Decorated Invader became the newest Eddie Woods training grad to win a Grade 1 when the 2-year-old colt rallied to win the $250,000 Summer S. (G1) at Woodbine on Sept. 15.

The Declaration of War colt also earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) as part of the “Win and You're In” challenge series. That race will be held Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park.

As he did in his maiden win Aug. 10 at Saratoga, Decorated Invader showed a strong closing kick once again on Sunday. He broke from the gate without urgency and was under a stout hold from Irad Ortiz, Jr. through the first three furlongs. Shifted to the three path on the turn, he began to make up ground and was in full flight in the stretch, rolling past Cadet Connelly inside the final furlong to win rather handily by 1 3/4-lengths.

“I know he broke a touch poorly but with the rain we had and everything, I was pretty comfortable he was moving well and was happy where he was,” said Christophe Lorieul, assistant to Christophe Clement. “We were just very confident with our ride. He was just biding his time, and he showed up today.” 

Lorieul said the Breeders' Cup was on tap for the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership colt, who purchased the bay for $200,000 out of the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling sale.

“We talked about it beforehand,” said Lorieul. “It would be the obvious next target for him. Today was the big test, and he completed it so we’re very happy for the partnership of West Point.”