War Machine warmed up for the defence of his Champion of Champions title with a dominant display at the National Equestrian Centre at the weekend.

The Mello Family owned gelding won both of his heats competing in the Free for All division with driver Darico Clarke in the sulky.

War Machine pipped rival Rockeyed Optimist and driver Kamali Tucker by a nose at the finish of the opening heat and won the second with the fastest time on the night of 1:02/3 to complete an impressive sweep.

The time was three-fifths of a second slower than the season’s fastest of 1:02 flat, achieved by Free for All rival Special Gold the previous weekend.

War Machine has missed several races this season through injury but appears to be rounding into good form as he works towards the Champion of Champions next month.

“He is coming off a period of hiccups with his feet and he’s been sore,” Clarke told The Royal Gazette.

“The week before we had to scratch him because of soreness. He’s back like he never left and we are just praying for him to stay sound and close out the season.

“He’s on the money right now so it’s just all about keeping him sound, and that was the most important thing getting him through this weekend. He did it comfortably and well.

“He came off the track second heat and wasn’t blowing. He didn’t seem like he was overworked at all, so that’s always a good sign.”

Colin Mello’s horse was among four ponies winning both races in their respective time bars, including Special Gold, Belhaven Stables’s gelding Smart Machine and Kirista Rabain’s mare IC’s Overextended.

Stallion Special Gold and driver Kiwon Waldron won the opening heat in 1:03/1 and the second in 1:04 flat over sole rival SomeGoldSomewhere and teenage driver Teshi Zuill.

“We got the two wins but it was a bit chilly and the track wasn’t the best condition with the weather and rain,” said Special Gold co-owner Lee Raynor Jr.

“I am the guy who always likes to go but with the conditions and cold temperature I think everybody might have felt like staying home in their bed I guess.

“Hopefully better sunny days are coming and the track is a bit firmer and better, the rain will stay away and we can get some fast times, but I am thankful and will see what the rest of the season brings.”

Smart Machine and driver Candyce Martins won both heats in the 1:06/2 – 1:07/4 division, the first by a nose over stablemate Reel Desire with Zuill at the helm after both rivals crossed the line in 1:07/2.

“I am again very impressed with his performance,” Martins said. “I look forward for him racing, he is showing great potential.

“I was not sure what to expect from him. But he definitely exceeded my expectations.”

IC’s Overextended won both heats in the 1:04/1 – 1:06/1 time bar with trainer and driver Ashaun Young in the bike.

“To be a double heat winner in that fast time bar, he should [Young] be very happy as I know I definitely was,” Rabain said. “She’s a fast mare, a good mare.”