Racing: James ponders the future after narrow Ellerslie win

Delago's Secret beat Surpass in the City of Auckland Cup. Photo / Greg Bowker

Danielle Johnson went into yesterday's $200,000 Scot Thrust City of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie more confident than most of Delago's Secret's greatest admirers.

Johnson was on Delago's Secret when the horse stormed home to finish fourth in the Waikato Gold Cup at his previous start.

"That run suggested he was going to be the one to beat today," said Johnson after she got home in a desperate finish with Surpass.

"I thought I had it all over Opie [Bosson] on Surpass, but he fought back very strongly. He's a very relaxed horse and he settled nicely after I used him a bit early."

Trainer Roger James believes Delago's Secret will be a better horse next year. "I'm not sure what we'll do in the meantime, he might have a short Australian campaign."

Cambridge rider Michael McNab was taken to Auckland City Hospital for observation after falling from The Fire Inside soon after rounding the home bend.

McNab was in centre field at the time and was struck heavily by Deane Martin, who was following.

McNab was knocked unconscious in the incident.

Craig Grylls was suspended from January 4 to January 31 for causing the interference that saw De Kensington Oval and Ezra crash in the Royal Stakes.