War Machine is set to resume in feature company when he lines up in Friday night’s Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham.

With Moonee Valley unavailable due to redevelopment, the traditional sprint will instead be staged under lights at the Victorian venue.

The Lindsay Park-trained sprinter enjoyed a standout winter when landing the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, before carrying 60kg to victory in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes during the spring.

That form earned him a place in The Everest, where he started well in the market before failing to handle conditions in both that race and the Russell Balding Stakes.

The Hayes brothers have since reset the gelding and report he has returned in good order following two solid jump-outs.

“He’s very good and he’s ready to go,” JD Hayes said.

“The Sydney runs didn’t work out, but we know how effective he can be when fresh and down the straight.”

“His Werribee jump-out was excellent and he’s done everything we’ve asked of him.”

With a rating of 114, placement becomes important, but the stable believes his best form is still ahead.

“We’ll see how he performs in the Australia Stakes and then go from there,” Hayes said.

“Weight-for-age races suit him and we think getting out slightly in trip will help.”

Possible autumn targets include the Futurity Stakes and the Newmarket Handicap.

Punters have already taken keen interest through major online betting platforms ahead of his return.

The post War Machine to target G2 Australia Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.