Battle-ready War Machine takes on the Gilgai

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 | Posted by TABtouch

After building confidence and form over last year, War Machine has gone from strength to strength in 2025. Not only is the Team Hayes runner yet to finish outside the top two this year, he secured his first Group 1 win in Eagle Farm’s Stradbroke Handicap. Now, War Machine begins his Spring campaign in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington – his first run since that career-defining Group 1 win. So how does he measure up against Saturday’s competition, and what lies ahead this Spring?

War Machine enters the Gilgai as the topweight, carrying 60kg, which is the highest impost in the field. It’s a reflection of his class, but also a challenge, especially over the Flemington straight 1200m, where weight can play a significant role in tight finishes. His rivals include Airman (59kg), a consistent performer from Team Hawkes, and WA’s own West Star who’s fresh off a strong campaign in his home state and looking to make his mark in Melbourne. Other contenders like La Fracas, Nadal, and Star Patrol round out a deep and competitive field, but none carry the same weight of expectation (or literal weight) as War Machine.

Despite the burden, War Machine’s form and racing style suggest he’ll be hard to beat. He’s drawn barrier 17, which could suit his pattern of settling off the pace and launching late. With Blake Shinn aboard, and a proven record against Group 1 company, he’s expected to run boldly and potentially use this race as a springboard to even bigger targets.

Looking ahead, War Machine’s Spring campaign is set to be ambitious. A strong showing in the Gilgai could earn him a slot in The Everest, Australia’s richest race, held over 1200m at Randwick. If not, he’s likely to be aimed at the Group 1 VRC Sprint Classic on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, where Flemington’s straight track again comes into play. There’s also talk of a possible tilt at the Champions Sprint, depending on how he comes through his early runs.

War Machine is back, and the Gilgai Stakes is just the beginning. With topweight, top form, and top ambitions, he’s an exciting horse to follow this Spring.

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