After a gutsy last-start win in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes, Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will accept to run in Friday night’s Gr.2 Feehan Stakes at The Valley, but that doesn’t mean he’s a guaranteed starter.
“We’ll have a look at that, see how we draw, see what’s in the race, see how much rain comes and then we’ll make a decision if we run or not,” co-trainer Ben Hayes explained.
“There is also an option a week later in the Turnbull, we can look to head in that direction as well.
“We’ve just got to discuss with the team and work out what’s best for him getting to his grand final in the Cox Plate.”
Should Mr Brightside run on Friday night, he could renew hostilities with Pride Of Jenni, as the pair continue a rivalry established over the past 12 months.
“It’s a great rivalry and she’ll be very hard to catch if she does go around but we can’t worry about her,” Hayes said.
“We’ve got to place our horse to what we believe is the best way to get to the Cox Plate and we’ll definitely be seeing how he draws and what we do, but the horse himself is in great order, we can’t fault him and he’ll be very hard to catch again.”
Lindsay Park will send out two of their smart three-year olds on Friday night: Bold Bastille and Evaporate.
Bold Bastille is due to run in the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes after two competitive showings thus far this spring.
“We’re very happy with Bold Bastille, she came through a good run last start well,” Hayes said.
“She’s looking fantastic, she’s out to 1200m but I thought she was very tough down the straight, she got taken on, ran really quick time, she was still strong on the line, so I don’t think that extra 100m will be an issue, especially at The Valley.”
As for Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto), he’ll step up in grade on Friday when he runs in the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes and will chase his fourth-straight win in the process.
“He’s undefeated there, he’s in great order, he has really come on for his last run,” Hayes said.
“He’s really gone the right way, so we’re excited. He’s obviously stepping up in class for the first time, but he needs to race against those kinds of horses to warrant going to a Caulfield Guineas.
“He’s a genuine good horse and he can show everyone.”
