O’Brien on War footing for Classic

Aidan O’Brien believes Declaration Of War represents possibly his best ever chance of finally claiming victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita tomorrow.

Given the prestigious 10-furlong Group One affair is generally run on dirt, it is no surprise European challengers have struggled to make a significant impact as they are neither bred for or have experience of tackling such underfoot conditions.

John Gosden’s Raven’s Pass gave the Europeans a one-two in beating O’Brien’s Henrythenavigator in the 2008 renewal, although that was the year the race was run on a synthetic surface rather than dirt. Andre Fabre’s Arcangues in 1993 remains the only other European-trained winner.