Much has transpired for War Machine over the course of the past twelve months.
At this exact time last year, the Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes-trained War Machine was competing in Sydney in the high-profile event, The Everest.
While that particular race did not conclude as the Lindsay Park trainers had hoped, War Machine had entered it in excellent form, following victories in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm and the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.
The Hayes brothers had eagerly anticipated future racing opportunities, but it was only after the Group 3 Harry White Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday that War Machine was seen in the winner’s circle once more.
With jockey Mark Zahra in the saddle, War Machine ($3.70) managed to hold off the $2.50 favourite Private Eye by a narrow margin of a head, with Hughes ($12) securing third place, three-quarters of a length further back.
This result prevented Private Eye from achieving successive wins.
Ben Hayes commented that War Machine has been an outstanding horse for their stable, and it was a relief to see the gelding back in winning form.
“He’s been a super horse for us, but he’s been a bit frustrating since winning a few Stakes races last year,” Hayes remarked.
“Things haven’t quite gone his way with wide barrier and tracks, and we scratched him four times before we found the right race.
“He had a good run today, a great ride from Mark and it was good to get a class drop into a race like that.”
Zahra navigated his way through the field before taking the lead early in the straight, and Hayes expressed his satisfaction with the determination War Machine showed when the runner-up mounted a challenge.
Hayes indicated that the Lindsay Park team would be considering options at Flemington during the upcoming Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“I would like to see how he pulls up first because we do have the option of coming back in trip or going up in trip,” Hayes advised.
“He’s got a lot of options. He’s a good 1400-metre horse and he’s good down the straight as well, so we’ll have a good talk to the ownership group, and we’ll make that decision over a nice drink and enjoy the win.”
You can find the best betting sites for the upcoming races.