The Lindsay Park operation of Ben,Will and JD Hayes are sticking to their plans with Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) in their chase of a second All-Star Mile victory.
Mr Brightside heads to the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, looking to maintain a perfect record over that trip at that track.
Saturday’s race will complete Mr Brightside’s program for the defence of his All-Star Mile title that he won at Moonee Valley last year.
The All-Star Mile will be run at Caulfield on March 16 this year.
Mr Brightside returned with a fighting effort to nail Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) first-up on the line in the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes on February 10.
The gelding’s first two 1400m races at Caulfield resulted in success in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes last August followed by victory in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes two weeks later.
The only time Mr Brightside has tasted defeat at Caulfield was his first attempt at 2000m when he finished fourth to Anamoe (Street Boss) in the Gr.1 Might And Power in the spring of 2022.
Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside felt his first-up run when landing the prize in the C F Orr but has appreciated getting out in a day paddock at the stable’s Euroa property between runs.
“He’s came through the race no problems,” Hayes said.
“He was in the paddock later in the week, rearing up and running around like a lunatic like he does, and we like to see it.
“He’s spot on to head towards the Futurity.”
Hayes said Mr Brightside had an incredible will to win which was evident in his first-up victory.
He said there was a moment during the C F Orr where he doubted whether Mr Brightside would be able to pick up Pride Of Jenni.
“That was an incredible win,” Hayes said.
“At the 500 (metres), you are thinking ‘Jenni’s got us again’ but he really dug deep and hit the line and when you go back and watch the replays, he won quite soft on the line.
“The best part is he looks to have come through it well.”
Mr Brightside is opposed to seven rivals on Saturday, including Buffalo River (Noble Mission) who finished third behind the gelding in the C F Orr.
The Lindsay Park galloper opened the $1.50 favourite in betting after drawing barrier five on Saturday.
