Ben Hayes has already tasted success in the Newmarket Handicap twice, but this time, he hopes to celebrate victory with his training partners and brothers, Will and J D.
On Saturday, Arkansaw Kid will represent Ben, Will, and J D Hayes in the Group 1 sprint over 1200m at Flemington as Lindsay Park aims for its first triumph in the event since Redkirk Warrior secured back-to-back victories in 2018.
During Redkirk Warrior’s dominant period, Ben Hayes was training alongside his father, David, and cousin, Tom Dabernig, before David relocated to Hong Kong for a second training stint.
David Hayes claimed a Newmarket Handicap win before his initial Hong Kong tenure, while his father, Colin Hayes, captured four victories in the race.
Redkirk Warrior made history in 2017 by becoming the first horse in a century to win the race first-up. Arkansaw Kid will attempt to emulate that achievement on Saturday.
Arkansaw Kid has not raced since running second to stablemate Here To Shock in the inaugural The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham last December.
Ben Hayes believes Arkansaw Kid has the right form to be competitive in Saturday’s feature event, having previously beaten Skybird in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington.
Skybird went on to win the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington last month but was later withdrawn from the Newmarket due to a pectoral injury.
“He’s got form around Skybird, who he beat the last time they met, and that’s the right form for this race,” Hayes said.
“This has been a target race for us, and we wanted to run him here in the autumn while he’s fresh.
“He’s been freshened up after the Supernova over 1400 metres at Pakenham, and we’re really pleased with how he’s shaping up.
“He’s had two solid jump-outs, and his latest one was particularly strong.
“With his proven record down the straight and at 1200 metres, we’re expecting a bold showing.”
The Lindsay Park team has enlisted Craig Newitt for the ride, as he aims to become the outright leader for the most wins in Newmarket Handicap history, a race dating back to 1874.
Newitt currently shares the record with Harold Badger, Athol Mulley, Damien Oliver, and Harry White, each boasting three victories.
