Declares War fights off rivals in the Birthday Cup
Declares War continued his winning ways taking out his first Listed race in the Holdfast Insurance Birthday Cup at Morphettville on Saturday.
The son of US sire Declaration Of War relished in the soft going in the Birthday Cup, making his move just before the final corner and it comes as no surprise that the extra distance was in his favour given that his sire has produced G1 Melbourne Cup winner, Vow and Declare and G1 Victoria Derby winner, Warning.
Craig Rounsefell was delighted with the result. “He just failed to fire first up over 1400m, but stepping up in distance and being third up this preparation on a soft track saw him return to what we always thought he was capable of. Making it back-to-back wins is always rewarding too.”
Cumani always had a high opinion of the five-year-old gelding, believing he would always go better over these distances, “But he’s certainly run great races throughout the prep [back in April] and now he looks like he would like a strongly run 2000 metres.”
Declares War was purchased for $62,000 at the 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions sales by Matt Cumani, Domain Thoroughbreds and Boomer Bloodstock and went on to win three races in his maiden preparation with his owners quickly gaining a return on their investment.
This win was Declares War’s second win in a row this preparation. He has now won six races, from 22 starts and earned $402,370 for his connections.