Co-trainer Ben Hayes is optimistic that a gelding operation will help Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) placegetter Arkansaw Kid reach his full potential at the top level.
The four-year-old gelding impressed on Friday morning with a win in an 800-metre jump-out at Flemington.
His rider, Mark Zahra, who guided him to a second-place finish in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) last season, reported positive changes in the horse.
“Mark Zahra said he’s a different horse as a gelding and we’re very happy with him,” said Ben Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers JD and Will.
“I think he’s got the ability to be able to do it (at Group 1 level), and I really feel as a gelding there’ll be a big change in him.”
Arkansaw Kid is expected to kick off his campaign in this Saturday’s Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
“We’ve always really liked him. He’s just a good-looking horse, he’s got a good physique on him, and he’s got the ability,” Hayes added.
“He’s shown ability at home, and he’s converted it to the racetrack as well.
“He’s now a gelding, he’s got a lot of racing left in him, and they can improve (once gelded).”
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