Ben Hayes admits he’s unsure whether War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) has what it takes to win The Everest this Saturday.
But that’s exactly why he’s so excited about it.
The Stradbroke winner, who is unbeaten since joining the Lindsay Park operation, has been well supported in most markets after drawing barrier 4 for the $20 million sprint in Sydney.
“The exciting thing about War Machine is that we don’t know his limit yet,” Hayes told The Verdict podcast.
“Since we’ve had him, he’s had four starts for four wins and improved with every start.
“His win the other day (in the Gilgai) was probably his most dominant.
“He was first-up, with plenty of improvement to come.
“He’s drawn a beautiful gate, we know where the speed is and he maps to get a beautiful run.
“If something does go wrong with dad’s horse (Ka Ying Rising), it wouldn’t surprise if he was able to be very, very competitive.
“His final gallop was excellent and he’ll be there to run a big race.
“He is definitely not there to make up the numbers, that’s for sure.”
Hayes said the star sprinter would likely stay in Sydney after The Everest, before targeting the CF Orr Stakes (1400 metres) at Caulfield on November 15.
“We’ve actually got nice options for him,” he said.
“They’ve moved the Orr to the back of the carnival now.
“A race like that is a race we’d target with a horse like him.
“Two weeks after The Everest there is a $3 million race in Sydney we will look out, then probably the Orr.
“That’s probably the path we’ll head with him.”