After missing a start in the Victoria Derby, Vow And Declare has scored a consolation win for connections at Flemington.
The Danny O’Brien-trained three-year-old won the Listed TCL TV Stakes on Thursday, collecting a $90,000 cheque.
Backed from $26 into $17, Vow And Declare, under strong riding from Damien Oliver, lunged late to defeat Junipal ($7.50) by a half-head with Tavidance ($9.50) 3-1/2 lengths away third.
Vow And Declare was the second emergency for last Saturday’s Derby at Flemington and missed a start in the Group One race.
“We were all a bit flat and because of the way the Derby was run I think he runs in the top three,” O’Brien said.
“He’s a very good stayer with big lungs, a big heart.
“Today when the second horse quickened better than him I knew our horse would keep coming knowing what a good stayer he is.”
O’Brien said Vow And Declare would be spelled and set for the Derby races in the autumn.
He added that missing last Saturday’s race as a spring three-year-old may prove a blessing.
“Maybe looking at his career in 18 months time we might be glad we missed the Derby,” O’Brien said.
“He’s a progressive young horse and he’ll get his chance one day, it just wasn’t on Derby day.
“He’s a really nice horse and the next 12 to 18 months will be terrific.”
