Ben, Will & JD Hayes have enjoyed the back end of the Flemington program, with Arkansaw Kid ($7) taking out the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality 35 minutes after Mr Brightside claimed the feature race.
Although he was beaten as an odds-on favourite at Moonee Valley last start, the son of Harry Angel has backed up after seven days to claim a tough win down the Flemington straight.
Craig Newitt was legged aboard for his first ride on the four-year-old gelding, and he couldn’t have given him a better ride.
Arkansaw Kid travelled well outside of Griff ($23) in the lead on the grandstand side, behind The Astrologist ($16), who ran alone on the inside rail, while Stretan Angel ($8) loomed up to challenge at the 300m mark.
However, the eventual winner was left alone out in front as the other on-speed runners dropped off and the swoopers started to finish off on the outside fence.
Skybird ($9), Right To Party ($3.60) and Buenos Noches ($5) all challenged Arkansaw Kid, but he was able to hold them off in the final 100m to claim a narrow victory.
2024 Bobbie Lewis Quality replay – Arkansaw Kid
Ben Hayes represented the stable post-race, and he was very happy with Craig Newitt’s ride on the winner.
“Last start in the Chautauqua he ended up getting a pair further back than we expected and he was just a bit fresh in the run and overraced with the fast tempo, didn’t finish off and got run over the top,” Hayes said.
“He pulled up so well and we thought this race would be suitable for him.
“The way he pulled up we were happy with him and thought we’d get down in the weights a bit more. It worked out perfectly.
“Well done to ‘Froggy’ (Newitt). He rode him perfectly.
“We’ve always had a high opinion of him and he bounced back today.
“I was a little bit disappointed with his performance last week but he was back this week and strong to the line. He loved the wet track.
“I think so (Gilgai Stakes next).
“He’s a Group 2 winner now. Since he’s been racing in group ones and fourth in a Coolmore down the straight. Very deserving.”
Craig Newitt only had three rides at Flemington on Saturday, and he claimed two black-type victories from those rides.
“It has been a really good day and I only had the three rides,” Newitt said.
“He’s a progressive sprinter, this bloke, on the quick back-up.
“He travelled really well throughout and when I asked him to accelerate he picked up on the ground and really appreciated it.
“The boys were very bullish before the race.
“I haven’t had a ride for them in a while so it is good to get a winner.”
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