NEWS
Champion Declan’s Moon returns to winner’s circle
Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007 8:52 PM
Jay Em Ess Stable’s 2004 champion two-year-old male Declan’s Moon returned to winning form on Thursday when he captured a six-furlong allowance/optional claiming race by three lengths at Hollywood Park.
Sent off as the 9-to-10 favorite, Declan’s Moon stalked pacesetter Wind Water, overtook that opponent in midstretch, and drove clear under urging by jockey Jose Valdivia Jr.
The five-year-old Malibu Moon gelding snapped a seven-race winless skid that dated back to March 5, 2005 when he won the Santa Catalina Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.
Declan’s Moon, who was undefeated in four starts prior to the Santa Catalina, was tabbed as one of the leading contenders for the ’05 Kentucky Derby (G1). But following the Santa Catalina victory, he was withdrawn from consideration for the classics after a bone chip was detected in his left knee.
As a juvenile, Declan’s Moon won the Del Mar Futurity (G2), Hollywood Prevue Stakes (G3), and Hollywood Futurity (G1) en route to divisional honors that year.
Overall, Declan’s Moon has placed ten times in 13 career starts, winning six races, while earning $701,900.
Maryland-bred Declan’s Moon is one of two winners from four starters out of Grade 2-placed winner Vee Vee Star, by Norquestor.
