Jockey Regan Bayliss is clear to chase back to back Group 1 wins on Redkirk Warrior in Saturday’s Group 1 $1.25m Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington before he starts a long stint on the sidelines.
Regan Bayliss will ride Redkirk Warriior, above, in the 2018 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Bayliss was suspended for twenty-four meetings after being found guilty for reckless riding by Racing Victoria stewards for an incident at the 400m mark in the Group 1 $1m Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Bayliss admitted to causing interference when he moved in sharply on his mount Main Stage and hampered Aloisia and Levendi and will begin his suspension after Super Saturday’s meeting that also includes the running of the Group 1 $1.5m Australian Cup (2000m).
A guilty plea by Bayliss wasn’t enough to reduce his suspension that includes nine metropolitan meetings and fifteen provincial race days.
“I’ve shown a lack of respect to my fellow riders,” Bayliss told stewards.
“It was a Group One race and I had a rush of blood as the horse was going well and looking for a run.
“It was not my intention to put Mark or the horse in any danger.
“I apologise.”
Bayliss was aboard the Lindsay Park trained Redkirk Warrior when he resumed from a spell to beat Redzel and claim the first prize in the Group 1 $750,000 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on February 17.
The Black Caviar Lightning was Bayliss’ second Group 1 win after he steered Redkirk Warrior to victory in last year’s Newmarket Handicap and he is hoping to make it back to back wins in the famous sprint down the Flemington straight.
Lindsay Park head trainer David Hayes said that Redkirk Warrior will go into Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap in better shape than he was in before the Black Caviar Lightning but is a little concerned that the seven year old will have to carry the top weight of 58kg.
“I reckon he’s better (than when he mowed down Redzel),” Hayes said.
“I reckon he’ll be very hard to beat, but he’s got to carry the weight now. But, gee, he’s a good horse.”
The Lindsay Park Team of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig could have up to six runners in the Newmarket Handicap with Catchy, Thronum, So Si Bon, Fastnet Tempeat and Derryn all possible chances to line up against Redkirk Warrior.
“We had the three (Thronum, Fastnet Tempest and So Si Bon) who trialled up the straight (at Flemington last week) and Derryn might run if it rains. Then (there’s) Redkirk and Catchy, so maybe six,” Hayes said.
The Aaron Purcell trained Merchant Navy sits at the top of the market order at $4.60 for the Newmarket Handicap at Ladbrokes.com.au just ahead of Brave Smash at $6 while Redkirk Warrior is on the third line of betting at $7 alongside of Rich Charm.
Early betting for the 2018 Newmarket Handicap at Ladbrokes.com.au: $4.60 Merchant Navy, $6 Brave Smash, $7 Redkirk Warrior, Rich Charm, $12 Booker, $15 Catchy, She Will Reign, $17 Missrock, Supido, $21 Chautauqua, Hellbent, Hey Doc, Tulip, $26 Fastnet Tempest, Prezado, Rock Magic, So Si Bon, $34 or better the rest.
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