Redkirk Warrior kept his record intact as a straight track specialist, when he won his second Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

He was coming off a win in the Lightning Stakes, and he had also won the Bobby Lewis Stakes in the spring, at Flemington.

After drawing barrier 15, the extreme outside of the field, that was no deterrent, he followed the outside rail as straight as a gun barrel, he didn’t waiver at any stage of the 1200 metres trip.

It would be best described as the perfect ride by Regan Bayliss, pity it had to be soured by an indiscretion that has proved costly for him.

Brave Smash ran a good race, he was clattered up with nowhere to go, it was a good run under the circumstances.

The favourite, Merchant Navy, was too far out of his ground to be a definite threat until the race was almost over, you cannot give starts away to good horses, he came from second last, to be beaten by a short half head.

There is some thought that Redkirk Warrior may return to England, for what? Stake earnings are much better in Australia, and also he is a gelding.

David Hayes quoted” he is the best straight horse I have had”.

Redkirk Warrior wins the Newmarket Handicap

Harlem completed a winning double for the Hayes team when he put paid to the favourite in the Australian Cup, Gailo Chop, who shortened considerably in the close of betting.

The Taj Mahal took up the early running, carting the field along at a good clip, Gailo Chop was within ear shot, and Harlem was perched ready to have a crack at the leaders.

Gailo Chop quickly issued the challenge; it looked a case of all over red rover, until Harlem appeared on the scene.

After a head and head issue, the two imported geldings had it between them, with Harlem the victor by a half length.

Harlem lands the double