War Diary
War Diary put up a nice performance on his first run in almost a year to finish second in the Cork Derby. Well away and settled in fifth or sixth place and along the inside early on, he travelled well through his race for Ronan Whelan. Just behind the leaders and going well as they turned for home, he didn't show a blistering turn of foot, but he kept on well for pressure. He moved a little to his left, and he couldn't get to his stable companion Rayounpour, who got into the race as a reserve, but he stayed on well close home to take second place, just holding off the challenge of Tandem for that position.
It was a fine run by the Declaration Of War gelding on his first run for Michael Halford. A dual winner for John Murphy last year, he ran well in the big Guinness Handicap at the Galway Festival over a mile and a half on his final run for John Murphy and his last run before Sunday. He stays this trip well and he could step up in trip if he needs to. He could be a horse for Galway again this year, and he could be a well handicapped still on a mark in the mid-80s. This was just his sixth race, so he has the potential to progress beyond his current mark.
Cork, 5th July 2020
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