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| Staff Writer |
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Arkansaw Kid, a brown gelding with a powerful stride and untapped potential, is rapidly becoming the talk of Australian racing. Trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes at the prestigious Lindsay Park, this 4YO is eyeing a spot in The Gr.1 Everest, Australia's richest turf race. As the spring carnival approaches, the racing world watches with bated breath to see if this rising star can reach the pinnacle of sprinting success.
Arkansaw Kid's journey began at the William Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, where his athletic frame caught the eye of Ben and JD Hayes and bloodstock agent Dean Hawthorne. Purchased for US$127,000, the colt showed an early promise that justified the investment.
JD Hayes recalls, "We thought he was a nice athletic horse that could potentially run early, which proved correct when he won the RL Inglis Banner race. He was the First Ladies' horse home and so qualified for the ladies’ bonus on his first day at the races, winning US$335,000 - US$201,000 prize money and US$134,000 ladies' bonus."
The gelding's early career was marked by flashes of brilliance, securing a Listed win and showcasing his raw talent. However, consistency proved elusive, leading to a pivotal decision in his development.
Facing a crossroads in Arkansaw Kid's career, the Lindsay Park team made a bold move they decided to geld him. JD Hayes explains, "We were very confident that he'd make a nice gelding. He wasn't a rude colt or anything. He just didn't have much commercial value and wasn't quite getting there in the big races. So, the ownership group, under our guidance, decided to go ahead and bring back a much stronger, more focused athlete."
The decision has proved reformative. Since the procedure, Arkansaw Kid has shown remarkable improvement, displaying a new level of focus and determination on the track. His recent performances have ignited hopes of Group One glory and even a potential The Gr.1 Everest berth.
The decision to geld Arkansaw Kid, while common in Australian racing for promising but inconsistent horses, exemplifies Lindsay Park's approach. Blending traditional horsemanship with bold, data-driven decisions, this move has unlocked the gelding's potential, potentially proving pivotal in his career. The post-gelding improvement showcases both Arkansaw Kid's natural ability and the Lindsay Park team's skill in maximizing their horses' talents.
With The Gr.1 Everest looming, Arkansaw Kid's connections are plotting a careful path towards Australia's premier sprint race. Hayes outlines the strategy "His next start is going to be down the straight at Flemington on 5 October, Turnbull Stakes Day. That'll be a real line in the sand as to where we're going because if he's able to win there impressively, we probably do have to win to gain an Everest slot."
The race in question is the Gr.2 Gilgai Stakes over 1200 metres, a crucial test of Arkansaw Kid's sprinting credentials. A strong showing here could catapult him into serious Gr.1 Everest contention.
However, Hayes and his team are keeping their options open. "There's a very good race for him called the Silver Eagle over 1300 metres for four-year-olds on the same day as The Gr.1 Everest. It's worth US$650,000, so that would likely be his start two weeks later in Sydney," Hayes notes, showcasing the careful planning behind Arkansaw Kid's campaign.
This approach demonstrates the meticulous planning and strategic thinking that goes into preparing a horse for a race as prestigious as The Gr. 1 Everest. It's not just about the horse's ability, but also about timing, race selection, and performance under pressure.
While sprint races are currently the focus, Arkansaw Kid's connections believe he has the potential to excel over longer distances. Hayes reveals, "We've given some thought to where he could potentially step up to 1400 metres. If he doesn't run in The Gr.1 Everest, we think he's a very good 1500-metre horse. So there are two options we could go for a race like the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, or potentially head to the Golden Eagle, which is a US$6.5 million race restricted to four-year-olds over 1500 metres."
This versatility adds another dimension to Arkansaw Kid's appeal, suggesting a bright future beyond the sprint realm. The ability to perform over various distances is a hallmark of truly exceptional racehorses, and Arkansaw Kid seems to be showing signs of this adaptability.
When asked about international aspirations, Hayes is cautiously optimistic "If the opportunity presents itself, then absolutely. But he probably must continue to take the next step if he's going to get a passport and take on international races."
