Returning Shinn reunites with War Machine

Blake Shinn is back for his first meeting since his fall at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day when he partners War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) in the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) on Saturday 

Lindsay Park is chasing their first win in the Aurie's Star since So Si Bon (So You Think) took out the race in 2019 when David Hayes, Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig were at the helm. 

Ben Hayes revealed it was Shinn's decision to partner War Machine, one of six rides the jockey has bookings for at his first meeting back. 

He said Shinn had ridden both War Machine and stablemate, race rival Arkansaw Kid (Harry Angel), in their jump-outs at Flemington last Friday, and it was the jockey’s decision to ride War Machine.

"He rode them both in jump-outs last Friday and I don't think there's much between them," Hayes said. 

"He knows War Machine well and he's going back to his old buddy." 

War Machine hasn't raced since beating three home in the Newmarket Handicap over Saturday's course and distance in March. 

Hayes said the sprinter was afforded a good break after a long campaign last year after joining their stable in late April 2025. 

"He lost his way a bit last preparation," Hayes said. 

"He had a long prep. He went to Queensland, freshened, came back, went to The Everest, came back, but just didn't come up in the autumn. 

"He had a long break, and he seems to have come back really well. 

"His work at home has been great and seems a happier horse. He's enjoying his trackwork, so hopefully that converts to some good runs."