Rising sprinting talent War Machine delivered a statement victory in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm, stamping his credentials as a potential Everest contender and setting the stage for a fascinating Hayes family rivalry.
Now unbeaten in three starts since joining Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, the former Mike Moroney-trained galloper showed class and tenacity to win Queensland’s premier sprint race.
Trainer Ben Hayes hinted that the team would welcome approaches from Everest slot holders, even if it meant facing off against their father David Hayes’ Hong Kong-trained superstar Ka Ying Rising, an early favourite for the $20 million race.
“They’re all the problems we’ve got now,” Ben Hayes said.
“I might be having to take on my old man’s horse, Ka Ying Rising, but you’ve got to be in it to win it.”
With regular rider Blake Shinn injured, Tim Clark stepped in and gave War Machine a perfect ride, finding cover three-wide before bursting to the lead in the home straight.
The $3.20 favourite showed grit to fend off both Private Eye ($11), who made an early run, and Yellow Brick ($41), who flashed home late to claim second.
“He travelled so well. I probably let him loose a bit early but it was his grand final, there is no tomorrow, so I wasn’t going to die wondering,” said Clark, referencing his previous Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) win aboard Alligator Blood in 2022.
“He really let rip. Maybe wandered a bit late. I could feel Yellow Brick coming late and he surged again.
“I love getting up to Queensland and to win the ‘Straddie’ has just iced what has been a great carnival.”
Hayes said the horse had been faultless in the lead-up and likened his physique to that of champion miler Mr Brightside, noting his compact athleticism.
“They expect him to be a big, powerful horse but he’s got a physique like Mr Brightside so hopefully he is the same,” Hayes said.
For those looking to back War Machine in future Group 1s or The Everest, be sure to check the best betting sites Australia for value odds and bonus offers.
Find top-rated online bookmakers, access the newest betting promotions, and take your racing bets to the next level with expert-approved platforms.