This measured response indicates the team's focus on steady progression rather than rushed decisions, a hallmark of their training philosophy. It also highlights the global ambitions that the team harbours for Arkansaw Kid, should he continue to develop as hoped.
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Arkansaw Kid's recent performances have only bolstered the Lindsay Park team's confidence. In the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, he finished a close second to A Little Deep, demonstrating his ability to mix it with quality opposition.
The race saw Arkansaw Kid settle towards the rear of the field before making a strong late run. This ability to finish strongly over 1200 metres bodes well for his future prospects, particularly if the team decides to step him up in distance.
Hayes is effusive about the gelding's potential "At home he's an electric worker, and if he starts converting that to the sprint trips, he's a genuine horse that Everest slot holders should be looking at."
"We've had a few good sprinters in my time, and he's as good as them. He's very sharp. He's been our best horse for The Gr.1 Everest since Vega."
This high praise from a trainer of Hayes' calibre has certainly caught the attention of racing enthusiasts and a potential The Gr.1 Everest slot holders alike.
While the Lindsay Park team's enthusiasm is palpable, the broader racing community remains cautiously optimistic. Racing journalist and bloodstock expert Seth McKinney provides context "The Gr.1 Everest is arguably Australia's most competitive sprint race. For a horse like Arkansaw Kid to be considered, he'll need to prove himself against the best. That said, the Hayes brothers have a knack for bringing out the best in their horses, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Arkansaw Kid make a late charge for a slot."
This balanced view from industry experts underscores the challenges that lie ahead for Arkansaw Kid. The Gr.1 Everest is not just any race - it's a crucible that tests the mettle of Australia's finest sprinters. For a relatively unexposed horse like Arkansaw Kid to earn a slot, he will need to show exceptional ability in his upcoming races.
The story of Arkansaw Kid is intrinsically linked to the rich history of Lindsay Park. The Hayes name has been synonymous with Australian racing excellence for generations. JD, along with his brothers Ben and Will, have taken up the mantle from their father, David Hayes, and grandfather, Colin Hayes.
Under their stewardship, Lindsay Park continues to produce top-tier talent. The stable has seen success in The Gr.1 Everest in recent years with horses like Vega Magic, and now Arkansaw Kid seems poised to carry that legacy forward.
This generational expertise is a significant factor in Arkansaw Kid's development. The Hayes brothers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their training, blending traditional horsemanship with modern techniques to get the best out of their charges.
As the spring carnival heats up, all eyes will be on Arkansaw Kid's performance in the upcoming Gilgai Stakes. The next few weeks will be crucial for Arkansaw Kid and the Lindsay Park team. Whether he lines up in The Gr.1 Everest or takes aim at other prestigious targets, one thing is clear this brown gelding is a star in the making.
From a US$127,000 yearling purchase to a potential The Gr.1 Everest contender, Arkansaw Kid's journey embodies the dreams and aspirations of the racing world. As he gallops towards what could be racing immortality, he carries with him the hopes of the Lindsay Park team and the excitement of racing fans across Australia.
The coming weeks and months will reveal whether Arkansaw Kid can live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. For JD Hayes and his team, the belief is already there. In their eyes, Arkansaw Kid isn't just running for glory – he's running towards a place in racing history.
The journey from promising yearling to potential a The Gr.1 Everest contender is fraught with challenges, but Arkansaw Kid seems to be taking each hurdle in his stride. His development is a testament to the patience, skill, and vision of the Lindsay Park team, and a reminder of the thrilling unpredictability of thoroughbred racing.
Whether he reaches the heights of The Gr.1 Everest or carves out his own unique path to success, this brown gelding has already captured the imagination of racing fans and professionals alike.
In the end, the story of Arkansaw Kid is still being written. Each race, each training session, each decision made by his connections adds another chapter to his tale. As he continues to develop and mature, the racing world watches with keen interest, wondering if they might be witnessing the birth of a new champion.