Race fitness proved the difference for War Eternal at Rosehill as the veteran gelding toughed out a narrow win, though the performances of Chris Waller’s two returning stayers behind him may prove more significant as the spring progresses.

The seven-year-old handled the rain-affected track with ease, notching up his fifth career win in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m). With his form holding up, a black-type race is now on the radar.

“Jason (Collett) rode him beautifully. He needed the luck at the right time, but once the gaps opened, he took full advantage and quickened nicely,” said Luke Hilton, racing manager for Bjorn Baker.

“At his age he’s probably right at the top of his game. If we can find a softer Listed event while he’s in this form, it could be worth targeting. We’ll just keep going while there’s some cut in the ground.”

Hilton was standing in for Baker, who is in France but staying across the stable’s runners. “He said he’d be getting up to watch them, so this win will hopefully bring a smile to his face,” Hilton added.

War Eternal defeated Birdman by a half-neck, with last year’s Metropolitan winner Land Legend another length and a quarter away in third. Birdman was resuming for the first time since the Sydney Cup, while Land Legend was looking to rebound after a disappointing autumn, despite his Caulfield Cup placing last spring.

Waller was encouraged by what he saw. “Land Legend settled much better when they backed the speed off, which was great to see. He’s more mature now. With his rating, he’ll be kept to weight-for-age paths. The Chelmsford Stakes is next, then something like the Turnbull Stakes,” he said.

As for Birdman, Waller said James McDonald felt he wasn’t fully comfortable in the heavy going. “James thought the ground worked against him, so that was an excellent return. He looks to be on track as a Metropolitan contender.”