Kid chasing first-up G1 Newmarket Handicap success

Ben Hayes has already secured two victories in the Newmarket Handicap, but this year, he aims to achieve another win, this time 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 looks to claim its first victory in the event since Redkirk Warrior’s second consecutive triumph in 2018.

During Redkirk Warrior’s dominance, Ben Hayes was training alongside his father, David, and cousin, Tom Dabernig, before David moved to Hong Kong for a second training stint.

David Hayes previously won the Newmarket Handicap once before his initial move to Hong Kong, while his father, Colin Hayes, captured four titles in the prestigious race.

Redkirk Warrior made history in 2017 as the first horse in 100 years to win the event first-up, and Arkansaw Kid will attempt to replicate that accomplishment this weekend.

Arkansaw Kid has not raced since finishing runner-up to his stablemate Here To Shock in the first edition of The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham last December.

Ben Hayes is confident Arkansaw Kid possesses the right credentials to be a key contender in Saturday’s feature, having previously defeated Skybird in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington.

Skybird later claimed the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington last month but was ruled out of the Newmarket due to a pectoral injury.

“He’s got form around Skybird, who he beat the last time they raced against each other, and that’s the right form for this race,” Hayes said.

“This has been a key target race, and we wanted to run him here in the autumn while he’s fresh.

“He’s been freshened after the Supernova over 1400 metres at Pakenham, and we’re really pleased with how he’s progressing.

“He’s had two strong jump-outs, and his last one, in particular, was very encouraging.

“With his success down the straight and at 1200 metres, we expect him to perform well.”

The Lindsay Park team has booked Craig Newitt for the ride, as he aims to become the most successful jockey in Newmarket Handicap history, a race that dates back to 1874.

Newitt currently shares the record with Harold Badger, Athol Mulley, Damien Oliver, and Harry White, each having secured three victories.