Arkansaw Kid could head to the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield after returning to form with victory in the Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington.
The five-year-old, sent out a $3.20 favourite, defeated last year’s winner Star Patrol ($7) by half a length, with Media World ($8) close up in third.
Trainer J D Hayes said the gelding had matured and was now delivering on his potential.
“We might consider backing him up in the Sir Rupert Clarke,” Hayes said.
“We have never backed him up before and he might be a terrific back-up horse the way that he travels.”
Hayes said winkers helped sharpen the gelding, while better luck in running proved decisive after tough draws earlier in the campaign.
“He’s a horse that is never far away and we’ve always thought he was a Group 1 horse, especially in a handicap and he proved that today,” Hayes said.
The stable is confident the extra distance at Caulfield will pose no issue.