Talented gelding Faatinah has returned to racing in the best way possible at Flemington this afternoon; producing a smart turn of foot to take out the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m).

Faatinah led from start to finish to win the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Faatinah interestingly drifted in Bobbie Lewis Stakes betting markets in the hours leading up to jump, but did his chances of success no harm whatsoever when jumping well and immediately taking a position towards the pace.

Elected to take a position on the outside rail, jockey Regan Bayliss allowed plenty of time before asking Faatinah for an extra effort, and was rewarded for the decision when the horse mustered an impressive late kick to find the line comfortably ahead of Tivaci and We’ve Got This.

Apprentice hoop Bayliss delivered a ride beyond his years to win the Bobbie Lewis Quality and was thrilled to repay Lindsay Park for the faith they have placed in him, with a stakes win.

“I can’t describe the feeling, it’s the stuff you dream about as a kid just to be riding on these days with the best jockeys in the world,” Bayliss said.

“All credit goes to the Lindsay Park team. I’ve only been there about five months and the opportunities they’ve thrown at me have been terrific and I’m very grateful.

“People didn’t rate him as highly as I thought they would. He’s a very good horse and had no luck in The Goodwood, and was only beaten two lengths by horses like Black Heart Bart and Under The Louvre.

“Today he was never in doubt. He didn’t spend a penny early and I was happy with the way he relaxed under me.

“With the 53kgs, when I said go it was full throttle down and he was too good.”

Trainer David Hayes was on hand for Faatinah’s win in the Bobbie Lewis Quality and revealed that a trip abroad is the hopeful long-term goal for the four-year-old.

“He’s a dual Group 2 winner,” Hayes said.

“He was in front so far from home, 1200m first-up and he’s a strong and good sprinter.

“In the autumn he might measure up against the best.

“We’ll probably target the similar race to this in October on Derby Day.

“If he can be good through the grades there, we’d love to take him to Dubai and show him off to the boss.”

Punters who backed Faatinah to win the 2016 Bobbie Lewis Quality with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au have been paid out on generous $5.50 odds!

2016 Bobbie Lewis Quality Results