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| Staff Writer |
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Lindsay Park's Ben, Will, and J D Hayes are positioning Arkansaw Kid for a potential berth in The Everest through Saturday's Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. The 4YO gelding, with two wins from 13 starts, is making his second appearance since being gelded, following a successful return at Caulfield last month. The $20 million Gr.1 The Everest (1200m), set for October 19 at Moonee Valley, looms as the ultimate target for the Hayes team's rejuvenated sprinter.
Ben Hayes expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "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." The decision to geld Arkansaw Kid seems to have unlocked his potential, with Hayes describing him as "an exciting sprinter, as good as any that has passed through the stable" since his official involvement.
The trainer's optimism is palpable, with Arkansaw Kid being touted as their best Everest prospect since the illustrious Vega Magic.
Previous Chautauqua Stakes winners have gone on to achieve Group One glory, including the likes of Chatauqua himself, who claimed the race in 2014 before securing multiple top-level victories, including the TJ Smith Stakes and Chairman's Sprint Prize in Hong Kong.
The Hayes team's excitement stems from Arkansaw Kid's scintillating work at their Euroa training facility. "He's very sharp, he comes up the hill [at Euroa] like Vega Magic and those types of horses," Ben Hayes revealed, drawing parallels with their former star sprinter who was a dual Group One winner.
Vega Magic's achievements, including victories in the Memsie Stakes and Goodwood Handicap, set a high benchmark for Lindsay Park's sprinting stocks. Hayes' comparison underscores the regard in which Arkansaw Kid is held within the stable.
The decision to bypass last week's Vale Black Caviar (1100m) at Caulfield in favour of Saturday's assignment at The Valley was strategic. Hayes explained, "We just thought this week was a better option for him and if he was to win at The Valley, we could consider the [Group One] Manikato Stakes which is in three weeks' time."
The team's planning extends beyond this weekend, with Hayes outlining potential paths forward: "It's a great lead up and there is also the option if the Manikato was looking ridiculously strong, we could wait and run him down the straight in the Bobbie Lewis Stakes at Flemington."
Arkansaw Kid's weight allocation has also played a role in the decision-making process. "It's all about placement and he gets in a lot better in the weights on Saturday. He had 58 (kg) last week and he's got 55 this week, so it was pretty much a no-brainer for us," Hayes noted.
As the Chautauqua Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on Arkansaw Kid to see if he can validate the Hayes team's high opinion and take a significant step towards The Everest. With his newfound focus as a gelding and impressive home gallops, the stage is set for a potentially career-defining performance at The Valley.