Getting a slot in the A$5 million All-Star Mile was high on the agenda for the connections of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) and the team at Lindsay Park.
With that achieved, Mr Brightside was number five of the 10 horses announced on Wednesday as highest vote scorer, Lindsay Park now sets about trying to win race at Flemington on March 19.
That kicks off in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
The Ben and JD Hayes-trained galloper has raced nine times, for six wins and a second, and is starting his second campaign in Australia.
After one start in New Zealand, Mr Brightside found his way to Lindsay Park and after being beaten in a maiden at Bendigo first-up, he went on a six-run winning spree which eventually ended when fourth to Superstorm in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day under the guidance of Craig Williams who partners the gelding on Saturday.
Ben Hayes hopes there is natural improvement to come from Mr Brightside and is looking forward to seeing the gelding run on Saturday.
“I think he has developed and strengthened and his work at home suggests he’s going as good as he was last preparation,” Hayes said.
“I was particularly happy with his last trial down the straight against a couple of the best sprinters in the world. I thought his work through the line was fantastic and more importantly Craig was happy.
Hayes said Mr Brightside carried residual fitness from his first campaign but is not expecting him to reach his peak until the All-Star Mile which will be the third run of his campaign.
He said the stable’s intention was to keep Mr Brightside at 1600m this campaign and possibly head to the Group 1 The Doncaster (1600m) at Randwick on April 2.
“It would have been tempting the Australian Cup (2000m at Flemington), but I think the All-Star Mile is a better option at this stage,” Hayes said.
Mr Brightside sits on the second line of betting for Saturday race with TAB at $4, shaded for favouritism by Corner Pocket ($3.90).
