Pierro Gelding Still Going Strong

Just turned seven, the Bjorn Baker trained War Eternal (7g Pierro x Aleria, by Fastnet Rock) has kicked off the new season in style with a last start second at Rosehill followed by a win on Saturday at the same venue.

Ridden by Jason Collett, War Eternal had a comfortable midfield run in sixth until the home turn.

Collett found clear air midway down the straight as runners fanned out across the track, and he drove War Eternal through to edge out Birdman to win the open handicap by half a length as favourite.

“Jason gave him a lovely ride,” Baker's racing manager Luke Hilton said. “He needed the breaks to come when they did, but he took advantage of it and raced away really well.

“He's a seven-year-old, so he is probably at the top of his game at the moment. There might be a Listed stakes race we might be able to find while he is racing in this good form. We will just keep chipping away while these tracks have got a little bit of juice in them.”

War Eternal has now had 27 starts for five wins, seven placings and A$755,425 in stakes. Three of those five wins have come since June of last year.

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.

War Eternal is the best of two winners from Fastnet Rock mare Aleria, a placed daughter of stakes-winner Impressive Eagle from the family of Group I winner Eagle Way.

Pierro is exceptional value this spring at a fee of $33,000.