A computer implemented method is provided for determining a delay between a first database and an associated replicated database by replicating transactions of the first database in the replicated database, determining a delay between the two databases based on a commit timestamp from the first database and a timestamp associated with the commit transaction becoming visible in the replicated database. Then, after a predefined period of time has elapsed since replicating the commit transaction, determining a second delay based on a timestamp associated with a heartbeat log and a replicated database system time. And, selectively determining to execute or deny a statement received by the replicated database based on the second delay. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.