Series stars target US success

Declaration of War, pictured here at York, will be one of racing’s heroes that will be on show. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

British Champions Series stars Declaration of War and The Fugue are being primed to reap the rewards on offer in the Breeders’ Cup this weekend.

Declaration of War, who was victorious in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International Stakes at York this season, is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Sunday at Saint Anita.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old will be retired to stud for stallion duties at Coolmore following the race, where he will be joining the 2012 QIPCO 2000 Guineas and Investec Derby winner Camelot, along with the three-time Coronation Cup champion St Nicholas Abbey.

Declaration of War’s American challenge will come under pressure from the six-time unbeaten US star Game On Dude and Gary Steven’s ride Mucho Mucho Man. 

Meanwhile, in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, The Fugue heads to the States as the outright favourite for the Grade 1 contest.

A mightily impressive winner of the Darley Yorkshire Oaks earlier this campaign, John Gosden’s filly is anticipated to excel in California with the rattling-fast ground set to suit perfectly. 

The Fugue was a luckless third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf last year when meeting with interference on several occasions, but it is hoped that she will run better this time around – especially after receiving a favourable draw.

Her rivals include Point of Entry, who is unbeaten in 2013, the Chad Brown-trained Big Blue Kitten and Irish raider Magician.