War Machine set for CF Orr Stakes challenge

The Lindsay Park stable has learned not to take anything for granted with the talented gelding War Machine, following his scheduled first-up run this campaign. However, the Hayes brothers are enthusiastic about witnessing his capabilities in the upcoming CF Orr Stakes at Sandown this Saturday.

This $1 million Group 1 race will be the fourth start of a preparation that was slated to commence in the Aurie's Star Handicap on August 1. Unfortunately, he was a late withdrawal after bursting through the barriers.

War Machine was also scratched from the Group 2 The Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington on Derby Day due to a wide draw. JD Hayes reported that while the spring campaign has not unfolded as the brothers had planned, they are very pleased with the horse's current condition.

"He's just had an awful amount of bad luck – the amount of scratching fees he's incurred due to bad tracks or bad barriers has been immense," stated Hayes, who trains War Machine in partnership with his brothers Ben and Will.

"The ownership group has been patient, but we're just waiting for the right set up for him and hopefully we get that on Saturday. He's raced himself back into form and he looks tremendous."

War Machine's most recent victory came in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes, which followed a 14th position in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. These have been his only two starts at the 1400m distance since achieving his career pinnacle in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in June of the previous year.

The Harry Angel colt has now won five of his seven starts at this trip. Although he performed poorly in his sole previous start at Sandown, that was only his second appearance on a racetrack back in August 2023. Hayes anticipates that he will relish the expansive nature of the Hillside circuit.

"Just getting him to the right distance has been the key," Hayes explained.

"He was terrific first-up at Caulfield and had no luck in the Rupert Clarke (Stakes), so he hasn't done too much wrong. I love Sandown and I think he'll love it too."

Mark Zahra, who rode War Machine to victory in the Moonga Stakes, will again take the reins for the Orr Stakes. War Machine is currently rated a $23 chance in the betting, with the market led by the three-time Group 1 winner Beiwacht at $3.10.

With his recent win and improved condition, War Machine presents a compelling case for the CF Orr Stakes. Punters can explore the latest racing odds through various online bookmakers.