The feature race at Pakenham this Friday night is the Australia Stakes (1200m), where War Machine stifles the market.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Australia Stakes.
2026 Australia Stakes Runner Preview:
1. War Machine: War Machine is short enough but there is a reason for this. He has lengths on this lot. Resumes after a Spring prep where he resumed with an absolute bang before down-the-track efforts in The Everest and Russell Balding. Jumped out super to my eye and all things being equal, he takes care of these.
2. Veight: If he brought his absolute best, he could threaten War Machine. But he hasn’t done much in some time and I haven’t seen enough at the jumpouts.
3. Maharba: Thought he jumped out well prior to resuming in the Standish and yes, was nearer the inside on the worst ground, but still expected more. Fitter and suited at WFA, but he can go through to the keeper.
4. Hedged: Dominant in the Christmas Stakes before a poor run in the Standish after sitting on speed. Think he’ll lead, control the race and run well — but more of a trifecta or first four chance.
5. Nadal: Can sit back and launch. Good in defeat in the Christmas Stakes and gets Ethan Brown back on. Will be strong late but may struggle to give War Machine a start.
6. Aztec Ruler: SCR
7. Cannonball: Pat Kearney believes fresh is best. Found form at Ballarat and trialled well since, but this is a big step up.
8. Jimmy Recard: Very interesting runner. Hasn’t raced since the Coolmore where he wasn’t disgraced behind Tentyris. Loved his recent jumpout, will be strong late and has genuine class.
2026 Australia Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win — War Machine
Australia Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WAR MACHINE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Ms Jamie Melham | 2 | 58.5kg |
| 2 | VEIGHT | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Luke Currie | 3 | 58.5kg |
| 3 | MAHARBA | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 5 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | HEDGED | Gavin Bedggood | Harry Coffey | 1 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | NADAL | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 4 | 58.5kg |
| 7 | CANNONBALL | Patrick Kearney | John Allen | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 8 | JIMMY RECARD | Ciaron Maher | Lachlan Neindorf | 8 | 55kg |
Australia Stakes Odds
2026 Australia Stakes Speed Map
They’ve tried riding Hedged with a sit and I do think he races best on speed. He should lead these comfortably if given a dig in the ribs. War Machine… I think Jamie will ride him like the best horse in the race and with intent. Maharba should stalk.
