on Derby day.

“It’s deflating when you go home without winning so you look for the next chance. He was obviously nominated for this race and he pulled up so well.

“We know he is a good straight-track horse, he ran second to Brazen Beau (Coolmore Stud Stakes) last spring and he was second to Chautauqua (Gilgai Stakes) four weeks ago. It was a field of great sprinters but take nothing away from our horse, he has won fair and square.’’

Delectation, a $14 chance, gave jockey James McDonald his first Group 1 winner for Waller when he scored by a shorthead from hot favourite ­Chautauqua ($1.90) with Terravista ($9.50) a shorthead away third, just in front of the ever-gallant Buffering.

“Chris has given me a lot of support over the last year and it’s great to ride a very good horse; a very good straight horse too, I might add, in a massive Group 1 like today,’’ McDonald said. “I’m thrilled. I’m gobsmacked that I managed to overcome those world-class horses.’’ – Ray Thomas, The Daily Telegraph