War Eternal scores gritty stakes win at Eagle Farm

Evergreen galloper War Eternal (NZ) (Pierro) took his career stakes earnings over the A$1million threshold with a fighting performance to down the well-favoured Sun God (Fastnet Rock) in a tooth and nail battle to the finish of the Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The Cambridge Stud graduate made it back-to-back Queensland black type victories after winning the Listed Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Doomben last month, however on this occasion he looked certain to succumb to the closing burst of Sun God after being joined by him with 100m to run.

Just as Sun God looked to pull clear, rider Rachel King extracted an extra effort from War Eternal who thrust his head back in front at just the right time to secure his seventh career success for his connections and trainer, ex-pat Kiwi Bjorn Baker.

The seven-year-old is held in high regard in the Baker stable as noted by stable representative Jim Clarke.

“He's a beautiful horse and he's been a bit of a stable stalwart for a while now,” Clarke said.

“He's got a few years in his legs now, and I think he's ticked over $1million. So, he's an absolute ripper.

"The barrier was obviously a bit of a concern when they came out and he was going to be starting in a different state. But with the scratchings he came in (to barrier 9) and Rachel gave him a beautiful ride.

“He ended up in a great spot, and even though his better form is with a bit of juice in the ground, he has performed well on good tracks in the past.

"Rachel's having a day out. She's in fantastic form and she's a world-class rider, so hopefully she can keep it going."

King was also delighted with the win from a horse she has a definite soft spot for.

“He's so tough and genuine, tries his hardest and even though we drew a little bit tricky today, we ended up in a beautiful spot,” she said.

“He came back underneath me and he's very professional in everything he does. I loved the way he toughed it out.

"One of the owners said to me that all his wins had come on soft tracks, but the track here is perfect for him (Soft 5). He doesn't want it jarring but there's enough give in it for him."

Bred by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, War Eternal was purchased by Baker out their 2020 Karaka Book 1 draft for $160,000. He has now had 39 starts for seven wins, eight placings and A$1.026million in stakes.

Out of the Fastnet Rock mare Aleria, he comes from an extended family that includes multiple stakes winner Impressive Eagle (Rubiton) and the 2016 Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner Eagle Way (More Than Ready) who went on to success in Hong Kong where his victories included the Gr.2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m).