Arkansaw Kid became the first Sledmere Stud stakes winning graduate of the new 2024/25 racing season when turning in a polished display at his initial outing as a 4-year-old to land the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
A Group 1 placegetter in the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) as a 2-year-old and a bona fide stakes winner of the Listed Gothic Stakes (1200m) at three, Arkansaw Kid returned to racing in Saturday’s feature as a gelding and performed in exemplary fashion — appearing to be the likely winner every step of the way.
Sent to post the $2.45 favourite of the race, the first-crop son of Harry Angel (Ire) received a flawless ride from Luke Currie to score by three-quarters of a length.
Speaking on behalf of the successful Lindsay Park stable, JD Hayes stated: “That was a professional performance, and he may have even had a look when he hit the front, but we’re happy we gave him the ultimate gear change as it has turned him into a professional racehorse.”
JD Hayes added: “He wasn’t far off them in the [Group 1] Goodwood, so it was a big call to geld him, but [what] with the prizemoney on offer in Australia, he is a horse that hopefully runs in all the big money races for seasons to come.”
When asked about the stable’s future plans, he replied: “A huge dream would be the Everest as we think he is a horse of that quality, but we will take it a step at a time.”
Bred by long-term farm friend and client Philippa Duncan Bloodstock, Arkansaw Kid was sold to Lindsay Park at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $190,000. Saturday’s victory took his earnings to $1,122,750 from 14 career starts to date.
And there’s very good reason to believe that the best is yet to come for Arkansaw Kid this season and beyond. The beautifully managed 4-year-old is closely related to Shindig (Coolmore Classic) and Shinzig (CF Orr Stks), both of which won at Group 1 level as older horses, as well as open company Group 2 Villiers Stakes winner Cobbora and Group 3 Gosford Cup winner Bush Honey.
The Sledmere Stud sales team sold a full-brother to Arkansaw Kid at the 2024 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale to New Zealand-based Ohukia Lodge for $300,000, while Arkansaw Kid breeder and co-owner Philippa Duncan also has a Too Darn Hot (GB) filly produced by Florabella in October last year.