Declares War is known for his fighting qualities which he will need to raise it to another level if he is to be successful again at Flemington.
The Matt Cumani-trained galloper scored at headquarters over 2000m on May 15 with 54kg, but on Saturday he rises 10.5kg in the VRC Member Otto Kohn Trophy (2000m).
That impost will be offset by the 3kg claim for Campbell Rawiller, but the task is not lost on Cumani.
“He’s got a big weight and there’s some sturdy competition in that race,” Cumani said.
“It’s going to be a true test, but it’s a good time of year for a horse like him and it’s a track that he goes well at, so I think it’s our best option.
“The alternative option is to give him a break and turn him out for the spring, but I don’t think that’s a good idea for him at this stage when he’s going well, training well and racing well.”
Declares War has won four of his seven start this campaign with his latest success his biggest, prize money wise, for the campaign.
Cumani pointed out everytime Declares War steps up to a tougher race, the gelding has struggled.
“It’s not like England here,” Cumani said.
“It’s doesn’t matter what grade you’re winning in you still go up in the handicap and he now finds himself at a difficult mark with a high weight and it’s going to be tough for him.
“But he is a tough horse, a fighter and he can pull it out when he gets conditions to suit and gets the right ride and the right track.”
Cumani said he was likely to continue campaigning Declares War through the winter.
With a change to the end of spring with the Zipping Classic meeting being pushed back a fortnight, Cumani said a late spring, early summer campaign may also suit Declares War.
