Vow And Declare, the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner, is poised to contest the $500,000 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday, with trainer Danny O’Brien aiming for a second victory in his hometown race. Despite an underwhelming seventh-place finish in the Caulfield Stakes, O’Brien remains optimistic, noting Vow And Declare’s strong recent workouts.
O’Brien confirmed the nine-year-old gelding’s fitness after a successful treadmill session on Saturday. “He was very good on it,” O’Brien said, though he emphasised that they are closely monitoring the horse’s condition following the Caulfield run.
Vow And Declare’s career highlights, including his Melbourne Cup win and $7.6 million in prize money, make him a major draw for the Geelong Cup, a race O’Brien previously won with Caravan Rolls On in 2013. “This is my hometown country cup… I’m keen to do so again,” O’Brien stated.
Vow And Declare is listed as a $21 chance with betting apps, with Chris Waller’s Birdman the current $5 favourite for the race.