Bjorn Baker’s decision to bypass a Big Dance Qualifier pays dividends as War Eternal proves too good at Randwick

Trainer Bjorn Baker had two suitable races for War Eternal but his decision to bypass a Big Dance Qualifier was justified by the gelding’s strong win at Randwick.

War Eternal and Jason Collet storm home to score at Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Bjorn Baker’s decision to ignore a potential free pass into this year’s $3 million The Big Dance (1600m) was vindicated to the tune of $82,500 after the stable’s Pierro son War Eternal posted his third win at Royal Randwick.

The five-year-old War Eternal was the designated TAB Fixed Odds favourite to take out Sunday’s South Grafton Cup (1600m) which has its $80,000 purse booted immeasurably by Big Dance eligibility status.

“It was a hard one,” stable representative Luke Hilton said.

“Bjorn had a good think about it all week with The Big Dance as the carrot but he loves that money and there was double the prizemoney to come here today so I think that’s what swayed him in the end.

War Eternal is enjoying a good preparation and the favourite's home at Randwick 💥@BBakerRacing! pic.twitter.com/PTuD0DsKBe

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 13, 2024

“It was a good win. He’s been knocking on the door, this horse, and it was really good to see him get back in the Saturday’s winners circle.

“He had a long time off.

“So, a big thanks to the owner’s, they have been very patient and (he is) getting back to some of his better form, he did run fourth in a Randwick Guineas behind Anamoe.

“It has been a while but he is in career best form now.”

War Eternal’s weekend win takes his prizemoney above $600,000 which represents a significant return on investment.

Baker secured the Cambridge Stud bred (then) colt at the 2020 NZB Karaka Yearling sale for $160,000.

War Eternal is the first foal of Fastnet Rock, Aleria, who is a member of one of winemaker and thoroughbred owner/breeder Wolf Blass’ most prized families which boasts numerous of his ‘Eagle’ inspired stakes winners including the Queensland Derby winner, Eagle Way.

Originally published as Bjorn Baker’s decision to bypass a Big Dance Qualifier pays dividends as War Eternal proves too good at Randwick