Darren Weir will turn his attention to stakes races with Declares War and Whispering Brook after the pair provided the trainer with a race-to-race double at Flemington.
Declares War is a young horse on the move after again overcoming difficulty to record a winning hat-trick in Saturday’s VRC Schools Program Trophy.
Saturday’s race may have a been a restricted race for three and four-year-olds, but Weir is now considering setting the colt for the Group One Australian Guineas at Flemington in March.
Declares War was having his fifth start on Saturday and as he did at Moonee Valley at his previous start he was able to extricate himself from an awkward position and run out a strong winner.
“He does things the right way,” Weir said.
“He again got into an awkward position but he was able to get himself out of it.
“It’s exciting going forward.”
Weir said he has some planning ahead with the three-year-old knowing the colt will appreciate 2000 metres.
“Do you go back to a mile, or push on to 2000 metres, I’m not sure,” Weir said.
“My gut feeling is he’ll like a little further but there is the Guineas. Back to a mile is a query, however a fast tempo will suit.
“Races like that, they’re big steps but he’s making the right steps and it’s all about his last furlong.”
Weir thought Whispering Brook was underdone ahead of her return run in the Saddle Up School Holiday Program Sprint.
He said the mare was in her last season of racing and would now look through the calendar to plan a suitable campaign.
“Obviously she’s a high-class horse and has a pretty good first-up record but I can only call it as I see it,” Weir said.
“I had been watching her at home and thought she a bit to come. She looked soft in the yard and sweated up a bit, but going forward it’s great that she’s been able to win.
“It’s important that we win a better race with her now and improve her CV.”
Weir indicated the mare may return to Flemington on New Years Day to tackle the Group Three Standish Handicap.
