Bjorn Baker has always been dreaming of big things with War Eternal and he continues the theme on Saturday as he to win his way into next week’s $10 million Golden Eagle.
The Warwick Farm trainer is likely to have Overpass in next Saturday’s Rosehill feature for four-year-olds, but when it comes to the second-richest race in Australia, two chances are always better than one.
War Eternal will look to win his way into the Golden Eagle at Randwick on Saturday.Credit:Getty
“The reason War Eternal is in the open handicap [at Randwick today] is that if he can win and win well, he can force his way into the Golden Eagle,” Baker said.
“His rating wouldn’t get him near the cut-off point going into the race, but he is a nice horse and I feel if he was to get into the Eagle, he would be an each-way chance.
“They only get the one chance at a race like this, so you want as many runners as possible because it’s such a big prize.”
Baker’s faith in War Eternal has been clear throughout his 15-start career, which has netted two wins and four placings, but has also seen him tested in the Australian Derby and the Epsom, finishing down the track on both occasions.
But Baker is undeterred and was quick to point out that Icebath won in benchmark company just seven days before her second in the Golden Eagle a couple of years ago.
“I want to give a chance in the best races and on his fourth in the Randwick Guineas only a couple of lengths behind Converge and Anamoe, he would be good enough to be challenging in the Eagle,” Baker said.
“If you can win your way to any big race the week before you usually run well in it. We have put the blinkers back on him for Saturday and have Rachel King riding him at 52 kilos. She rides him a lot of his work and knows him very well, so I think he gets his chance to win, especially on a soft track.
“If he does, it will be up to the handicapper to decide if he gets into the Golden Eagle because he would need a big boost to his rating.”
Baker is likely to send his Everest runner Overpass to the Golden Eagle, but a final decision will be made early next week.
“We have the option of going to the Nature Strip Stakes with him, but to go back to his own age for $10 million is pretty hard to turn down,” Baker said.
“They just went so quick in the Everest, he was run off his feet and with that tough racing behind him and I think he will handle the 1500m. The tempo will suit him a bit better and I think he will have a good sprint at the end.”
