Ben Hayes, already a two-time Newmarket Handicap winner, is keen to claim the prestigious race again, this time alongside his brothers Will and J D.

Arkansaw Kid will represent the Hayes trio in the 1200m Group 1 sprint at Flemington on Saturday, as Lindsay Park looks for its first win since Redkirk Warrior’s victory in 2018.

Previously in a training partnership with his father David and cousin Tom Dabernig, Ben’s father David won the race once before a stint in Hong Kong, while grandfather Colin Hayes claimed four wins.

Redkirk Warrior made history in 2017 as the first horse in 100 years to win the sprint first-up, and Arkansaw Kid will try to repeat that feat.

Having not raced since finishing second in the inaugural Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham last December, Arkansaw Kid heads into the race with strong form, having beaten Skybird in the Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m).

“He’s got form around Skybird, who he beat the last time they faced each other, and that is the right form for this race,” Hayes said.

With freshening from his last race, Arkansaw Kid’s preparation includes two excellent jump-outs.

Jockey Craig Newitt, aiming to become the winningest jockey in Newmarket history, has been engaged for the ride.