War Machine (NZ) returned to winning form with a determined victory in the A$240,000 Group Three Harry White Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, while Asturia (NZ) announced herself as a leading contender for the 2026–27 NZB Filly of the Year Series with an impressive performance in the Group Two Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie.
With the 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale less than five weeks away, the performances provided timely reminders of the quality of horses emerging from New Zealand’s leading two-year-old sale.
War Machine Holds Firm in Harry White Stakes
War Machine, a son of Harry Angel, was offered by Ardsley Stud at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale but failed to reach his $100,000 reserve. Since then, the gelding has built an impressive record, with eight wins and six placings from 21 starts, earning A$3.56 million in prize money.
At Caulfield, jockey Mark Zahra positioned War Machine just behind the early leaders before making his move approaching the home straight. The horse responded when asked, taking the lead and forcing his challengers to work hard in pursuit.
Among those closing late was Private Eye, a proven performer with A$13 million in career earnings. However, War Machine refused to surrender his advantage and held on to secure victory by a head.
“He began well and had the run of the race,” Zahra said. “He just had to hang on for grim death late when the good old horse came at him.”
The victory was particularly encouraging for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes of Lindsay Park, who have been working to restore War Machine to his best form after a frustrating run of performances.
Ben Hayes said the horse had encountered several setbacks, including wide barriers and tracks that did not suit his running style. The stable had scratched him on four occasions before finding what it considered the right opportunity.
Hayes was pleased with the way War Machine settled behind the pace and finished his race, despite having to work early before reaching the lead.
The trainer believes the performance signals a return to form and could open the door to further opportunities in suitable races.
War Machine’s career earnings now stand at approximately 35.6 times his original $100,000 reserve, underlining the success he has achieved since leaving the sales ring.
Asturia Takes Command of the NZB Filly of the Year Series
At Ellerslie, Asturia made an immediate impact in her first appearance in the 2026–27 NZB Filly of the Year Series, winning Saturday’s $175,000 Group Two Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes over 1400 metres.
The Almanzor filly, trained by Te Akau Racing, recorded the second victory of her three-start career and strengthened her credentials ahead of the prestigious New Zealand 1000 Guineas.
Asturia was purchased by Sir David Ellis for $135,000 from the Book 1 draft of Landsdowne Park at Karaka in 2025. Her earnings have since increased to $176,125.
Te Akau Racing’s representative Bergerson was encouraged by the performance and viewed it as a promising lead-up to the 1000 Guineas.
The stable will now look towards getting Asturia to Christchurch in suitable condition for the next major assignment. Bergerson believes the Riccarton track and the 1600-metre distance should suit her racing style.
Asturia collected eight points for her Soliloquy Stakes victory, moving straight to the top of the NZB Filly of the Year Series standings.
Liguria earned four points for finishing second, taking her overall tally to seven and placing her second on the leaderboard. Hawea and Pounce share third position with six points apiece, while Fiamma sits next with two points. Dashing Dixie and Dream Roca have accumulated 1.5 points each.
The standings could change considerably at the next major contest, the New Zealand 1000 Guineas. The $600,000 classic offers 12 series points to the winner, seven to the runner-up and 3.5 points for third place.
With a substantial points allocation available, the race will provide a significant opportunity for contenders to strengthen their positions in the season-long competition.
NZB Ready to Run Sale Breeze-Up Videos Now Available
Meanwhile, preparations are gathering pace for the 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale, with the breeze-up videos and timing information for the catalogue now available online.
Almost 390 two-year-olds participated in the breeze-ups at Te Rapa Racecourse on Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13. Each horse galloped over the final 200 metres of the home straight, with individual times recorded on the same turf surface.
A total of 191 horses participated on the first day, producing an average time of 10.75 seconds for the final 200 metres. Conditions were overcast initially before improving, with the track rated Soft 5 throughout the session.
The second day saw 198 horses complete their gallops. The rail was moved out by five metres overnight, while stronger headwinds and occasional showers formed part of the day’s conditions. The track remained Soft 5, and the average time was 11.02 seconds.
Across both days, the combined average time was 10.89 seconds.
The online listings include individual videos and times, together with information about the day of each gallop, track conditions, weather and wind. The recordings are available in high definition, with playback quality adjusting to the viewer’s internet connection and device.
The breeze-ups will also be broadcast lot by lot on Trackside in New Zealand, with the schedule to be announced. Australian viewers will be able to watch the coverage on Racing.com on October 20 and October 27 at 4.30am AEDT.
2026 Ready to Run Sale Set for November
The 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on November 18 and 19, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 11am New Zealand time on both days.
A total of 460 two-year-olds have been catalogued for the sale. The catalogue and accompanying breeze-up videos are available through the official NZB website.
Buyers planning to attend in person can contact NZB regarding accommodation options. New Zealand-based agents and NZB representatives will also be available to conduct inspections and provide evaluations during the on-farm parades, which are scheduled to begin in the week commencing November 2.
Further information is available from Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones through the contact details provided by NZB.
War Machine’s return to winning form and Asturia’s emergence as a leading contender have added interest to the build-up to November’s sale. Their performances also highlight the different paths taken by graduates of the New Zealand sale circuit, from established performers returning to form to emerging talent beginning to make its mark.
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