Up-and-coming stayer Beats of War is set for better company following back-to-back midweek wins at Belmont for an Impressive Racing syndicate managed by Darren McAuliffe.

The 4yo son of Yarradale Stud sire War Chant (USA) had claimed a Pinjarra maiden on the Anzac Day long-weekend last year and is making rapid progress after recovering from a stone bruise before Christmas.

“I had him tuned up for a Saturday race last month but he trod on a stone and wasn’t 100%,” McAuliffe said after the Own The Dream Hcp (2200m) on January 10.  “He’s spot on now and I couldn’t see him getting beaten.  I’m very happy with his progress and he’s a Saturday horse in the making.”

Given one more run at the midweeks last Wednesday, he emphasised that declaration with a dominant victory in the Amelia Park Hcp (2200m).  Ridden to perfection by Clint Johnston-Porter, he tracked La Cartier (Maschino) into the race and looked the winner a long way from home.

“Beats of War has got the measure of Tell Nothing and it’s daylight to third,” race-caller Darren McAullay said into the straight.  “He’s on the march and is running away to kill them!”

McAuliffe and his Impressive Racing partner Kevin Berry bred him from Massagi (Delago Deluxe) who is a half-sister to their G1 VRC Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) winner Gatting (Hard Spun).  The mare’s 2yo filly Ma Ma Belle (Brazen Beau) was placed in a Lark Hill trial last month and she has a filly foal by Magnus.

Beats of War can continue his rise up the ranks in the Bisley Workwear Hcp (2200m) at Ascot this Saturday.  He meets Tell Nothin 2.5kg better for beating him by the best part of three lengths the last time they met.

Yarradale has 24 lots entered for the Perth Magic Millions on February 22 and 23 and among its draft are four of the eight War Chant yearlings catalogued for the Swan Valley.

Beats Of War on the march at Belmont / Photo: Western Racepix