Change of target pays off for Arrow Lane and Hickmott team

IT was success on Derby Day during the Darwin Cup Carnival, but it was a case of what could have been for the Hickmott stable from South Australia.

Electing not to start Arrow Lane (Stephen Ridler) in the blue ribbon event at Fannie Bay yesterday, the Hickmott family celebrated victory in the Gardens Park Golf Links Handicap (1300m).

And he won with authority when he hugged the rails after jumping from the inside gate before kicking clear to win by just over four lengths.

After running fifth in the NT Guineas (1600m) behind Krusty, Murray Bridge owner John Hickmott took the advice of trainer and son Michael by not starting Arrow Lane in the Derby.

“We were looking ahead to the Derby, but Michael wasn’t sure and we decided to go back in grade to try and win another race,” John said.

“It was good to win today, but I still believe he would have been competitive in the Derby.

“There are a couple of more options before the end of the Carnival, but I’ll talk with Michael.”

For winning jockey Stephen Ridler it was good to enjoy that winning feeling after he was injured when struck by a flying horse shoe last Saturday.

“Although he was back in grade after a decent run in the Guineas the addition of blinkers helped,” he said.

“He probably needed another run before the Guineas because he knocked up at the 200m.

“Michael did a good job to get him ready today because he certainly won with authority.”

It was a mad scramble at the start of the race with five horses vying for the lead in the early stages.

By the 500m, Arrow Lane had Dick Leech’s McKenna (Justin Stanley) and Garry Lefoe Junior’s Duke Of York (Raymond Vigar) for company.

Arrow Lane eventually gapped his rivals in the home straight with Greg Connor’s Malibu Rain (Jarrod Todd) finishing strongly to grab second place ahead of Duke Of York.