Bjorn Baker’s decision to ignore a potential free pass into this year’s $3 million The Big Dance (1600m) was vindicated to the tune of $82,500 after the stable’s Pierro son War Eternal posted his third win at Royal Randwick.
The five-year-old War Eternal was the designated TAB Fixed Odds favourite to take out Sunday’s South Grafton Cup (1600m) which has its $80,000 purse booted immeasurably by Big Dance eligibility status.
“It was a hard one,” stable representative Luke Hilton said.
“Bjorn had a good think about it all week with The Big Dance as the carrot but he loves that money and there was double the prizemoney to come here today so I think that’s what swayed him in the end.
“It was a good win. He’s been knocking on the door, this horse, and it was really good to see him get back in the Saturday’s winners circle.
“He had a long time off.
“So, a big thanks to the owner’s, they have been very patient and (he is) getting back to some of his better form, he did run fourth in a Randwick Guineas behind Anamoe.
“It has been a while but he is in career best form now.”
War Eternal’s weekend win takes his prizemoney above $600,000 which represents a significant return on investment.
Baker secured the Cambridge Stud bred (then) colt at the 2020 NZB Karaka Yearling sale for $160,000.
War Eternal is the first foal of Fastnet Rock mare Aleria, who is a member of one of winemaker and thoroughbred owner/breeder Wolf Blass’ most prized families which boasts numerous of his ‘Eagle’ inspired stakes winners including the Queensland Derby winner, Eagle Way.
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